How To Stay Safe When Grocery Shopping With Your Loved Ones
While the world slowly creeps into September, the Covid-19 pandemic is still very relevant and still remains a threat for everyone all around the world. With recent studies and news reports indicating that Canada is on the rise with Covid-19 cases, it is important to take extra precautions. Whether it be going to the bank or shopping for groceries, safety should be a priority for all individuals, and especially for senior loved ones as they are often more vulnerable.
In unprecedented times like these, things get tougher, and anyone can use a bit more help with their daily chores, especially seniors. Activities such as grocery shopping is something most of us partake in on a weekly basis. If your senior loved one usually shops alone, consider taking the trip with them. In this blog post, discover a few tips and tricks that can keep you and the ones who matter most stay safe while grocery shopping.
Plan Ahead And Stock Up
Planning in advance for grocery shopping can not only save time but also help people stay safer. If you want to help your loved ones with grocery shopping, begin by checking on their fridge and pantry and listing what is needed. We recommend making a two-week meal plan and ensuring that you list all the needed ingredients to do so. Keeping stock of what you have in the pantry and fridge is a good practice in general.
If you end up with an overwhelming shopping list, there are many useful mobile apps such as OurGroceries that synchronizes shopping lists from multiple users across multiple devices. Apps such as OurGroceries promote organization and a safer way of grocery shopping with loved ones.
Wear Your Masks And Sanitize Groceries
Studies indicate that Covid-19 can remain on surfaces for hours up to days. But touching surfaces is not a primary way to contract the coronavirus. Regardless, public health professionals advise all shoppers to minimize touching items as well as your mouth, eyes and nose. To add, continuously wash your hands with soap and water and/or use hand sanitizer to lower your chances of contracting the virus. Once home after a successful grocery trip, unpack your groceries and make sure to sanitize the bags and products for extra safety.
If for some reason you and/or a loved one is unable to go to a grocery store, fear not. Many stores offer no-contact delivery or curbside grocery pickup if you submit an order online. If this type of service is not available through your local store, there are mobile apps and certain websites which offer similar services.
Mail Order Prescribed Medicine And Drugs
We are fortunate enough to live in a time where we can have nearly anything delivered to our doorsteps. Loved ones who deal with chronic health conditions and require medication can receive their supply while remaining in the comfort of their own home. Garnering a couple weeks’ worth of medication for seniors is a major positive for their safety, limiting their trips to pharmacies and grocery markets. Try and keep an accurate list of all prescribed and over-the-counter medications you or your loved ones require.
The general rule of thumb is to limit grocery shopping trips to a minimum. By planning ahead and stocking up, your senior loved ones won’t have to risk making multiple trips for food and medication. Try and look for alternative shopping options such as non-contact delivery. Some grocery stores also offer special hours specified for seniors only.
While Covid-19 remains a threat, make sure to keep wearing a mask, remain socially distanced and constantly wash your hands. If you can’t make the time to shop with a senior loved one, worry not. Our licensed care aids can help your loved ones stay safe in place and complete daily tasks such as grocery shopping. If you have any questions about how we can help, please contact our Customer Support Team.