Welcome to my series on practical ways to help the elderly. You can read the introduction here. It will open in a new tab/window.
This is the 8th article in the series of practical ways to help the elderly.
In this post I am talking about the elderly who battle financially, not those who can afford to live in fancy retirement estates or live in comfort with their family.
The cost of living has risen and pensions have not increased. Many elderly have previously supported their children at the expense of their own financial needs. Covid played havoc with job losses. Children of elderly parents battled to support their own families and had to invest in the necessary technology to allow working from home and home schooling their children.
Most elderly are very proud, and ashamed to ask their family for financial help for basic needs. They have worked 40 to 50 years and their savings have gone. They may feel depressed and humiliated to be in the situation they find themselves.
Living with chronic pain and loneliness is frightening and increases feelings of worthlessness and leads to self pity.
Buy them what they need not what you THINK they need
You may justifiably feel miffed at their lack of gratitude with your shopping efforts and generosity, but when they are not consulted on what they need, they often receive products that they can’t use or don’t need.
In order not to offend you, they may hoard all the tins and packets of the products they don't need or want. Yes, oldies can be very contrary.
Before shopping consider the following:
Dietary requirements
Our ailments increase as we age. Diabetes, digestive issues, arthritis, fewer or no teeth limit what we can consume and digest without pain and suffering.
Essential Household Supplies
- Dishwashing liquid, all purpose cleaner, tea towels, wash cloths, steel wool may only be required every 2nd month.
- Loo Rolls, tissues, deodorant, bath soap, adult nappies and pads, moisturiser, hand cream, razors, shampoo are essentials that no elderly person wants to run out of.
- Over the counter medication. Pills for heartburn, antiseptic cream, paracetamol, plasters, denture fix, cough medicine etc are staples most oldies need.
- A favourite magazine, puzzle book, sweet treat or biltong will brighten their day.
What cooking facilities do they have?
- Do they have a fridge and freezer?
- Do they have a hotplate or a stove with an oven?
- Do they have a microwave?
- What cooking utensils do they have?
- Are they physically capable of cooking for themselves?
Shopping Lists
Each person's list will be different. Dave and I have a small whiteboard on the fridge. As we finish something or get to the last can or loo roll, we (try to remember to) write it on the board. Your loved one can take a photo on their phone of their list and send it to you. If they don't have data, they can sms the list to you.
Shopping Options
Take your loved one shopping
If it is feasible, combine shopping with a visit take your loved one out for tea and do the shopping together. Getting out and about is a great mood booster.
Shopping Online
Ask your loved one to give you a shopping list within your budget. You do the shopping online with Checkers 60/60, Pick n Pay ASAP, Spar, Woolworths and Dischem are very reliable. Dave and I do 90% of our shopping online and it is super convenient and removes a lot of the impulse buying. You just need to coordinate delivery times.
Food vouchers
Most super market chains have a food voucher option. You can send these via your banking app and they can redeem them at the shop.
Send Cash
It is quick and easy to send cash via your banking app which can be accessed via an ATM or most supermarkets.
However, you need to make sure they are able to easily get to the shops and back with shopping bags. Set up an UBER account and let them book their trips or you book them.
Bulk Buying
Some senior residential facilities have a small shop on site for essentials. Alternatively see if management or the residents committee is willing to assist with setting up a bulk buying system for residents. Instead of having to buy a bag of potatoes, they can buy what they need. This can be quite difficult but not impossible. During Covid, Dave and I had a system where we would order for several residents and split the costs proportionately.
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