Deniz Realty Partners Guide: What Retailers and Others are Doing to Assist the Elderly and Other At-Risk Groups
With the continuing spread of COVID-19, those who are at high risk for the virus should remain at home and avoid contact with others as much as possible. This rings true for immunocompromised people and the elderly, and we know many people are thinking of their parents and grandparents during these hard times. However, some retailers and other companies are finding ways to help older generations and people with underlying health conditions with specific shopping windows for them or curbside assistance. Here are some of their initiatives being taken to help those people that you should be aware of.
ALDI
On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30am-9:30am, ALDI is asking for this time to be reserved for elderly, expectant mothers and other at-risk groups to do their shopping.
CVS and Walgreens
Although Walgreens and CVS are remaining with their normal operating hours, they encourage their customers utilizing the pharmacy to use the drive-thru windows, in opposition to coming into the store. Both are also offering walk-in flu shots for those who haven’t gotten theirs yet.
Dollar General
The first hour of every day, with Dollar General opening at 8am, is dedicated to senior customers. Like Target, Dollar General is closing their stores an hour earlier for restocking and disinfecting.
Publix
Publix is holding their senior shopping hours from 7am-8am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for people who are 65 and older. Publix is also heavily sanitizing their store and carts throughout this pandemic.
Target
Target is reserving the first hour of every Wednesday for senior citizens, expectant mothers and other at-risk groups as designated by the CDC. Target is also closing earlier every night so the store can be disinfected and deep cleaned so those groups can shop stress free.
The Fresh Market
From 8am-9am, Monday through Friday, guest that are in an at-risk category or are elderly are invited to come do their shopping.
Trader Joe’s
Although Trader Joe’s does not have a section of time for senior shopping, they are giving senior customers priority in line from 9am-10am every day until further notice.
Save A Lot
Save A Lot is hosting senior shopping hours every morning, including weekends, from 7am-8am when the store is most clean.
Walmart
Walmart is responding to the COVD-19 pandemic by sectioning off a block of time for people 65 and older. These people will have an hour to go in and shop every Tuesday from 6am-7am to avoid contact with large groups of people. Walmart also offers curbside delivery when you order your products online if you are unable to make it during this time.
Whole Foods
Every day senior customers are welcome to come shop an hour before the store opens at 8am to come shop for their groceries. Additionally, Whole Foods offers free delivery to those with Amazon Prime.
Winn Dixie
Winn Dixie is closing their stores earlier every day to sanitize and deep clean their stores. Monday through Friday from 8am-9am, elderly customers are invited to come shop during this time.
Online Grocery Deliveries
Even though these stores are offering select hours for at-risk groups when the store is the cleanest, another option for to look into as a solution would be online grocery delivery services such as Instacart or Amazon Fresh. These delivery services bring the groceries right to your door, so you don’t have to leave your home and brave the crowds. Some grocery stores even have senior citizen discount days, which still apply when using a delivery service.
AmazonFresh requires you to be a prime member before signing up and only costs an extra $14.99 a month for grocery delivery. This is a great option if you need things other than groceries during this pandemic or already have Amazon Prime. The link to sign up is here.
Instacart is another great grocery delivery service offered in the Central Florida area. You can order groceries by an on-demand service or through a subscription, which is beneficial if you order multiple times a month. Instacart also has many coupons available to help you save money, and sometimes have deals for senior citizens so keep an eye out! The link to sign up is here.
Shipt is another grocery delivery service in the Central Florida area. Shipt also has a subscription service, and any orders over $50 dollars get free delivery. The link to sign up is here.
Meals on Wheels
If you know a senior that can’t afford to do any of the options previously listed, Meals on Wheels is a great solution. They help to provide home bound seniors with meals that they would not be getting otherwise. You can apply to receive meals here.
What You Can Do
If you know someone that is elderly or falls into an at-risk group, reach out and see how you can help them. This could be as simple as walking their dog or taking out their trash. Going grocery shopping for your grandparents or neighbor can help them decrease their chances of contracting the virus. Or you can volunteer for companies like Meals on Wheels to help your community. Apply to volunteer here. Just try to help other where you can!
Other Retailers and Tips
All of these retailers have been contacted at their local locations by us to confirm these senior shopping and at-risk customer hours. Many other retailers such as Best Buy, and Home Depot have reduced their hours and only allow a limited number of customers in at a time. If you have a specific retailer you need to go to, contact them to see if they offer senior shopping hours or curbside pick up to avoid the crowds. It is also crucial that during those designated hours you remain your distance from others and sanitize your hands often when touching things in the stores. Stay safe and stay home!