The Alternative Press

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, nearly 3.7 million seniors in the United States are malnourished.  For most older adults, it is difficult to maintain a nutritious diet for a number of reasons – it may be difficult for them to get to the store, they may be recovering from a surgery or recent illness and have a loss of appetite, dental issues might make it difficult for them to eat or they may not understand that the nutrients they need as an older adult are different than what they needed as a younger person. 

Whatever the situation, now is the time to take stock of your older loved one’s pantry and refrigerator and see if they are eating nutritious foods that will help them maintain good health.   In November 2011, Tufts University nutrition scientists unveiled a “My Plate for Older Adults” which provides detailed recommendations for nutritional and physical well-being in the aging population. 

If for some reason they can’t get to the grocery store on a regular basis, SAGE Eldercare has a Grocery Shopping and Errand Service that can help fill the needs of homebound seniors, age 60 and over (and their in-home health aides), or those who might need the service for a short term due to a recent surgery or illness.

In addition to filling specific grocery needs, a volunteer from SAGE can run errands to the post office, library, city hall, pet store, or drop off and pick up laundry and dry cleaning orders.  The main benefit to the service is that the older loved one in your life gets a weekly check-in or safety visit from someone who cares.  Additionally, caregivers are given a break so they can spend more quality time with their relative.

SAGE’s service is completely personalized for the client -- personal shopping lists are collected in advance, specific brands and sizes of items can be indicated for purchase, dietary-specific needs are accommodated, and coupons can be used upon request.

The shopping and delivery is done in Berkeley Heights at the Stop ‘n Shop each Wednesday for customers in Berkeley Heights, Chatham, Madison, Mountainside, New Providence and Summit.  On Thursdays, volunteers shop at the Millburn Shoprite and deliver groceries to customers who live in Millburn, Short Hills, Springfield, and parts of Union.

There is a nominal charge for the service and checks are collected early in the week prior to the shopping day.  For those older adults who have a relative, attorney or guardian overseeing the finances, checks can be sent in advance.  

SAGE’s Shopping and Errand Service has grown from three clients in 1998 to about 60 annually.   Each year, approximately 36 volunteers shop and deliver more than 1,000 orders and buy more than $70,000 worth of groceries.  The program was initially started by foundation grants. 

For more information on the service, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer for SAGE, please contact Marianne Kranz at 908.598.5514.