Top Online Certification Courses for Aging-in-Place Professionals
- Fritzi Gros-Daillon
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 4
With more than 10,000 people turning 65 every day, the demand for aging-in-place expertise has never been higher.
Professionals across industries - builders, designers, occupational therapists, and home-care providers - are seeking specialized education to help older adults remain safe and independent at home.
If you’re ready to level up your skills and stand out in a growing market, here are the top online certification courses for aging-in-place professionals—and guidance on how to choose the right one for your goals.
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) – National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Best for: Builders, remodelers, designers, occupational therapists, and real-estate professionals looking to master home modifications and livable design.
Offered by: National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Format: Live online via Zoom, taught by industry experts like Fritzi Gros-Daillon, 2019 NAHB Educator of the Year and founder of Household Guardians
Focus Areas:
Client communication and marketing for aging-in-place services
Universal and accessible design principles
Home-safety planning, product selection, and layout strategies
Why choose CAPS? CAPS combines design training, client communication, and business growth strategies into one practical, interactive program. It’s not just a certification - it’s a complete toolkit for professionals ready to lead the aging-in-place movement.
Senior Home Safety Specialist™ (SHSS) – Age Safe America
Best for: Caregivers, home-service providers, and real-estate or healthcare professionals seeking a strong foundation in home safety.
Format: Five-hour, self-paced online course
Topics Covered: Fall prevention, fire safety, bathroom modifications, medication management, and more
Why consider SHSS? This course is a perfect introduction to aging-in-place principles. Many professionals use SHSS as a starting point before moving into more advanced certifications like CAPS.
Executive Certificate in Home Modification (ECHM) – USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Best for: Professionals in health, housing, social work, or design who want a research-based, policy-focused perspective on home modification.
Format: Online instructor-led program with interactive modules
Focus Areas: Assessment tools, funding programs, and policy development
Why it’s worth exploring: ECHM offers a broader, systems-level view of home-modification work. It’s especially valuable for professionals engaged in community programs, government agencies, or academic research who want to complement hands-on design credentials like CAPS.
ADA Coordinator Certification Program (ADA-CCP)
Best for: Government contractors, developers, or design professionals working in public or commercial accessibility.
Focus: Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessibility guidelines
Format: Online coursework and examinations
Who benefits most: Those modifying public facilities or managing compliance projects. This credential ensures you understand the legal and technical standards behind accessible design.
Certified professionals are now preferred by healthcare, housing, and real-estate partners Investing in professional education ensures you can serve aging clients safely, confidently, and profitably.
Choosing the Right Course for You
Ask yourself:
What is your primary profession—builder, OT, designer, or caregiver?
Do you want comprehensive training (CAPS) or a foundational overview (SHSS)?
Are you focused on residential design or public accessibility?
Do you prefer live, instructor-led classes or a self-paced experience?
Your answers will help you choose a certification that aligns with your goals and clients.
Why Household Guardians Recommends CAPS
At Household Guardians, we specialize in teaching the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) course in a live, online format that’s engaging and interactive.
Students consistently tell us the experience exceeds expectations:
“The material was extremely valuable. Fritzi was engaging, knowledgeable, and attentive—an ideal instructor.” — Builder & CAPS Graduate, 2025
If you’re serious about transforming your passion for home safety and accessibility into a sustainable business advantage, CAPS is the gold standard.
Learn More & Register
Join a live online class with Fritzi Gros-Daillon, 2019 NAHB Educator of the Year and nationally recognized home-safety expert.
Questions or inquiries? Contact fritzi@householdguardians.com
The future of housing is aging-in-place. Whether you’re a builder, therapist, or designer, investing in aging-in-place certification opens doors to new markets, stronger partnerships, and greater professional impact.
Start where you are — and grow your expertise where it matters most: helping people live safely, independently, and beautifully at home.
Comments