Most states, including Florida, now have a “stay at home” order due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, this still allows people to go out for essential activities. One of the main reasons people continue going out is to get necessary supplies, such as groceries and medications. For elders and those with compromised immune systems, this can put them at risk.
While practicing social distancing and good hygiene will help, you still have exposure to others including the workers who deal with many people throughout the day. (Grab a copy of our pop-up checklist for safe grocery shopping tips and a planning checklist or contact us if you need a copy.)
Tips for Safe Grocery Shopping During Coronavirus
Here are some steps to follow:
- Try to minimize trips to the store. (See below for ways we can help.) The biggest risk of coronavirus comes from exposure to people. Use self-checkout when possible. And, avoid handing cash or your card to the grocery clerk but instead use the card reader.
- Wear a face covering while at the store.
- Wash hands before going out and when returning home. Use hand sanitizer while out.
- Wipe down the cart (most stores provide wipes).
- Try not to use your phone while at the store. Wipe it down when you return home.
- You can read more FAQs about wiping down packages, handling food, etc. in this Wall Street Journal article.
Local Grocery Stores’ Special Hours for Seniors and High-Risk Customers:
- Fresco y Mas and Winn-Dixie: The stores now welcome seniors and high-risk customers from 8 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday. Pharmacies are also open.
- Publix: Those 65 and older shop from 7 to 8 a.m. each Tuesday and Wednesday until further notice. Pharmacies will also be open.
- Walmart: The stores will invite guests 60 and older from 6 to 7 a.m. Tuesdays beginning March 24 through April 28. Pharmacies and vision centers will also be open.
- Whole Foods Market: Customers 60 and older can now knock out their shopping lists from 7 to 8 a.m. daily until further notice.
- Most pharmacies will provide free delivery currently. Contact your pharmacy. Others offer drive-through pickup with the ability to also get other items. If you need help, reach out to us and we can set this up for you.
If you are an elder or have underlying health conditions, experts recommend you avoid grocery shopping and errands. We’ll share some safe options for being sure you get the supplies you need with minimal exposure.
EasyLiving Grocery Shopping and Household Support
This is an ideal way to avoid grocery shopping during coronavirus while getting what you need safely. We even offer a great value “safe at home” package, which includes:
- Four hours of home care services (including services like cleaning and disinfecting high touch areas)
- $25 worth of groceries
- Up to 10 miles of travel to run errands, shop, etc.
Check out all the details of the Safe at Home Package.
Our caregivers practice hygiene precautions to help make grocery shopping during coronavirus as safe as possible. When they return to your home, they will take these precautions and help wipe down items and put them away for you. They can also help you with creating your shopping list beforehand and thinking about alternatives when items are not available. Our caregivers can help you with meal planning and preparation, to maximize your groceries and maintain a healthy diet too.
Planning and Resources
Planning is essential right now, to minimize extra trips and going out…and to deal with supply chain issues and service limits. Our team has helped set many clients up with delivery options, for groceries, medications and more. However, we also work with clients and families to navigate these options and plan ahead. Many grocery delivery services, for example, do not have slots available for several days. So, for many of our clients, they may use some combination of these services and our personal shoppers. We also help them with tracking what they have and what they need.
Additionally, we help with monitoring wellness and being sure their health and day-to-day needs are met. Many seniors are quite isolated at the moment…rightly so for safety, but this can create other issues. How do you know Mom is really doing okay? What happens when she is not able to see the doctor regularly? Is she eating well and taking her medications properly?
Our care managers have been working closely with clients and families to keep on top of these issues and find creative solutions. You can download our free Wellness Questions Checklist to help identify if your elderly loved ones are safe at home and have what they need.
Reach out to us anytime with concerns or to get help: 727-447-5845 or 813-333-5020.
