Dufour earns ‘aging in place’ credentials
CARIBOU — Cindy Dufour, certified kitchen designer and manager of the S.W. Collins Co. Design Center since 2004, has achieved designation as a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders. She is also the only certified kitchen designer (CKD) north of Bangor.
Company officials said the majority of Americans over the age of 45 want to continue living in a familiar environment throughout their maturing years. 
According to the AARP, older homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age in place, which means living in their homes safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level.
“I have been designing kitchens and baths for 27 years and previously worked as an RN for 20 years,” said Dufour. “Earning the CAPS designation further enhances my abilities to help people in our community stay in their homes longer and increase their quality of life.
“It is very rewarding to see the final results of my designs and how they make a difference in the lives of our customers,” she added.
CAPS professionals understand the aging-in-place home remodeling market and the technology, tools and resources that are available for seniors to age in place. Individuals with the CAPS designation are trained in the needs of the aging population, common remodeling projects and expenditures, codes and standards, product ideas and resources.
For further information on aging-in-place options for the home, contact the S.W. Collins Co. Home Design Center at (207) 496-0103 or visit their website at www.swcollins.com.
