Food pick-up and delivery has long been marketed as a convenient and efficient service, but it has grown in popularity since the outbreak of COVID-19. This service is provided by a variety of firms, including Grubhub, DoorDash®, Postmates, and Seamless. Beyond these options, nonprofit volunteers can also assist seniors with meal collection and delivery.
This service is extremely beneficial to older individuals, particularly those who do not drive or have restricted mobility. Fortunately, the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia (SCNOVA) offers food pick-up and delivery for senior citizens.
Why Food Delivery is Essential for Seniors
Everyone, including senior family members and neighbors who may not be up for a trip to the grocery store or lengthy meal preparation, should have access to hot, delicious, nutrient-dense food. Some seniors may like to browse the aisles of their local supermarket before driving home to prepare a favorite meal, but this isn’t always the case. Cooking becomes more dangerous as people age, due to physical, visual, hearing, and mental health challenges.
It’s crucial for people to be mindful when using the stove and other kitchen appliances as they get older. When an elderly person’s eyesight deteriorates and they have a gas stove, it can be difficult to see if there is a spill that could cause a fire in the home. Similarly, if an older adult has tremors, it is recommended for them to avoid handling blades because they may harm themselves. Burners or ovens may be left on all night, increasing the chance of fire.
For seniors who no longer wish or are no longer able to go grocery shopping or to cook, having meals that are already ready-to-eat or only need to be heated up in the microwave is a good alternative. Striking the balance between maintaining freedom and dignity while also preventing unintended self-harm is important as we age. Senior meal delivery services can help with the balance, in addition to saving time.
What To Think About When Choosing A Senior Dining Option
When selecting a food delivery service, there are numerous variables to consider. You should evaluate everything about your loved one’s circumstances, from their physical capabilities to their financial situation. Begin by asking yourself the following questions:
- Is your loved one capable of preparing whole meals? This can assist you in determining whether your loved one would benefit from a shopping or meal delivery service. Some seniors enjoy spending time in the kitchen, while others find it difficult or dangerous due to mobility, balance, or memory concerns. Prepared meals that only need to be heated may be a better option for certain elderly people.
- Are there any dietary limitations that need to be taken into account? Look for selections that meet your loved one’s dietary requirements, and double-check meal options for potential drug-food combinations. Specific diets, such as diabetic-friendly, vegetarian, or low-sodium, are catered to by some providers.
- How many meals are required each week? If you’re thinking about meal kits or pre-prepared meals, think about how frequently your loved one will need them and what kinds of programs providers offer. Cooking a few times a week, alternating with kits or prepared meals, may be possible for you or a loved one, and this can help keep costs down.
Pickup and Delivery of Groceries
However, if a senior is able to function in the kitchen, but perhaps doesn’t drive, SCNOVA can provide pickup and delivery of pre-ordered groceries at any local store in the communities we serve.
Whether it’s necessary goods like eggs and milk, this service may make life much easier for seniors. It can not only assist older persons who do not have access to a car, but it can also ensure that they receive appropriate nutrition. According to Senior-Meals.org, one out of every six seniors is at risk of going hungry, and many are unaware of the various food aid programs that are available to them.
SCNOVA Now Offers Food Pickup And Delivery Volunteer Services
To learn more about our grocery pickup and delivery service, contact the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia today. We are a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 with the goal of improving the quality of life for persons 50 and over in Northern Virginia. We work hard to make sure our seniors are never lonely and that their physical and mental health is maintained.
Our more than 250 volunteers have been carefully vetted and trained to provide companionship and basic services to older persons in need, assist our clients according to their schedules, and build important, long-term relationships. For more information about our food pickup and delivery service, call SCNOVA at (703) 260-9568 or contact us online.
December 3, 2024, we ask you to please keep the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia in mind. As a non-profit we rely solely upon the support of community partners, grants and donations. To put your generosity into perspective, remember this, our funds go to enriching the lives of older adults in the communities we serve.