This August, the HBA proudly hosted the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation course: an intensive, hands-on training that empowers housing professionals to design and modify homes that allow people to live safely, comfortably, and independently as they age.

The CAPS program equips participants with a powerful blend of technical know-how, customer service strategies, and business acumen, all tailored to the rapidly growing demand for aging-in-place solutions. Whether it's rethinking kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways, CAPS-certified professionals are helping families stay in their homes longer without sacrificing safety or quality of life.

We were thrilled to welcome Heather Attardso of 3 Tree Design as this session’s instructor. With her wealth of real-world experience and engaging teaching style, Heather brought the material to life in a fresh, interactive way, including something we’ve never done before: field trips.

Our class ventured out for two dynamic, hands-on tours:

• Lifeway Mobility gave us a behind-the-scenes look at accessibility products in action. Students got to test out real equipment in the showroom—from stair lifts to grab bars—and see how thoughtful design can make a world of difference.

• Rio Grande Co. welcomed us next, offering a tour of their showroom and showcasing a range of products specifically aligned with the needs of CAPS professionals and their clients.

From classroom insights to real-world applications, this CAPS course left participants inspired and better equipped to meet the needs of our aging population.

A huge thank you to our instructor, field trip hosts, and all the professionals who joined us to grow their impact through thoughtful, human-centered design.