Whether or not you love to go grocery shopping, it can become more difficult as you age. Getting around may be a challenge, you might need more specific items, and some things might be more difficult to reach. But at the end of the day, everyone needs groceries.
So here are some tips on how to help your senior loved ones shop for groceries.
Write a list
The biggest suggestion is to never rely on your memory when going grocery shopping. It may take more time to write down a list but doing so prevents you from forgetting something or buying extra items you don’t need. When writing these down, think of the meals you would like each day or if there are any special events for which you’re preparing. Are you running low on any staples? It’s important to look twice to avoid having to make a second trip to the store.
Stick to the list
The hardest part about grocery shopping is sticking to the list. In other words, don’t buy anything you didn’t already write down. By being strict about this rule, you will avoid any temptations of buying expensive or unhealthy food items like cookies, frozen pizza, or ice cream. If you do see something you like, add it to the list for the following week which will give you time to figure out if you really need it or not.
Eat before you go
Going grocery shopping while hungry is a set up for failure. Your willpower to avoid splurging is diminished and your stomach will be making all the decisions. Make sure to only go after a meal or at the very least, have a snack.
Check for deals
Finding local deals can take time, but once you get it down, you can save big bucks in the long run. Collect store fliers, ask about membership perks, and look online for coupons. For fruits and vegetables, only buy them fresh when they are in season, such as purchasing berries in the summertime. Otherwise, you can buy them frozen.
Travel
If you can, opt for walking to the store instead of driving. You will get free exercise, fresh air, and even a boost in your mood. But if it’s still difficult to get around outside, look into getting a mobility scooter or lightweight rollator.
If you don’t live close enough to get to the store without a car and you don’t drive, there’s always the grocery delivery services from Instacart. They do have their fee of course, but it will be easy to order everything online and have it “shipped” to you. But if you can drive, try to park close to a shopping cart area so you can transport your food without having to return to the store.
Shop during the quiet times
One of the best advantages of being retired is having the ability to go places when they’re not busy, such as during the week in the afternoon. Be sure to take advantage of this benefit as often as possible so you don’t have to worry about the hustle and bustle of everyone trying to get their food at the same time. You’ll also have more options when making a decision since the shelves will be fully stocked.
Have fun
Again, not everyone likes to go grocery shopping, but it can be an enjoyable excuse to get out of the house. But if you still despise it, try doing it while listening to the music. You may be able to listen to an audiobook or podcast on which you can concentrate on while doing your shopping. You may just have a better experience!
Make friends with employees
Once you choose a store to shop at every week, employees will begin to recognize you as a friendly face. They love to see people they know shopping at their store as they feel appreciated that someone is benefitting from their work. They may even provide some insight and tips that others may not know.
Bagging
It can be stressful to have to bag everything up after getting checked out. But if someone else is bagging these items for you, ensure they’re not overpacking the bag. Look into hands-free reusable bags which are better for the environment and easier to carry! Again, this is another situation where mobility scooters can help out. Finally, never be afraid to ask for help as everyone is willing.
Have it delivered
This may be more of an expensive option, but if you can’t drive and you absolutely hate going grocery shopping, it may just be worth it to have them delivered to your door. With the onset of the pandemic, many stores are now offering curbside pickup, so you don’t have to wander down aisles finding everything you need. You may also want to consider buying non-perishables like cleaning products, canned food, and toiletries online to lighten your load when going grocery shopping.
Senior Companionship
Going grocery shopping is a great way to get out of the house and have a change of environment, but for some, it’s worse than being stuck at home! As we age, things become more difficult as we lose the ability to drive, walk longer distances, and reach specific food items that grocery shopping may just be too difficult to do it alone.
Another solution to this issue is to have a caregiver go with you. If you feel nervous or hesitant about going grocery shopping, Assisting Hands Home Care in Fort Worth, TX works with screened, trained, and insured caregivers who will gladly accompany you to the store. They’ll handle the reaching, bagging, driving, and unpacking of the food items once you get home and you’ll even have a companion the whole time.
One of the greatest benefits about working with a trained and screened caregiver is the benefit of having other elderly care services readily available, like meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation, personal care, and companionship. Whether you need help grocery shopping or just a companion with whom to go out to lunch, our caregivers are ready to assist with daily tasks of living at a time that works best for you.
Schedule a Free Consultation
For more information about our senior care or senior companionship services in the Fort Worth, TX area, contact Assisting Hands Home Care at (817) 646-2970.
