Making Groceries a Breeze: Shopping for Elderly Loved Ones
Keeping our senior loved ones healthy and well-nourished is a top priority. But for some elders, grocery shopping can become a challenge. Whether it’s physical limitations, transportation issues, or simply feeling overwhelmed, navigating the supermarket can be daunting.
Here are some tips to make grocery shopping a smoother experience for both you and your elderly loved one:
Planning Makes Perfect:
- Create a grocery list together: Discuss meals and snacks for the week, considering preferences and dietary needs.
- Plan around sales: Stock up on non-perishables when they’re on sale to save money.
- Shop online for convenience: Many grocery stores offer online shopping with home delivery or pick-up options. This can be a great time-saver, especially for those with mobility limitations.
Smart Shopping Strategies:
- Focus on easy-to-prepare meals: Look for pre-washed and chopped vegetables, pre-cooked grains, and frozen protein sources that can be quickly heated up.
- Prioritize nutrient-rich options: Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources to ensure a balanced diet. Don’t forget healthy fats found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
- Consider portion sizes: If your loved one lives alone, buying smaller portions of fresh produce and dairy products can help reduce waste.
Making the Shopping Trip Easier:
- Shop during off-peak hours: Avoid crowded aisles and long lines by going early in the morning or later in the evening.
- Ask for assistance: Most grocery stores have staff willing to help with reaching high shelves or carrying heavy bags.
- Utilize store amenities: Take advantage of motorized carts or store-provided wheelchairs if needed.
Additional Tips:
- Pay attention to expiration dates: Choose items with longer expiration dates to avoid spoilage.
- Involve your loved one (if possible): Let them choose some of their favorite items or help you pack the groceries. This can maintain a sense of independence and control.
- Consider a grocery delivery service: If shopping is no longer an option, explore grocery delivery services that cater to seniors.
By planning, prioritizing healthy choices, and making the shopping trip itself easier, you can ensure your loved one has the nutritious groceries they need to stay healthy and independent.
- Create a master grocery list on a computer listing every item that your elderly family member usually needs. Make sure to note the food brand preferences; change can be difficult for Mom (or Dad) so if she prefers Campbell’s tomato soup she may not be comfortable with a generic brand. Print in large blocked type font and make several copies to use each week. It is still important to do a kitchen inventory before each trip to the store. Hoarding food is common so make sure the circled items are actually low in supply.
- When you arrive at the store stop at main door and assist her in. Have Mom sit on a store bench or in the coffee shop area while you park the car. Parking lots often have uneven pavement and it can be difficult to navigate especially when using a device like a walker. If walking is difficult for her, most grocery stores have motorized chairs for their customers to use.
- When shopping, choose smaller containers that are easier to lift. An elderly person often does not have much strength in their hands or arms. If you are on a tight budget purchase the larger containers and refill smaller ones. Buy liquids like milk or juice in quart bottles.
- Purchase smaller portion sizes of perishable foods. This will reduce food waste and money. Appetites tend to diminish as the body ages because people are less active. If you cannot find smaller meat portions ask the butcher to package just one portion. You can also invest in a FoodSaver™ appliance to split and store the meat packages.
- Select easy to open products. Containers with pop top openings may be easier to open than having to use a can opener. For items like cereal you can remove the inside bags and put the contents into slide seal zipper bags.
- Purchase over the counter medications in easy to open bottles instead of child proof bottles, or remove from bottle and place in a medicine pill box with any prescription drugs. Always pre-dispense daily medications into a pill box so that you can keep track of the medications taken. Over or under taking medications is a big health hazard for the elderly.
- Some good nutritional items to have on stock for an elderly person are: oatmeal, eggs, yogurt, blueberries, apples, fish, chicken, broccoli, soy products (edamame), sweet potatoes and squash, brown rice and dark chocolate.
