Online CAPS & Aging in Places Classes

Classes are only available online

In April 2020, in a move that many considered long overdue, and in direct response to the Covid-19 outbreak that resulted in a major rethinking of how we gather in public and participate in group meetings, Steve Hoffacker, CAPS, began teaching the three days of the Certified Aging In Place Specialist courses online, and the courses have been available in this format ever since.

The distance learning remote format (in contrast to virtual which often includes pre-recorded segments or scripted presentations), is taught in a live, real-time, interactive manner much the same way as the in-person face-to-face classes are offered. It leads to the CAPS designation in the same way as the classroom delivered ones. The response has been solid and very supportive, and we have been able to expand attendance to an international audience..

In both cases, classroom (when we offered them) and online, the classes are live – not recorded. All have a basic format of material but are tailored to the backgrounds and needs of those in attendance.  The online classes are actually able to be more responsive to the individual participants. There are plenty of opportunities for asking questions, sharing information with others, exploring relevant resources, and examining topics of interest beyond the confines of the course material.

The transition was rapid

In the first of its kind online presentation in April, 2020, Steve had 27 participants from Washington State and DC, California, Ohio, New Jersey, Tennessee, Colorado, Wisconsin, Virginia, Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida, and the United Kingdom, among other locations. Over time, several Canadian participants (from 10 different provinces), ones from other locations across the US (all of the states), and people from 12 other nations have been part of the classes.

Steve has taken his ability to share product knowledge and insights from construction and remodeling, human performance characteristics from an occupational therapy and sociological perspective, universal design and visitability concepts, and sales and marketing techniques and strategies to make the classes extremely meaningful, worthwhile, and practical for those attending. Classroom or online has the same level of delivery, with the online classes easier to attend and providing more versatility in exploring the material.

These are real-time events

These classes are is not your typical webinar where you can just sit there and watch TV, surf the web, read a book, pause it and return at a later time, or do other things while supposedly attending the class. Some classes are admittedly dry in their delivery styles, but not the CAPS classes. Steve’s programs are even more interactive in many respects than the in-person classes. Steve brings his years of real-world experience, dozens of photos, and thought-provoking questions to illustrate the principles being discussed.

Real-time questions and comments – even rapid-fire ones – are encouraged. This is a class in the truest sense, and with the online annotation features, as well as closed captioning for additional visual support, Steve, and anyone else who desires to do so, is able to draw on and illustrate some of the material on the slides for enhanced learning

The classes are easy to attend

Take advantage of the online instruction where there is no commuting, no getting ready, no arranging for lunches or separate childcare (they can attend with you) or pet services (dogs and cats are welcome and frequently are seen on screen), no paying for lodging or transportation, and no concerns about being away from home. Also, you can arrive at the last minute and leave the moment instruction is completed – and you’re already home. No masks are required, and social distancing is built in. No jet lag, traffic, or parking issues either. Additionally, last-minute changes to your schedule are not an issue. Simply move your planned attendance to another day. Classes are offered almost every week. Check the CAPS schedule for availability.

When each class is completed, you get to download your completion certificate on the spot, and within a couple of days, you can apply for your formal graduation – shaving weeks off the customary process.

Check this post for even more information on the courses.

See what people have to say about our online CAPS coursework:

“Steve’s CAPS courses, the first ones offered online, were excellent! The content was solid, and he effectively leveraged Zoom to help all 26 students stay engaged and interested. The experiences that he shares during the class are invaluable. Highly recommended!” – Steve Ziembiec, CAPS, Mobility Consultant, Mobility Plus of Greater Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

“I was lucky enough to be among the first group of students to be trained by Steve in CAPS I, II, and III remotely. It is not easy to teach online without face to face contact with your students, but he managed it magnificently. the training was excellent, and I am proud to be able to say that thanks to him I am now an “Ageing in Place” residential design specialist.” – Susie Rumbold, CAPS, Creative Director, Tessuto Interiors Ltd., London, United Kingdom

