Grocery shopping is one of those tasks some people love and others dread. Whether they can’t wait to get out and buy groceries or they prefer to put it off, there are ways to accommodate some of the frustrations seniors face when shopping for groceries. These five shopping tips make getting groceries easier for older adults who may face a few challenges.
1. Go to the Store when It’s Less Crowded
A busy shopping center is no place for seniors with mobility issues. Seniors have an advantage when it comes to avoiding crowds at the grocery store, since they can go when other adults might be working. The ideal time for grocery shopping is usually mid-morning before people start arriving during their lunch breaks. Going on weekdays and stocking up to limit trips during the holidays gives seniors more time to move freely through the stores.
2. Keep Bags Light
An overloaded shopping bag might mean only having to make one trip from the car to the house. However, it can also lead to injuries. Seniors can ask the baggers at their stores to keep the bags light so they’re easier to manage. Those who need to bag their own groceries can also save time by putting similar items together so they’re easier to put away at home.
If your loved one needs a hand with grocery shopping and other everyday activities, a home caregiver can be a wonderful resource. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional in-home care seniors can trust and rely on.
3. Bring Someone Along
Grocery shopping is more fun when someone else comes along. Seniors can ask companions to help them get to and from the store, and having help makes things such as lifting heavy bags safer. The people seniors choose to accompany them on grocery trips will also be familiar with their preferences, which makes it easier if those companions need to step in and handle the chore completely when seniors are too ill to go themselves.
Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Lincoln seniors can depend on.
4. Stick to the Outer Edges of the Store
A lot of time and money gets wasted in the centers of grocery stores because this is where most retailers place processed items, which may not be as healthy as what seniors can find along the perimeters of the stores. Sticking to the outer edges helps seniors load up on fresh produce and vegetables while avoiding chips and other snacks. It can also save time when there’s a busy day scheduled already.
5. Make a List & Stick to It
Budgets become more of a concern in the senior years, and older adults need to avoid buying more than they need. Shopping lists help seniors prevent waste, and they can serve as important tools for seniors who have memory loss. Seniors should plan for enough time before their trips to prepare grocery lists and research the current deals at their local stores. Having a list makes it possible to simply walk down the aisles and pick up what’s necessary without worrying about a surprise during checkout.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Lincoln senior care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (916) 226-3737 today.