Guide to Grocery Delivery for Seniors

Hot and cold food products, ready-to-eat meals and personal care and health products should be available to everyone — including those who can’t make it to the store themselves. As you enter your golden years, the simplest tasks can present unexpected obstacles. For some, once-mundane errands, like routine visits to the grocery store, may now feel daunting. 

As mobility becomes more limited, health concerns arise and access to transportation is more challenging, the convenience of grocery delivery for seniors may be the saving grace. Instacart’s services are a compassionate solution, providing access to essential items while preserving independence. 

Grocery delivery services for seniors

Grocery delivery service for seniors is similar to traditional grocery shopping, but you don’t have to leave your home. Don’t skip a beat in your daily schedule with the help of food delivery for seniors. Whether you’re looking for strawberries in season or testing out a new type of whiskey, you can find what you’re looking for on the Instacart online grocery store.

Looking for grocery delivery for seniors but unsure where to begin? You or your loved ones can place a grocery order online or use Instacart’s Senior Support Line, which is designed for customers over 60. Our team can help you set up your account and place an order for you if you need additional assistance.

Items you can get delivered 

Stock up on your favorite food and drinks, replenish your personal care products and even place an alcohol order. Add all your essentials (yes, we’re talking about sweet treats, too!) to your digital cart and receive your items right to your door.

Here are some items you can order through grocery delivery services for seniors:

Beverages:

• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Juice
• Soda
• Tea
• Water

Food items:

• Baked goods
• Chips
• Cereal 
• Cookies
• Crackers 
• Dairy products
• Deli items
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Frozen meals
• Granola bars
• Ready-to-eat meals

Grab it now on Instacart:

Land O Lakes Eggs, Organic, Large, Brown

Organic Valley Whole Milk

Barilla Classic Blue Box Pasta Spaghetti

Dave's Killer Bread Organic Good Seed Thin Sliced Bread

Fresh Bananas

Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper Mega Plus

Ben's Original Original Long Grain White Rice

Tide Ultra Stain Release Liquid Laundry Detergent, Original

Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels

Scotchgard Spot Remover, Carpet & Fabric, Oxy

Pet supplies:

• Pet toys
• Pet food
• Pet treats
• Pet grooming supplies
• Pet accessories
• Flea and tick treatment

Personal care:

• Beauty products
• Body care
• Eye care
• Ear care
• Deodorant
• Feminine products
• Hair care
• Oral care
• Shaving tools

Health care:

• Cold and flu medicine
• First-aid products
• Muscle and joint products
• Pain relief medicine
• Vitamins and supplements

Household essentials:

• Air fresheners
• Cleaning supplies
• Disposable drinkware
• Disposable plates
• Food storage containers
• Laundry supplies
• Paper towels and napkins
• Water filters

Books:

• Crossword or word search puzzles 
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Novels

Games:

• Playing cards
• Board games 
• Puzzles

How does grocery delivery for seniors work?

You can get groceries delivered to your residence with just a few clicks of a button. With Instacart’s easy-to-use interface, you can place your groceries in your virtual cart and continue your daily tasks. Instacart also offers a lifeline where you can chat with our helpful team members if you need any assistance. 

Follow these steps if you’re using the mobile app or desktop site:

1. Open the mobile app or desktop website 

To use Instacart’s food delivery service for seniors, you’ll need to download the mobile app or open the desktop website. Once you land on the main store page, you should be able to find everything you need and much more.

2. Add your groceries to your virtual cart 

Browsing through the online grocery store should be a seamless process — hit the “add to cart” button if you see something that piques your interest. Maybe you’re looking for pecans to spice up your salad toppings, or perhaps you’re hosting a 75th birthday party and need party supplies. (You can’t forget the cake!) The possibilities are endless with our digital store.

3. Input your information

Once you fill up your cart with the essentials (and more), now is the time to input your personal information. Make sure to include your gate code, building number and any other information your shopper may need. Don’t forget to add your contact information to ensure a seamless experience. Make sure to inform your front desk of any upcoming deliveries.

4. Receive your order

If all goes according to plan, your online grocery order should be at your door within hours. Try out Instacart’s tracking system to see your shopper’s location and communicate with them if either of you have any questions. 

Benefits of grocery delivery for seniors

Grocery delivery for seniors has its perks and could be a helpful solution if you or a loved one is struggling to make it to the physical store. Here are a few benefits of grocery delivery services to help you decide.

Enhances accessibility and convenience

Gone are the days of trekking to and from the grocery store. With grocery delivery services for seniors, you can order everything you need from the comfort of your home. Not only does it eliminate the need to navigate through crowded aisles, stand in long lines or carry heavy bags, but it also provides a solution for folks living in areas with limited transportation options.

Shop everything you need (and more) on the mobile app or website. Stock up on soups if you need easy freezer meals, or order peanut butter and apples for homemade dog treats.

Depending on your location and the time you place your order, you may qualify for same-day delivery.

Reduce health and safety hazards

Grocery delivery services reduce seniors’ exposure to potential hazards, including slippery floors, crowded areas and inclement weather conditions. It helps minimize the risk of accidents or injuries from lifting and carrying heavy items through busy stores — especially for those with balance or mobility issues. 

Getting your groceries delivered can also help you avoid potential exposure to contagious illnesses, especially if you’re immunocompromised. There’s no need to risk your health or safety; choose grocery delivery for seniors instead.

Provides caregivers peace of mind

Grocery delivery for seniors is a great way to give caregivers peace of mind. For seniors receiving care from family members or designated staff, these delivery options alleviate the responsibility of going grocery shopping, allowing caregivers to focus on other aspects of their caretaking role. These services reassure caregivers that their loved ones have access to essential supplies, even when they can’t accompany them to the store.

Lending a helping hand with Instacart 

Making sure you have your essentials is simple with grocery delivery for seniors. Instacart makes placing an order online or through our Senior Support Lifeline seamless. Lean on our team of specialists to ensure you or your loved ones have everything they need. Browse our online store, and rely on Instacart for support.

Instacart

Author

Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,500 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 85,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.