Aging In Place

At Duncan’s, we understand that most people prefer to stay in their own home, a place that is comfortable and familiar, rather than moving to assisted living facilities where privacy can be difficult to find. Our professionals also understand that this sentiment is not reserved for seniors. People dealing with life-long disabilities, or who suffer a life-changing injury or illness, and injured military veterans, all have these desires. Remodeling your home to accommodate these changes can be daunting, but the ability to live independently is priceless.

For these reasons, the professionals at Duncan’s have embraced the opportunity to become CAPS installers – Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists.

The Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist program resulted from the collaboration of the National Association of Home Builders, the NAHB 50+ Housing Council, Home Innovation Research Labs, and AARP. The program provides training and resources so that home remodelers, such as Duncan’s Bath and Kitchen Center, are equipped to provide the types of improvements and adjustments that meet the physical needs of the elderly and disabled.

Our CAPS installer designation means that our staff members are trained in design techniques and strategies that result in safe, barrier-free homes that also are attractive, save money and provide value that grows with the home. At Duncan’s, you can expect our professionals to go beyond addressing the basic codes and standards, and look at creative ways to improve your whole house, inside and out, making it fully accessible as your needs change.

Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and participating in community service. We are trained in:

• The unique needs of the older adult population
• Aging-in-place home modifications
• Common remodeling projects
• Solutions to common barriers

• Step-free entry
• 3-foot-wide doorways
• Wider hallways
• Wheelchair access
• Elevator
• Accessible kitchen counter tops
• Bath and shower grab bars
• Higher toilets
• Wheel-in showers
• Hand-held shower heads
• Easily accessible faucets
• Stairways with hand rails on both sides
• Bedroom and full bath on ground floor of a two-story structure
• Appliances with front-mounted controls
• Doors with levers, rather than knobs
• Universal thermostats featuring simple icons, large numbers, and color coding
• Doorbell featuring light and sound alerts
• Curb-free shower stall
• No-slip tile
• Rocker-style light switches
• Higher electrical outlets
• Under-counter microwaves
• Grab bars throughout home that resemble chair railing
• ADA-compliant appliances
• Slide out shelving
• Fold-down ironing center featuring swivel board, iron, light shelf and garment bar