Grocery store trips can be physically demanding. They involve substantial walking, bending down and lifting. Seniors and people with mobility challenges may be unable to perform these tasks independently.
This is where grocery delivery services are not only convenient but, in many cases, necessary.
Features to Look for in Mobile Grocery Services for Seniors
“Aging in place” isthe ability to livein your home safely, independently and comfortably as you get older. For many seniors who wish to age in place, an easy-to-use, feature-packed grocery delivery service is essential.
Here are some key elements to look for in an online food and grocery delivery platform:
- Ease of use:Adding items to your cart and completing online transactions should be as effortless as a few clicks. The delivery platform’s website or mobile app should be straightforward to use and navigate.
- Quick delivery:You should be able to receive your orders as soon as possible, ideally within a couple of hours. Real-time delivery tracking can help you gauge when your order will arrive.
- Affordability:Many grocery and food delivery apps offer subscription plans. These memberships provide features like order and delivery discounts.
- Broad selection:The best delivery services allow access to a wide range of stores and products. They also offer alternatives for out-of-stock items.
7 Accessible Food Delivery Apps for Seniors
Grocery services should combine the above features to ensure a user-friendly experience for older adults. Below are some of the top food delivery apps for aging in place.
1. Instacart
Instacartlets you order itemsfrom various local grocery stores and retailers, including:
- Kroger
- Target
- Costco
- Whole Foods
- Walgreens
- ALDI
- Albertsons
Customers can set up an account for free or sign up for a paid Instacart+ membership. Instacart+ provides free unlimited grocery delivery for orders of $35 or more. Shoppers can unlock service fee discounts and other exclusive benefits through this membership program.
Instacart’s ease of use makes it simple to find and order the items you need. Best of all, you can receive your order within one to two hours. Instacart also offersa senior support servicefor shoppers over age 60. Its representatives assist with creating accounts and placing orders for those who need it.
2. Amazon Fresh
Amazon Fresh operates as both a brick-and-mortar store and a virtual grocery marketplace. Shoppers don’t need to be Amazon Prime members to order groceries online through this service. However, you can access various perks — such as same-day delivery in select locations — if you are an Amazon Prime member.
Youcan use Amazon Freshto order produce, meat and other items. Shop online by using the Amazon app or web browser and linking your credit card.
After completing this quick and hassle-free setup, you can start adding items to your cart. Amazon Prime members can receive free two-hour delivery on orders above $35. Amazon Fresh offers grocery delivery services in several major United States cities and excellent value for seniors.
3. Uber Eats
Uber Eats provides quick, flexible food delivery for seniors and customers of all ages. You can request delivery forgroceries and restaurant takeoutfrom local stores and eateries.
The app displays an estimated delivery time for your order. You can track your delivery driver in real time as they approach your residence. This service is ideal for older adults who already use Uber for transportation and have some familiarity with the platform.
4. Postmates
Grocery deliveryhas never been simplerthanks to Postmates. Whether you need a few snacks and beverages to stock your pantry or a fresh, hot meal, you can have all the necessities delivered to your doorstep. Additionally, you can receive it all in an hour or less.
You can order items with no delivery fee through Postmates’ unlimited subscription program. This plan is only $9.99 a month. It’s an economical avenue for seniors who are on a fixed income or require frequent deliveries. You can also track your driver’s progress on the mobile app through your Android or iOS device.
Postmates partners with thousands of stores and restaurants to bring customers everything they need in a timely manner. You can order from restaurants even if Postmates doesn’t directly partner with them.
5. Dumpling
Dumplingmatches you with a“personal shopper” in your area for grocery delivery to your door. Just enter your zip code and the app will connect you with an expert who frequents your favorite shops.
You can chat directly with your personal shopper, informing them of any dietary needs and substitution requests. Additionally, your shopper can make trips to different stores.
Dumpling provides a customized in-app experience for anyone seeking grocery delivery services. With personalized options and requests, seniors can feel more involved and included in the shopping process.
6. DoorDash
DoorDash partners with over 300,000 restaurants in cities all over the country. Its website and mobile appenable simple online ordering, bringing fresh, hot meals from your beloved restaurants straight to your door. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger or a crisp salad, aging in place becomes more enjoyable with your favorite foods.
DoorDash has all the fundamental features, including:
- Restaurant recommendations based on your order history.
- Rating and review systems.
- Scheduling requests for specific delivery times.
- Real-time driver tracking to see when your order will arrive.
- A monthly subscription plan for no delivery fees.
DoorDash is excellent for seniors who want to try new restaurants in their local area. The more you use the app, the more accurate your recommendations become. Besides restaurants, DoorDash partners with convenience stores, pharmacies and other businesses so you can expand your delivery horizons.
7. FreshDirect
FreshDirect delivers fresh produce, meats, baked goods and beverages. You can also find meal kits for easy-to-prepare breakfasts, lunches and dinners. A key feature that sets FreshDirect apart from other delivery services is that ithas its own inventoryinstead of using local grocery retailers.
FreshDirect primarily serves the East Coast, including metropolitan New York, Southern Connecticut and Central New Jersey. Delivery fees vary by location. You can also sign up for a DeliveryPass membership for delivery discounts.
This online grocery marketplace has a 100% freshness guarantee. FreshDirect promises its customers the freshest, highest-quality products at affordable prices.
Experience a More Accessible Lifestyle With Inclinator
Just like food and grocery delivery apps, home elevators make everyday living more attainable for seniors. At Inclinator, we manufacturesafety-code-compliant residential elevatorsto make your space more navigable.
Our products can be integrated into an existing layout or new construction plans. You can customize your elevator to fit your unique specifications, from door styles to cab configurations and lighting.
Inclinator makes aging in place safer and easier than ever. Finda dealer near youtoday to set up an in-home consultation.
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Inclinator Team
For generations, Inclinator has been helping families improve their quality of life. Eliminating the need to walk up and down stairs makes living in your home easier. It gives people in wheelchairs or those needing walkers the ease of accessing every floor of their home, giving them more years in the home they love, with the people they love.
