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 becomes 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 Instacart.

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

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 Instacart 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. Caregivers or family members can assist in setting up an Instacart account, adding payment info and choosing preferred stores. 

Once you land on the main store page, you should be able to find everything you need and much more.

Tip: Choose a user-friendly device. Tablets and large-screen smartphones are often easier for those with visual impairments to use.

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. (Don’t forget the birthday cake!) The possibilities are endless.

3. Input your information

Once you fill up your cart with the essentials, input your personal information and place your first order. 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. Finally, make sure to inform your front desk of any upcoming deliveries they should expect.

4. Receive your order

Voilà! Your online grocery order should be at your door within hours. Instacart’s tracking system lets you see your shopper’s location and communicate with them if any questions arise on either end. These real-time updates offer reassurance and help seniors know exactly when to expect their groceries.

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 unable to make it to the physical store. By making grocery delivery simple, affordable and accessible, Instacart helps seniors maintain independence and eat well, all without leaving home. 

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 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.

Instacart gives seniors access to a wide selection of their favorite brands and local grocers. Shop everything you need (and more) on the Instacart 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.

Reduces 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.

Helps seniors maintain independence

Ordering groceries from your favorite local retailers via Instacart empowers seniors to remain self-sufficient and involved in managing their daily needs, all while staying safe and comfortable at home. They can keep snacks on hand for the grandkids and order ingredients for new recipes or family favorites.

Tips to make grocery shopping easier for seniors

Whether you’re new to online grocery shopping or looking to simplify your weekly routine, there are plenty of ways to make the process even easier. These simple tips are designed with seniors in mind.

• Use voice commands or a smart assistant: If typing is too tedious, use voice-to-text on your phone or tablet to search for grocery items. You can also ask smart devices like Alexa or Google Assistant to remind you to place an order or help you make a grocery list.
• Save your favorite items: Once you’ve placed a few orders, Instacart makes it easy to reorder your go-to items. You can review your past purchases, save frequently bought products to your favorites and even build custom lists.
• Schedule deliveries in advance: Prefer to have your groceries arrive before lunch or after a morning walk? With Instacart, you can schedule a delivery time that fits your routine.
• Leave notes for your shopper: Need a super specific item or brand? You can add instructions on any item in your cart to help your shopper find exactly what you want. This feature is especially helpful for picky eaters and those with other dietary preferences.
• Adjust accessibility settings: Getting your favorite food should never be frustrating. Fortunately, most smartphones and tablets offer built-in accessibility tools like larger text, high-contrast mode and screen readers. These settings can make browsing the Instacart app or website easier for everyone.
• Store your payment info securely: Adding your credit, debit or EBT card information to your account in advance helps streamline the checkout process and makes future orders a breeze. You can also add a backup payment method just in case.
• Share your cart with a caregiver: If you're shopping with the help of another family member or caregiver, you can both access the same cart to add or remove items before checkout. This is a great way to stay on the same page, whether you’re across the room or across the country.

These simple tools can make a big difference in your or your loved one’s quality of life. With just a few small adjustments, online grocery delivery can feel like second nature, so you can focus on enjoying your meals and other parts of your day.

Grocery delivery for seniors FAQ

Still have questions? We’ve got answers! Explore these frequently asked questions about senior grocery delivery services.

What’s the easiest way for seniors to order groceries online?

Instacart’s app and website are designed to be simple and intuitive, creating a senior-friendly grocery delivery experience. Browse by category, search for items and even repeat past orders to save time.

Can seniors use Instacart without a smartphone?

Yes, you can use Instacart without a smartphone. Instacart is accessible from any web browser on a desktop or tablet. Some family members also order on behalf of seniors using shared accounts.

What senior-friendly features does Instacart offer?

Large fonts, simple navigation and real-time order tracking help seniors feel confident. Some stores also allow for substitutions and special instructions, like requesting easy-to-carry bags. Reach out to the Senior Support Line for further assistance.

Are there options for free grocery delivery for seniors?

Instacart+ provides free delivery on eligible orders. Instacart also accepts SNAP/EBT for eligible items at participating retailers. Seniors using SNAP benefits may also qualify for fee waivers depending on their state and store selection.

Can Medicare or Medicaid help cover the costs of groceries for seniors?

While Medicare typically doesn’t cover groceries, some Medicaid programs or Medicare Advantage plans offer food benefits. Always check with your provider to confirm.

How can caregivers help with grocery delivery?

Caregivers can set up accounts, schedule deliveries, track orders and manage shopping lists for the senior in their care. You can even deliver to multiple addresses. Family members or home health aides can also split grocery costs and manage budgets directly in the app.

What if no one’s home when groceries arrive?

Instacart offers "Leave at door" delivery and real-time updates. Family members can also coordinate drop-offs with neighbors or building staff.

Are grocery orders customizable for dietary needs?

Absolutely. Seniors can filter by gluten-free, low-sodium, vegan groceries or other common dietary restrictions. There’s also a dedicated space to add notes for shoppers (for example, “green bananas only”).

Lending a helping hand with Instacart

Making sure you have your essentials is simple with grocery delivery for seniors. Instacart makes placing an order seamless. Lean on our team of live specialists from our Senior Support Lifeline to ensure you or your loved ones have everything they need. Browse the options on Instacart, and order delivery when you’re ready.