Grocery shopping can be a challenging activity for some seniors, which is one of the reasons many older adults rely on fast food and prepackaged meals. While those types of foods are usually fine in small quantities, seniors should try to eat fresh foods and homemade meals as often as possible. Grocery shopping also gets seniors out of the house and moving around, which could positively impact their physical health. Here are a few grocery shopping tips seniors should consider.
Start with a Meal Plan
One of the most effective ways to streamline the grocery shopping process is to come up with a meal plan at the start of the week. In addition to making shopping trips shorter, writing out a meal plan with all the necessary ingredients can reduce the risk of splurging on unhealthy foods. As an added bonus, creating a weekly meal plan is also a mentally stimulating activity that challenges cognitive abilities.
If your loved one needs assistance with planning healthy meals and grocery shopping, a home caregiver can be a wonderful resource. Roseville elder 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.
Choose the Right Type of Store
While most major grocery stores have similar products, there might be a few differences older adults should look out for. Those who are on the hunt for discounts might prefer warehouse supermarkets that sell larger quantities of food. If your loved one has mobility issues, that could be a factor as well. Public stores are required to make certain accommodations for people with mobility limitations, but some might not offer their customers options such as powered scooters.
Shop with a Partner
Another way to enhance the shopping experience is to turn it into a social event. If you’re currently caring for your loved one, you might want to enlist family and friends to take him or her to the grocery store once every week or two to interact with others while you get a short break from your caregiving duties. A shopping partner can also help your loved one lift heavy items and safely load bags into the car.
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 Roseville seniors can depend on.
Stick to the Perimeter
Wandering up and down every aisle is a fairly common habit, but that can lead to bad shopping decisions. In most grocery stores, all the fresh food is kept around the perimeter, while the processed products are found in the interior aisles. Around the perimeter, you should be able to find healthy options, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, dairy, and meats.
Consider Online Shopping
There may come a time when your loved one can no longer make it to the grocery store. If that happens, you might want to teach him or her how to shop online. Grocery delivery services are easy to use, and many of the biggest chains don’t charge any fees for delivery as long as the order is over a certain amount. With a food delivery service, your loved one will still be able to enjoy fresh ingredients and homemade meals.
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 homecare. 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. Rely on the professionals at Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate care for your loved one. Give us a call today at (916) 226-3737 to learn about our flexible in-home care plans.