Shopping Professionals Offer Peace of Mind for Seniors

Volunteer Cheri Suess and client Grace Underhill have a routine of checking off shopping list items together.

Written by Alayna Patterson, Redcross.org

"Female. In her 80s. On Social Security. Has impaired vision and uses a walker." This description is not of the average retirement community member, but of the average client in an innovative program that focuses on helping seniors maintain independence and enjoy staying in their homes.

In September of 1989, the Outagamie (pronounced out-a-GAME-ee) Chapter (WI) of the American Red Cross developed a program that allows the elderly, disabled and homebound a means to complete all of their shopping needs without having to leave the comfort of their own homes. The Shopping and Errand Program provides clients with a personal shopper for a minimal fee of $3 per errand/destination. Clients can set up regular weekly schedules or use the program just whenever needed. Outings include shopping for groceries, going to banks, picking up prescriptions and running personal errands.

Clients have the peace of mind that their errands are being taken care of by "shopping professionals" who do their best to meet clients' needs. Volunteers receive training in first aid and CPR. The chapter intends to add automated external defibrillator (AED) training soon.

The program has been a lifeline for many clients, including Grace Underhill, a retiree. "Cheri's my shopper and she does the best job. I just make up my list, and she finds everything on it. She goes out of her way to get the best produce and the lowest prices. She even uses my coupons."

One of the popular volunteers is 73-year-old Lee Ester who joined the Shopping and Errand Program after retiring from a career in public relations. Ester makes his rounds every Thursday for his group of clients.

"He's quite dashing and his clients adore him. In fact, they're so devoted, we call them 'Lee's Ladies,'" said Karen de Young, program creator and chapter executive director.

The program goes beyond just picking up groceries and dry-cleaning, as de Young explains: "We do more than run errands for our clients. This is their chance to connect with other people. Some of them have no one else, just Meals on Wheels and us." Volunteers often spend time visiting with clients while going over shopping lists or helping to put away groceries. It's a chance for volunteers and clients to get to know each other and share about themselves and their families.

What began with only eight clients has now grown to over 170. The seniors in this program are "vital, dynamic people who belong to a generation that does not believe in a 'free lunch,'" said de Young. Seniors contact the chapter seeking a means to stay independent and maintain their dignity - with the Shopping and Errand Program, the Outagamie Chapter is able to meet their needs.

If you would like more information about this program, contact Cheri Suess, Shopping and Errand Program manager, at (920) 733-4481 or visit the chapter Web site.

Click here for more Seniors and other Community Services news.