How Occupational Therapists Are Using CAPS to Expand Their Practice
- Fritzi Gros-Daillon
- May 6
- 2 min read
As the aging population continues to grow, so does the demand for professionals who can help older adults stay safe and independent at home. For occupational therapists (OTs), this presents an incredible opportunity—not just to serve patients more holistically, but to expand their services, reach more clients, and increase revenue.
The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) certification is helping OTs do exactly that.
Why Occupational Therapists Are Perfectly Suited for CAPS
Occupational therapists already understand how the environment affects function. CAPS builds on that foundation, offering practical, design-based training in home modifications and client communication.
By becoming CAPS certified, OTs can:
Offer paid home safety evaluations and modification plans
Collaborate directly with remodelers and designers on aging-in-place solutions
Position themselves as consultants in both healthcare and home remodeling industries
“CAPS gave me the language and tools I needed to work with contractors. Now I’m not just recommending changes—I’m helping implement them.”— CAPS Grad, Occupational Therapist, 2024CAPS course evals Jan-F…
What OTs Learn in the CAPS Program
CAPS is a three-part course (CAPS I, II, III) that covers:
Assessment of aging-in-place needs
Home design principles for safety and independence
Product solutions, floor plans, and universal design
How to communicate modifications with both clients and their families
Taught live and online through Household Guardians, the course is led by Fritzi Gros-Daillon, Director of Education at Age Safe America and 2019 NAHB Educator of the Year.
How CAPS Enhances an OT’s Practice
1. Add New Services: CAPS allows OTs to offer aging-in-place assessments as a billable consult, even beyond traditional therapy sessions.
2. Build a Niche Business: Some CAPS-certified OTs launch solo home safety businesses—or partner with builders to offer joint services.
3. Advocate More Effectively: Having CAPS behind your name gives you more authority when working with families, healthcare teams, or contractors.
4. Stay Ahead of the Curve: As hospital discharge planning increasingly involves home evaluations, CAPS-certified OTs are positioned as the ideal solution providers.
Upcoming Online CAPS Dates
Join a live virtual course with Fritzi Gros-Daillon:
May 2 | May 9 | May 16 | |
May 14 | May 15 | May 16 | |
June 6 | June 13 | June 20 | |
June 18 | June 19 | June 20 | |
July 11 | July 18 | July 25 | |
July 23 | July 24 | July 25 |
🕗 8 AM to 4 PM Pacific | 💻 Live via Zoom👉 Register here
Final Thoughts
If you’re an OT ready to grow beyond clinic walls, CAPS certification opens the door to new possibilities. It’s more than a credential—it’s a bridge between healthcare and home design, giving you the power to change lives by improving living environments.
📩 Questions? Email fritzi@householdguardians.com
Fritzi Gros-Daillon MS, CSA, CAPS, UDCP, SHSS
Household Guardians, Owner
2019 NAHB Instructor of the Year
Published author of "Grace and Grit: Insights to Real Life Challenges of Aging"
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