"We'll meet you at your place!"
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the CAPS designation?
CAPS stands for Certified Aging in Place Specialist. This is a designation given by the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) after training and an exam. The most common professionals that get this Certification are builders and interior designers. Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists are professionals in the health field that get this designation to help their clients with home modification and design needs.​
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How does the home modification process work?
The process can vary based on your individual needs but it starts with a home visit from your Aging In Place Specialist. They will complete a comprehensive and detailed assessment of your home environment and what barriers you feel exist in your home. We will provide you with a detailed and prioritized report of our recommendations including assistive technology and service recommendations and then coordinate the implementation of approved changes with our network of trusted contractors.
What kind of home modifications can be done?
We can help with wide range of modifications including grab bars, ramps, kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, door widening, railing installation, bathtub cut outs, exterior remodeling for safe entry and exit, and more.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. We are Medicare B providers and therefore accept insurance for our Physical Therapy services. It is the same exact insurance coverage you would get at a physical therapy outpatient clinic but we deliver services in the home or community with no added expense to you. It is important to note that Medicare does not cover home modification consulting or construction. However, there are financial resources that are available in certain situations that could help off-set the cost of these home changes. We will provide that information to you when you call.
Which areas do you service in Delaware?
We serve all of Sussex County currently.
What are some of the conditions you treat?
We specialize in geriatric care. There are many conditions that may diminish function and independence over time. Physical Therapy can help provide strategy, exercise, and therapeutic activities that will help you improve function and independence in spite of these conditions. Such conditions can be respiratory conditions, such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or heart conditions, such as CHF (Congestive Heart Failure), recent heart attack, or heart surgery. We also help you recover from orthopedic surgery, such as a hip replacement or fracture, among other orthopedic diagnoses. We can help you with balance deficits, muscle weakness, decreased endurance (you get tired very easily), and decreased overall mobility to get you moving again with confidence.
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What is the role of home modification in fall prevention?
According to the NCOA (National Council On Aging), 1 in 3 Americans aged 65+ fall every year and falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for senior Americans. Most falls occur in the home. With every fall you have, your chance of hospitalization increases and also the fear of falling is perpetuated. This limits you from doing what you would normally want or need to do. The good news is that falls are preventable. Your home design, structure and set up all play an important role in decreasing that risk. We can help modify your home to go from limited to livable. Changes like installation of specific grab bars or installing a lower level work space in your kitchen can make a significant difference in being able to stay in your home as you get older versus living in a long term care facility. Frequent falls are a common reason people end up leaving their home. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
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Is Aging In Place Design and Universal Design the same thing?
No. Universal design is an umbrella term for the design concepts in a commercial or residential space that allows for accessibility of anyone and everyone with no barriers. This is the most beneficial and applicable for new construction. Most homes are not universally designed, though they may have some elements of barrier-free design within them.
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Aging In Place design is more specific and personalized. It is not the one-size-fits-all approach. Being that your home was likely not constructed with Universal Design, it is necessary to look at your specific home structure and your specific functional abilities to make sure your home is modified in a way that offers you the best accessibility, safety, and overall ability to function. This takes time and expertise to guide choices and implement changes to suit individual needs. Most homes cannot be retrofitted to be a complete universally designed home, but they can be modified to be a home where one could potentially age in place comfortably and safely.
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How do I know which Aging in Place service is right for me?
Check out our needs assessment to distinguish if you need Physical Therapy, Home Modification Services, or both.
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