CAPS I – Marketing & Communicating With The Aging In Place Client

Connecting With Clients & Strategic Partners

  • This class is required for the CAPS designation – no exemptions or exceptions regardless of work history, personal experience, or knowledge level.
  • This is a one-day, 6-credit hour, standalone class that combines with CAPS II and CAPS III to complete the requirements for the CAPS designation – all three classes are needed.
  • CE (6-hours) credits are available for AIA, AIBD, AOTA, APTA, ASID, NAHB, NKBA, and others.
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If you require any accommodations to participate in the online sessions, please let us know at the time of registration so we can plan accordingly.

All attendees must be registered and paid to participate, whether attending on camera or off camera, and whether sharing a device or not. Each participant must be registered separately using an individual checkout.

By registering, you agree to be added to Steve Hoffacker’s email contact list and to receive course-related communications.

Steve Hoffacker intends to conduct classes as scheduled; however, if circumstances beyond his control arise, classes may be rescheduled. Registrations may be transferred to another date without penalty. No refunds are provided.

There are no discounts or incentives except for existing students of Steve Hoffacker classes or dues-paying members of the National Association of Home Builders. These are the only price incentives. All other participants pay the same tuition to ensure an equitable learning environment.

Overview of CAPS I

CAPS I: Marketing & Communicating With the Aging in Place Client is a one-day, 6-credit hour course that lays the foundation for earning the Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) designation. This class is the first of the required three-course CAPS series, which includes CAPS I, CAPS II, and CAPS III. For an optimal learning experience, the classes should be completed in sequence.

Note: This course is required. All three courses are necessary for the CAPS designation. No exemptions or exceptions are granted regardless of current or prior experience or background.

Course Details

  • Duration: One day
  • Credit Hours: 6
  • Format: Online, interactive, distance learning
  • CEU Credit: 0.6 CEUs (6 CE hours) approved by AOTA and accepted by AIA, AIBD, AOTA, APTA, ASID, NAHB, NKBA, and others; however, AOTA CEUs do not imply endorsement of specific course content or clinical methods.
  • Level: Introductory – suitable for professionals new to Aging In Place concepts – and taught as an interactive distance learning activity, qualifying for Category One, Occupational Therapy Service Delivery.
  • A downloadable PDF reference book is available with your registration.

What You’ll Learn

Key Learning Objectives

  • How to effectively market to aging in place clients and connect with key stakeholders
  • Identifying and serving three primary market segments:
    1. Without Urgent Needs Clients: Individuals without significant requirements looking for accessibility or aging in place enhancements to their living space
    2. Progressive Needs Clients: Those with chronic or progressive conditions requiring thoughtful and intentional home modifications
    3. Traumatic Needs Clients: Individuals with sudden onset conditions such as a TBI or physical trauma who require immediate attention or accommodation
  • Communication strategies for connecting and working with clients and families
  • How to build strategic partnerships and work with referring professionals
  • Discover opportunities and resources for starting or expanding an aging in place business

Why Aging In Place Matters

As people live longer, healthier lives, many choose to remain in their present homes rather than relocate. This growing trend has created strong demand for professionals skilled in evaluating, designing, and remodeling homes that support independence and safety.

The CAPS I course emphasizes the importance of understanding the physical, emotional, and environmental needs of clients who are aging in place – a lifestyle embraced by millions across North America and beyond.

Certification Information

  • Required for CAPS designation
  • Must be taken before enrolling in CAPS III
  • May be taken as a standalone or as part of a three-day consecutive course series
  • No specific time frame required between completing CAPS I, II, and III—though consecutive-day completion is recommended

Registration Information

  • View Class Schedule Register Now (Please register each attendee separately.)

Instructor Policies

By registering for this online course, you agree to the following:

  • You will be added to Instructor Steve Hoffacker, CAPS, professional email list.
  • Classes may be rescheduled in the event of unforeseen circumstances, but they will not be canceled
  • Registrants may reschedule their attendance without penalty, but no refunds will be issued.

Accreditation

Steve Hoffacker LLC and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) are AOTA Approved Providers of professional development.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is taking this one class enough to become a Certified Aging In Place Specialist?

A: It takes all three CAPS classes to complete the requirements for the designations, preferably completed in order: I, II, and then III.

Q: Do I need to take all 3 CAPS classes for the designation?

A: Yes. You can spread them out, but you need all three unless you just want the knowledge and not necessarily the designation.

Q: Do the three classes need to be taken in the same week?

A: They can split into as many weeks as you need to complete them, to accommodate your schedule or learning style. They should be taken in order, however.

Q: Is the format lecture, slide show, recorded video, or discussion?

A: It is a blend of formats, but it is not prerecorded, and it is not a college lecture. It is a live, real-time discussion format of concepts, experiences, and techniques.

Q: Do you have to be a builder, architect, or designer to benefit from this class?

A: Dozens of different professions, and even those retired or without a specific occupation are finding the CAPS program to be a great solution for them and their future. Some solutions have a construction element, but many of them are styled, envisioned, or created without necessarily building anything.

Q: This course says it’s about Marketing and Communicating. What if I don’t like sales or am not interested in it?

A: Marketing just means telling other people about what you do. The same for communicating. It’s finding out what people need and then describing how you can meet or address those needs. It’s very satisfying, even if you don’t think you have much experience.

Q: Are there any pre-requisites for this class?

A: Just having lived life this far is the major requirement for doing well in this class and as a CAPS professional in general. Everyone is aging, so it’s addressing individual needs with what we know how to do.

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