Age-in-place specialist offers home accessibility, therapy services

Aging in Place Specialists owner and operator Kathryn Cieniewicz is one of a select group of professionals nationwide to earn the certified aging-in-place specialist designation, identifying her as a physical therapist with the skills and knowledge necessary to remodel or modify a home to meet the unique needs of the older-adult population, disabled owners or their visitors.

The National Association of Home Builders, in partnership with the AARP and NAHB Research Center, created the certified aging-in-place program, which includes training and education on the technical, business management and customer-service skills essential to compete in the fast-growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for aging-in-place.

Aging in Place Specialists is a local company that not only offers home accessibility consulting and implementation services, but has also just launched an outpatient physical therapy private practice. Unlike typical physical therapy practices, the company will deliver physical therapy services in the privacy of their clients' homes or out in the community. This is particularly beneficial for older adults who need physical therapy but find it difficult to leave their home for services.

The company specializes in geriatric care. All or most physical therapy services are covered by Medicare and secondary insurances and do not cost clients any more out of pocket than if they were to go to an outside clinic. Unlike with home healthcare agencies, physical therapy clients do not need to be considered homebound to have Medicare cover such services in the home.

Cieniewicz says, "Our goal is simple - we care about the future of our clients and desire to help them to remain in their home for as long as possible. We do this by holistically addressing their physical as well as environmental needs. Though it is not considered typical for physical therapists to be involved in the remodeling industry, we feel this is an important marriage of expertise with local contractors to more comprehensively and relevantly approach the age-in-place needs in our community."

Aging in Place Specialists is currently accepting new clients. For additional information on certification, go to www.nahb.org/caps. For more information, go to www.aginginplacede.com or call 302-444-8318.