Taking your senior loved one shopping can be a great way to spend some time together while taking care of necessary errands. Grocery shopping can be an overwhelming experience for seniors, but taking the time to prepare can make it less stressful.
Make a Menu, Grocery List, & Budget
Walking through the store and just randomly grabbing food might make it difficult for your loved one to eat healthy meals throughout the week. Creating a basic menu listing what your loved one wants to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day can help him or her purchase the foods necessary for a healthy diet. Remember to take portion sizes into consideration. If your loved one lives alone, he or she most likely won’t need to make large meals. Food items can be cooked once and eaten twice. For example, your loved one can have roasted chicken with vegetables one night and then chop up the leftovers for a salad the next day. Once the menu is complete, make a grocery list that groups similar items together, such as produce, dairy, and meat. It’s also a good idea to set a budget for each shopping trip. Many seniors are on fixed incomes, and limiting unnecessary food purchases can help them stretch their money.
A home caregiver can help your loved one with a variety of everyday tasks, including grocery shopping. 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 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 Fair Oaks seniors can depend on.
Look for Sales
Look at store ads and determine which stores have the best deals on the items on your loved one’s grocery list. Stock up on staples that are on sale to keep your loved one’s pantry stocked if he or she isn’t able to make it to the store each week.
Research Transportation Assistance Options
If you aren’t able to take your loved one shopping regularly and he or she can’t drive, look into transportation assistance options. Many senior centers have shopping days when they take vans with seniors to designated stores. Many communities also offer volunteer programs that take seniors shopping or do their shopping for them and deliver the groceries to their homes.
If your loved one needs assistance with grocery shopping and planning healthy meals, a home caregiver can be a wonderful resource. Fair Oaks in-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Consider Delivery
Most grocery stores offer delivery and pickup options. Teach your loved one how to add groceries on the store’s website and schedule a pickup or delivery. If your loved one has a difficult time carrying items, delivery might be the best option. The delivery person can carry the groceries into your loved one’s home, allowing your loved one to put them away at his or her leisure.
Eat a Snack Before Going to the Store
Shopping when hungry makes it easy to blow a budget and buy foods that might not be healthy. Encourage your loved one to eat a healthy snack or meal before going shopping to keep food cravings in check.
Stay on the Perimeter
The perimeter of the store typically offers the healthiest and most natural options. These items are best for your loved one’s body and budget. Encourage your loved one to look down as well. More expensive options are often kept at eye level. Look down on the bottom shelves for brands that can save money.
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 elderly home care. Services our caregivers provide include 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. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (916) 485-4663 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care.