Senior Fall and Prevention and Safety Event Held at Bed Bath & Beyond 2

By Jill Fox

This weekend, experts will be on hand to demonstrate merchandise, such as shower chairs, non-slip mats, ring door bells, and other household items with one goal in mind: to keep seniors safe inside their homes.

On Saturday, April 6, residents can learn tips and demonstrate products to stay safe and reduce fall risks. The event, beginning at 10 a.m. at Bed Bath & Beyond in Coral Springs is completely free and open to the public.

According to a study published by Huffington Post, over the past 15 years, the number of adults taking care of aging parents has tripled, to nearly 10 million adults over 50. As they continue this struggle with their elderly parents – many who want to avoid retirement homes or assisted living facilities, they can now utilize the help of one Coral Springs organization whose focus on home safety and fall prevention will allow these residents to stay in their homes.

AskLearnGo is made up of local occupational and physical therapists and teachers that collaborate with large corporations to provide seminars for people to learn about products that can increase the safety of their homes. Founded by Alex Minevich, a Parkland resident and an occupational therapist for Broward schools and Kathy Berman, a second grade teacher at Parkside Elementary, AskLearnGo’s recommendations are based on the expertise of teachers and therapists.

Minevich explained the wealth of information that therapists have can prevent injuries.

“Why wait until a negative event happens, why not have that expertise available to you, especially if it’s free?”

The organization does just that. Safety consultants teach senior citizens how to stay safe in their homes so they can remain where they want to be.

“No one wants to go into retirement homes or assisted living, they want to be where they’re comfortable, so that’s what we want to provide for them,” said Minevich.

Interested attendees should bring pictures of their home interiors for experts to better identify the types of changes they need to make.

Co-owner Kathy Berman said the seminar is not just for the elderly. Adult children who look at their parents and see they’re slowing down or aging should try to attend as well.

“My mom told me she fell, which is every kid’s nightmare. We’re targeting the audience whose parents think they don’t need any help,” said Berman.

The hands-on experience showcases what products to buy with a focus on simple solutions to keep elderly parents safe and in contact with their families. It’s for those who want to maintain a desirable lifestyle, one that has purpose.

“That’s what we would like to convey to people, come learn how to maintain that independence in the home,” said Minevich.

Little adjustments, like removing slippery rugs, installing grab bars, increasing lighting or even buying a different leash for a dog can make a huge difference.

Some solutions are free, some low-cost, and some are a little more expensive, like investing in a Google Home or Amazon Echo to offset those times when a phone was left off the hook or a cellphone wasn’t charged or nearby.

In addition to the free seminar, anyone interested in having an individualized visit or evaluation can do so for a fee, and will receive annual visits to ensure they maintain their safe environment.

In the near future, AskLearnGo is partnering with CarFit to help aging residents ensure their cars are properly adjusted for them, followed by programs on baby-proofing for new parents.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Bed Bath and Beyond, 4631 North University Drive in Coral Springs. Residents can pre-book their time here

https://asklearngo.com/bbbycoralsprings/

For questions, contact@asklearngo.com or call 954-546-1090.

Author Profile

Jill Fox

Jill Fox is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer. She has worked in public relations and television for over 20 years. Fox lives in Parkland with her husband and their two children.