A Concise Guide to Grocery Shopping for Seniors in the Age of COVID-19
It is hard to remember that just a few weeks ago the major concerns we had with grocery shopping for our senior loved ones related to healthy dietary choices and mobility.
Those issues are still concerns, of course, but we have new issues now in irregular store hours (click here for local senior shopping hours), worries about daily restocking of basic products and the recommendation that we keep shopping trips and social interaction in stores to a minimum. Getting a handle on healthy eating for older adults is still essential — and we’ve included a link to a downloadable document that offers dietary and nutritional guidelines from the National Institute on Aging — but it’s also important to have a plan for safely and reliably fulfilling those dietary needs before heading out the door.
First, prepare a shopping list that includes healthy items for all the meals and snacks that you and your loved ones will need between trips. Remember that along with the recommended healthy diet items, older adults may have special dietary needs based on medical conditions or prescription drug interactions. While you’re at it, this is a good time to make sure that any necessary prescriptions are up-to-date and ready to be refilled.
Next, check with your local stores for updated shopping hours and capacity restrictions. Many stores have limited their hours of operation to accommodate enhanced restocking and cleaning schedules, and some stores are now offering special senior-only shopping hours. You can also ask about curbside pick-up and grocery delivery services. With a completed shopping list in hand, it’s much easier to take advantage of the social distancing benefits of such services.
Overwhelmed by the new requirements and healthy shopping concerns? Don’t worry, we can help. Professional caregivers from Overture can assist with trips to and from the grocery store and with meal preparation. Contact us 24/7 for a free assessment to better determine your family’s needs: (817) 887-9401.
Source: ClearCare
