The Best Online Courses for Home Modification Professionals in 2026
- Fritzi Gros-Daillon
- May 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 4
As the population continues to age and multigenerational living becomes more common, the demand for skilled home-modification professionals has never been higher.
Whether you’re a remodeler, occupational therapist, designer, or housing consultant, one thing is clear: having the right credentials sets you apart in this competitive and rapidly growing field.
If you’re searching for the best online courses for 2026, this guide highlights today’s most valuable and trusted training options—so you can find the right fit for your goals, schedule, and scope of work.
1. Senior Home Safety Specialist™ (SHSS) – Age Safe America
Best for: Caregivers, home-service providers, and real-estate professionals new to home safety
Time Commitment: Approximately 5 hours (self-paced)
Topics Covered: Fall prevention, fire safety, bathroom modifications, medication management, and more.
The SHSS certification provides a quick yet comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of home safety. It’s a perfect starting point for newcomers or professionals seeking foundational awareness before advancing to the more in-depth CAPS curriculum.
2. Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) – NAHB
Best for: Builders, remodelers, designers, and occupational therapists seeking to offer personalized aging-in-place solutions Offered by: National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Format: Live online via Zoom — taught by master instructors like Fritzi Gros-Daillon of Household Guardians
The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program remains the gold standard in home-modification education. Through three interactive sessions (CAPS I, II, III), you’ll learn to:
Communicate effectively with aging clients and their families
Apply design principles and construction solutions for safety and accessibility
Assess homes, recommend upgrades, and collaborate with trades and caregivers
Each course builds on the last - culminating in practical, real-world strategies that empower professionals to design homes that are safe, beautiful, and functional for every stage of life.
Executive Certificate in Home Modification (ECHM) – USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Best for: Professionals focused on policy, funding, and large-scale home-modification programs
Format: Online, instructor-led, research-driven coursework
Focus Areas: Assessment strategies, funding programs, policy, and advocacy
The ECHM program provides a systems-level understanding of home-modification strategies, making it an excellent complement to CAPS or SHSS—especially for those in public health, social services, or housing organizations.
The home-modification market is projected to surpass $45 billion by 2026. Investing in professional certification isn’t just about skill- it’s about future-proofing your career in a market that’s growing every day.
Choosing the Right Certification Path
Each course offers unique advantages - but combined, they create a comprehensive foundation for anyone dedicated to keeping homes safe, accessible, and dignified for older adults.
2026 is the perfect year to invest in your professional growth. Whether you’re expanding your services, entering a new niche, or deepening your expertise, online home-modification courses are accessible, affordable, and career-defining.
And if you’re ready to start, the next round of CAPS certification courses at Household Guardians is just around the corner.
Questions? Email me at 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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