Friendly Help With Shopping & Errands
Support with weekly grocery shopping and other errands from friendly, trusted Care Professionals, to take the stress out of your week.
What is shopping and errands assistance?
Shopping and errands assistance is a type of practical support for anyone who finds it difficult to leave home unaccompanied or manage weekly routines, or for those with health or mobility issues that make errands more challenging, tiring or risky. Our Care Professionals help older adults remain independent at home and ensure they never go without the things they need. Shopping and errands assistance may include:
- Taking you to the supermarket to buy groceries
- Helping order online groceries and unpacking them
- Picking up prescriptions or other necessities
- Providing transport to and from social events or hobbies
- Helping navigate public transport
- Taking pets for a walk
- Helping with administrative tasks like posting letters
- Providing companionship
Why is shopping and errands assistance helpful for older adults?
Shopping can be a tiring, challenging and strenuous experience for older adults, and many rely on public transport to get to and from supermarkets which adds its own level of confusion and stress. Studies suggest those over age 85 are more vulnerable to stress, and this can cause symptoms like sleep issues and social withdrawal.
Assistance with shopping and other errands could ease your stress, provide a welcome dose of companionship, and increase your confidence, making sure you always have access to healthy food, toiletries, medicines and other necessities with the help of a trusted Care Professional.
Do I need shopping and errands assistance?
Recognising when you need additional support around the home can be difficult. If you find shopping more difficult than it used to be due to mobility issues, health issues, mental health concerns, or you simply find shopping to be a stressful experience that you would rather not do alone, shopping and errands assistance could help. Having someone around to support you with grocery shopping and important errands could remove this burden and enable you to enjoy outings in your local community with a Care Professional who always has your best interest in mind.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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I have had my care from Home Instead for almost ten years and things just keep getting better. I can’t praise them enough.Kevan, Client
Home Instead have been looking after my father for a few years now, without them we would not be able to manage having him living in his own home. They are always bright and cheerful and Dad enjoys seeing them.Bridget, Clients Family
We have been relying on Home Instead for nearly five years now and they have been wonderfully helpful and flexible throughout. I don’t know what we’d do without them.Carol, Client
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How to get started arranging shopping and errands assistance
Our helpful Care Professionals are adaptable as needs change, and always strive to do things the way you like. If you feel you could use assistance with weekly shopping, errands or social outings, we are here to provide flexible support options.
At Home Instead, we will strive to learn your personality and preferences so we can pair you with an experienced Care Professional who complements your interests and respects your routines, whether you would prefer someone to take over grocery shopping entirely, or you would like them to accompany you on weekly errands.
If you would like to speak to us about getting started with shopping and errands assistance, we are happy to answer your questions and discuss a package of support that suits you.
Why Home Instead?
Our friendly Care Professionals and helpful HQ staff offer support whether you need reminders to restock your pantry, help navigating the supermarket, assistance with stressful errands, or something else. We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
If you are considering shopping and errands assistance as the first step in your care journey, our services are adaptable so you can create a combination of care that works for you. We understand there’s no place like home, so our shopping and errands assistance helps older adults remain independent in familiar surroundings, retain control of their weekly routine, and stay a part of their community.
FAQs
What is included in help with shopping and errands?
This service provides practical support for everyday tasks outside the home. It can include grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, posting letters, running to the bank, or even buying gifts. The aim is to make these errands stress-free while ensuring all your needs are met.
Can someone accompany me to the shops or run errands on my behalf?
Yes, absolutely! You can choose whether to have a Care Professional accompany you to the shops, providing additional support and companionship, or have them handle errands for you. This flexibility ensures the service is tailored to what you feel most comfortable with.
How often can I get help with shopping and errands?
The service is fully adaptable to your routine. You can arrange help as a one-off, weekly, or as frequently as you need. We will work with you to create a schedule that suits your lifestyle.
What if my errands or preferences change over time?
Shopping and errands support is designed to be flexible. If your needs or circumstances change, you can easily adjust your care plan. This ensures the service continues to meet your expectations and supports you in the best way possible.
Who provides shopping and errands support, and can I trust them?
Trained and vetted Care Professionals provide this support. They are experienced and trustworthy professionals who take pride in helping individuals maintain independence and peace of mind. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your preferences with us and find someone who exactly matches your needs.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.