A number of builders, architects and remodeling professionals are now touting that they are “Certified Aging in Place” specialists. That sounds very fancy, but what does the designation actually mean to you, their potential clients?

Certified Aging in Place specialist is a fairly recent designation, bestowed upon contractors by the National Association of Home Builders. It is granted to those who have undergone additional courses of study in the practice of designing, remodeling or building homes so that the people living in them can “age in place”, rather than be forced to move to an assisted living or retirement facility in later life.

With 77 million baby boomers – 28% of the population – retiring or approaching retirement in the U.S. such concerns are in the forefront of many people’s minds. It can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year to live at an assisted facility so remodeling a home to be “elder friendly” makes sense financially as well as emotionally (who really wants to leave the comfort of their own home?) The financial benefits can be even greater if you are making modifications that are considered medically necessary, such as installing grab bars or widening bathroom doors as, with a letter from one’s physician, the cost of such improvements are tax deductible.

Certified Aging in Place specialists are trained to address various health and safety issues all over the home. From adding a walk in bath tub to the bathroom through changing the counter top system in the kitchen to aid everyday food preparation to remodeling entrance ways for improved ease of access, almost any area of the home can be remodeled to better suit the needs of the aging.