Tips to Help the Elderly Shop Safely During COVID-19
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While avoiding social gatherings and staying home is a manageable task for most senior citizens, not regularly frequenting the supermarket poses a problem for many. Here are some practical tips to ensure elderly folks stay healthy and shop safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Plan Your Grocery Trip Wisely
Gone are the days of popping by the grocery store whenever you feel like it or remember something you need. If you must make a trip to the supermarket or pharmacy, be sure to consider what you plan on picking up and when the best time to go is. Since stores usually have an influx of customers on weekdays between 4 PM and 6 PM as well as weekend afternoons, it's best to avoid going at these times.
Instead, try making a trip early in the morning right when the store opens. Not only will there be fewer people to avoid, but the store will be freshly cleaned. Many stores have also implemented special hours for seniors to shop away from regular customers. Give your local supermarket a call ahead of time to see if they offer this service.
Once you've picked a low-volume time to visit the grocery store, be sure to bring a detailed list with you, so that you can shop as quickly and efficiently as possible. This will save you from having to make multiple trips in a week, lessening your chance of coming into contact with an infected individual.
Stay Safe While Shopping
When you go grocery shopping, it's important to do so safely. Here's how:
Always wear a mask. Even if the store doesn't require a face covering, you should wear one to lower your chance of becoming ill or transmitting the illness to someone else.
Practice social distancing. Stay at least six feet away from others. Following any arrows or other directions when going up and down aisles can help keep adequate space between you and other shoppers.
Be efficient. Try to shop as quickly as possible, sticking to the list that you brought with you. This helps ensure you don't forget anything and have to make another trip.
Bring hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Wipe down your cart before shopping and use hand sanitizer as you go. Avoid touching your face and hair until you've disinfected your hands.
Pay with a credit card. Use a credit card instead of cash to minimize the contact between you and the cashier.
Wash your hands. Wash your hands right when you get home, especially if you used the restroom at the store.
Rinse your produce. Run all fresh produce under the sink before putting it in your fridge.
Use Delivery Services or Curbside Pick-up
If your local grocery store offers delivery services or curbside pick-ups, take advantage of them. It's best for high-risk individuals, especially those with illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, to avoid running errands unnecessarily.
Skipping your regular weekly trip to the store may be a challenge for some seniors, especially those who use that time as an opportunity to exercise. However, you must remember that staying home is an investment in your overall well-being. By having someone else deliver your groceries to your car or home, you are taking a proactive step in keeping yourself as healthy as possible.
To stay active while avoiding risky trips to the grocery store, consider taking walks at a nearby park, going for a bike ride, or doing online yoga classes at home. Not picking up your own groceries may be a difficult adjustment at first, but it's a small price to pay to keep you and others safe in the coming months.
