Groceries Without the Chaos: Why Pickup & Delivery Are a Caregiver’s Best Friend

Let’s play a game called “How Fast Can a Caregiver Grocery Shop?”

Option A: Drag yourself (and possibly your loved one) to the store, wrestle a shopping cart that only turns left, dodge screaming toddlers, hunt for items that were definitely there last week, and stand in line behind someone paying in pennies while your phone buzzes with five missed calls.

Option B: Click a few buttons, schedule a pickup or delivery, and reclaim at least an hour of your life – while taking your LO on

If you picked Option A, congratulations! You enjoy unnecessary suffering. If you picked Option B, welcome to the magical world of grocery pickup and delivery—one of our caregiver ultimate life hacks.

Why Grocery Pickup & Delivery is a Total Game-Changer

Being a caregiver means that every spare second is precious. Between doctor appointments, medication schedules, and the never-ending to-do list, there’s never enough time in the day. So why spend it wandering grocery aisles in a half-zombie state when you could be doing literally anything else?

More Time, Less Stress

An entire grocery run now takes 5 minutes instead of 90. That’s 85 extra minutes for yourself (or at least to sit down and drink hot coffee for once).
No more standing in checkout lines while your loved one asks, “What’s taking so long?” every 30 seconds.
No more impulse buys because you wandered past the cookie aisle in a moment of weakness. (Okay, maybe one box of cookies makes it in. We’re only human.)

Fewer Germs, More Health

Flu season? Cold season? Stomach bug season? Skip the petri dish aka the grocery store during cold and flu season.
Your immune system is already working overtime—why risk exposure when you don’t have to?
Less time in public = less risk of bringing home germs to a vulnerable loved one.

No More ‘Oops, I Forgot Something’ Trips

Ever gone grocery shopping, got home, and realized you forgot the ONE thing you actually needed?
With online shopping, you can double-check the fridge and pantry in real time before clicking “checkout.”
Bonus: Most apps let you add to your order after checkout in case you remember something an hour later (hello, more coffee and snacks).

Less Hauling Heavy Bags

If your back already hurts from caregiving, the last thing you need is hauling 50 pounds of groceries from the store to the car, to the house, up the stairs…
Delivery = they bring it to your door.
Pickup = the nice store employee loads it into your car while you sit there like royalty (Remember to thank them profusely (or tip) – ’cause THEY are the real royalty for helping.)

How to Master Grocery Pickup & Delivery Like a Pro

Step 1: Choose Your Grocery Store’s App or Website
Most major stores have pickup & delivery services now! Some great options include:
✔ Locally: Thrifty Foods Grocery Pickup & Delivery
✔ Instacart ( if you have it – delivers from multiple stores)
✔ Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and other chain-specific apps also do pick up
✔ Amazon Fresh & Whole Foods delivery (in larger cities)

Step 2: Make Your List in Advance

Keep a running list on your phone throughout the week. That way, when you go to order, you’re not guessing what you need.
Most apps save your past purchases, so reordering staples is easy!

Step 3: Plan Your Pickup or Delivery Time

Try scheduling early in the morning or later in the evening for the best availability.
Some services offer same-day or even 2-hour delivery if you’re in a pinch – it depends on where you live.

Step 4: Save Money (Yes, Really!)

Compare prices between stores—some apps show price differences across multiple places.
Look for digital coupons right in the app—no clipping required!
Avoid the “I just came for one thing temptation” (because let’s be honest, when you’re not in the store, those end cap sales don’t tempt you as much).

What to Do With Your Extra Time (Instead of Grocery Shopping Like a Lunatic)

~Watch half a movie before being interrupted. (Caregiver reality: Full movies are a luxury.)

~Take an actual shower with actual hot water.

~Call a friend and have a real conversation.

~Read a book that isn’t about medical conditions.

~Go for a walk just because you can.

~Stare at a wall in silence for five minutes and just breathe. (Seriously, it’s underrated.)

Caregiver Hack of the Week:

“The Backup Emergency Order” – Create a saved grocery list in your app of must-have essentials (milk, bread, coffee, favorite snacks, easy meals). When life gets crazy, you can reorder in seconds without having to think about what you need!

Final Thought: You Deserve This Break

Caregiving is hard enough without wasting hours wandering a grocery store, dodging germ-covered shopping carts, and hauling heavy bags. Technology has given us a gift—USE IT.

So the next time you’re debating whether to brave the store or order online from the comfort of your sweatpants, just remember:

✔ Less stress.
✔ More time.
✔ Fewer germs.

And if anyone gives you side-eye for choosing convenience? Just smile and say, “I’m a caregiver. This is self-care.” Then go enjoy that extra hour of freedom. See you at the next stop! Choo choo!!

Your turn! Do you use grocery pickup or delivery? What’s your favorite time-saving trick? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we caregivers need all the hacks we can get!