NEW COMPANY NAME: I am happy to announce some great changes with Senior Holistic Living. Over the past 5 years Senior Holistic Living has not only supported, guided and been a resource for the senior caregiving community but for ALL caregivers, young and old. I have decided to add a new name to encompass everything I do, Caregiver Resource Network, "Your Partner in Holistic Caregiving". Senior Holistic Living will remain the parent company but Caregiver Resource Network will be the official company name.

NEW WEBTV: Starting November 4 we will be adding an innovative way for you listen to The Caregiver Hour Radio Show. We are adding WebTV! You will not only hear the show but be able to view it live via your computer. 

NEW OFFICE: Having a new name requires a new place. So, I have moved out of my home office and into REAL office space in North Pinellas, Clearwater.

NEW ADDRESS: My new office information is listed below. Please use this new address for all future communications.

Caregiver Resource Network

Countryside Professional Center

28960 US Hwy 19 N, Suite 100

Clearwater, FL 33761

Kim's Office Phone: 727-288-9898, ext. 22

Gail's Office Phone: 727-288-9898, ext. 23

Sale's Office Phone: 727-288-9898, ext. 15

Office Fax: 727-781-1387

NEW STAFF: With the growth of my company comes the need to add personnel. I would like to introduce you to two new staff members. My new full-time office assistant is Gail Bryant. Gail was highly recommended by Barbara Marshall from House to Home, who met Gail while she was working for a South Tampa holistic doctor. She has been hired for her expertise and excellent background. You can reach Gail at Gail@thecaregiverhour.com.

You can reach Katie at Katie@thecaregiverhour.com.

Paula Taylor, my left-hand women, will still be with Senior Holistic Living as part of the team on a part-time basis.

You are welcome to contact me at kim@thecaregiverhour.com.

1-877-552-4950.

We've all heard the saying before: "Home is where the heart is." While this may be true, many of us have also felt the heartache of our homes' limitations: difficulties navigating a wheelchair up a walkway, slipping or tripping on an obstructed entrance, or stretching for those out-of-reach shelves. As in any other relationship, it's important that you and your home make a good "fit." That's where AARP's Home Fit program comes in.

AARP's Home Fit workshop is designed to educate people 50+ and their family members on how to make their homes more "livable" by incorporating a universal design concept. Having a livable home allows individuals to age in place-that is, avoiding the need to leave your home for an assisted-care facility or secondary living arrangement. Previous AARP surveys have concluded that nearly 90 percent of those age 45 and up want to remain in their current home and community for as long as possible.  A home designed to accommodate the needs of residents of all ages and abilities will allow individuals to do just that.

There are several features within universal design, which focuses on creating a home that is adaptable, flexible, safe and easy-to-use. Some examples include: a step-free entrance into the main floor of the home, wider doorways and hallways, lever door and faucet handles, secure handrails on both sides of stairways and a walk-in/ roll-in shower with non-slip flooring. A livable home also has a bedroom, full bath and kitchen on the main level and cabinets, light controls and electrical outlets that can be accessed while standing or sitting. Residents have the option of upgrading their existing home with the features of their choice, or implementing these designs into a home they are building. Other universal design features can be found here: http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/info-07-2011/what-is-universal-design.html

AARP launched Home Fit in Florida to support the growing population of older adults who wish to age in place. "AARP Florida has participated in local and state aging-in-place housing summits and conferences to help educate senior housing and service professionals on this important topic. Home Fit takes this information directly to the family and homeowner for implementation," said Sithong.

On October 17, AARP Florida will be participating in a joint CarFit and HomeFit event at the Town 'N Country Senior Center in Tampa. The CarFit program was created by the San Francisco-based American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with AAA (American Automobile Association), AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association. The event will include car and driver wellness checkups, as well as a full HomeFit seminar that will help participants create a universal design for their own homes.  CarFit starts at 9 A.M. followed by the HomeFit luncheon at 11 A.M. If you're interested in either or both event, you can register at: http://aarp.cvent.com/AgingInPlaceTampa or call toll-free: 

1-877-926-8300.

All HomeFit events will be posted on www.AARP.org/fl, so please check for other upcoming events.

Access your current home's "livability" by using this checklist: http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/info-07-2011/is-your-home-livable.html?intcmp=outbrain&obref=obinsite