Whenever you visit your aging parents or grandparents and find new things in the house, new clothes or shopping bags on display, your concerns are valid. Just like millennia’s have problems with shopping, aging adults sometimes do too.

The fact is, shopping is a highly communal activity, and aging individuals need company & contact just as much as anyone else, even more so if they spend the rest of the day fairly secluded. Going for shopping with friends can be a reason of mental happiness, for older adults longing company. Unfortunately, it also comes with a very visible price tag, too.

Rather than inhibiting their shopping spirit which is inherently fulfilling their longing for social contact, try these money-saving approaches to keep them within their budget:

Apply Senior Discounts

There are host of ways to help aging parents save money, just as there are for anyone else, but this is one time that aging parents have the advantage. It is a well-established practice that older adults get a “senior discount” from most businesses, particularly restaurants and hotels. Anyone who is eligible and doesn’t use this discount is literally leaving money on the table. While the savings aren’t huge in one transaction, they will amass over time when applied constantly.

Teach them to shop around online before going to the store

Everyone is computer savvy these days. Almost all aging parents have a smart device at their home to connect with the loved ones, be it a laptop, iPad or iPhone. There are plenty of apps which can help them shop around, and compare prices between stores before heading to buy anything. Comparison shopping sites are plentiful out there. Bookmark a few for them, so they can access them easily. Even better if they are comfortable shopping online and getting it delivered to their house. Just assess their comfort level before pushing for online purchases.

Buy gently used items

Big savings can be had on large purchases (appliances, cars, etc.) if they are bought a year old. In almost all aspects, these units work perfectly fine and will last reliably for at least another five to seven years. The savings gained from targeting lightly used or surplus new items can be hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Especially with surplus goods, savings can be anywhere from 50 to 80 percent, particularly on clothes and accessories. Again, these are often new goods or almost-new durable goods. When one realizes how much these items can stretch a dollar, folks often kick themselves for not doing it sooner.

Use Coupons

While some may consider coupons as more of a hassle than an effective money saver, coupons can add another 10 to 20 percent of savings on the average purchase from food to appliances to durable goods. In some cases, the savings can be as much as 50 percent. Again, once a person realizes how much is discounted regularly when using coupons, it’s foolish not to take advantage of them. Older adults are fairly used to using paper coupons, but many businesses have switched to electronic coupons and advertisements by email or text—so it’s just a matter of teaching the older generation how to use a new format. Also, many apps now days make it easier to find coupons based on the store you are in.

Helping aging parents save money is not a one-time affair. It’s an extended effort that takes time. However, your loved ones will appreciate the help when they realize the benefits as they materialize.

At Assisting Hands® Home Care, our skilled caregivers provide shopping assistance for our clients and make sure they are saving every penny when shopping. Whether you need someone to be with you or your loved one during the day, in the evening or overnight, our at-home care can accommodate your needs. You will have peace of mind knowing that they aren’t home alone when they need help with medication, fall prevention, personal care, eating or other needs.

Contact us today to schedule your free in-home care assessment at 262-721-assistinghands.com/1155/menomonee”>click here.