Never Alone aims to help
senior citizens keep safe

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

Joe Hubicki remembers when several of his aunts began struggling with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
"My aunt would take the trolley from Chestnut Hill to Temple University and not know who she was," said Hubicki, 50.
When they went to live in treatment facilities, Hubicki grew disheartened by what he saw — senior citizens who could have stayed in their homes had they had the right piece of equipment.
"There were people in there for reasons that we could cure," said Hubicki, a Germantown native. "You can develop a piece of technology to keep seniors in the home."
Five years ago, Hubicki started inventing and manufacturing such technologies in Florida and distributing them to seniors. He now wants to bring his business to the Northeast.
Through his non-profit operation Never Alone, local seniors will get products to help them stay independent in their homes — for free.
State Rep. John Perzel (R-172nd dist.) has pledged to help Hubicki secure the $500,000 necessary to bring his manufacturing plant to the Northeast. Technically a non-profit group, Never Alone runs on corporate sponsorships and grants.
Perzel said he came on board because of the large percentage of seniors living in his district. The 2000 census reported that 28 percent of people living in Mayfair’s 19152 ZIP code are age 65 or older.
"They’ve chosen a wonderful community, and they will be an invaluable resource for our people," Perzel said of Never Alone.
Hubicki, an electronic hardware and software engineer, patented four of the five devices he’s offering seniors.
The available devices include the stove monitor, which shuts off power to electric stoves when they are left unattended too long. Another is the Talking Handheld Companion, which reminds seniors to take their medication at pre-set times.
"These people in Mayfair, what we’re giving to these individuals is the most technology advanced equipment," Hubicki said.
Hubicki tentatively has plans to put his plant at an existing site near the Delaware River, but has not released information on the exact location. He doesn’t presently believe that any construction or rezoning needs to happen at the site, of which he requires about 12,000 square feet to operate his plant. He expects his operation to bring about a dozen jobs to the community. Local seniors will get the chance to survey the equipment on Sunday, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the John Perzel Community Center, 2990 St. Vincent St. Consumers must be assessed by a medical professional to determine which products they need. Hubicki will deliver the devices in about four weeks. ••
To register for the event, visit Hubicki’s Web site at www.neveralonecharity.org