“Steve is an excellent teacher and gives you the tools to immediately apply the knowledge he provides. Upon completion of the class, not only are you more knowledgeable in home modification and design for aging in place, but you also have a blueprint to implement the strategies. The class was amazing.” – Brandy Golden, PT, CSRS, CAC-CT, CAPS, Asheville, North Carolina

“Greatly appreciate the time spent with the CAPS courses last three days.  You have an amazing amount of patience and flexibility with adult students.” – Dave LeVan, OTR/L, CSRS, CAPS, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, Gannon University, Erie, Pennsylvania

“Thank you for an outstanding CAPS training. I’m so thankful it was offered online. You are an exceptional instructor and I look forward to utilizing the skills learned in the course. I loved that you took the time to engage all the participants and that you are still interested in learning from all of us. Your open-mindedness was refreshing and inspiring. Thank you again!!” – Rachel Whitney, CAPS, Founder/Executive Director, AgeWise, Richland, Washington

“I just want to let you know how thoroughly Wendy and I enjoyed your class.  I thought the class interaction was amazing and a great experience.  We have avoided taking the classes for many years because of the time commitment of traveling and being away for 3 to 5 days.  So, this was a great and easy way of accomplishing something we really wanted to do.” – Marty Gold, CAPS, Amramp of Central and Southern New Jersey, Manalapan, New Jersey

“I really enjoyed the class last week. Thank you for pushing to have the class moved to an online format! Now that I have gone through the training, I am excited to spread the news that I am CAPS trained.” – Calvin Wright, CAPS, Residential Designer, Calvin Wright Design Works, Greenville, South Carolina

“I enjoyed Steve’s CAPS classes. He is a wealth of knowledge and application for aging in place. During his presentations, Steve provides information in an exciting and understandable format.” – Benesia Magill, OTR/L, CAPS, Prospect, Kentucky

“Sound advisor and instructor with an expansive base of knowledge.” – Gregg MacDougall, CAPS, Gregg Home Services, Annapolis, Maryland

“Need to take his Online Class.” – Dawn Hoppe, Dawn Hoppe K9, Deland, Florida

“Steve is a walking encyclopedia of every aspect needed to become a certified aging in place specialist. His classes are lively, informative, and relevant. He also consults with builders, clients, and fledgling CAPS specialists.” – Marian Berman, CAPS, Arbiter of Good Taste, Woodstock, Maryland

“I just completed CAPS I, II, & III with Steve on virtual classes. It was wonderful to be able to take these classes from Steve for this certification. He was knowledgeable, helpful, and a great communicator. I highly recommend Steve. Don’t miss out on his classes!” – Becky Charles, CAPS, Interior Designer, Mooresville, North Carolina

“I attended all three of Steve’s CAP classes, and I give him my highest recommendation as a great instructor. He is so very knowledgeable, clear to understand, and patient. Anyone wanting to become a CAPS should take Steve’s classes. I give him Five Gold Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️” – L.J. Rohan, GCG, CAPS, Gerontologist, Dallas, Texas

“Thank you for your class. I really enjoyed the course found all the information very valuable and think the online format worked very well.” – John Kruse, CAPS, Vice-President, Sea-Dar Construction, Boston, Massachusetts

“I love the online option for all of the reasons Steve listed and I hope this is an option in the future. The cost and planning of travel is the reason I delayed obtaining my certification for such a long time. This course was the best decision I made this year, so please enjoy Steve’s expertise from the comfort of your home. Be safe.” – Florence Macauley, ECHM, CAPS, PTA, CEAS, CCI, CDP, Founder/Owner, AgeWise Home, Washington, District of Columbia

“I just want to thank you for a great class. I feel well informed and believe I have some groundwork and understanding about my future endeavors in this field. You’re a great teacher and I’m so impressed that a fellow Sociologist has been so successful in this field! I hope to keep in touch and will look you up on social media as advised.” – Suzanne Fowler, CAPS, Orlando, Florida