Shopping for elderly

savemoney

I use to do voluntary work and sometimes took elderly shopping. It wasnt a free service the charity charged a small fee but I do it for free. I only packed it in because of other commitments

Februarycat

Dontknowanymore wrote: »

OP if you have an age concern or similar in your area, see if they have a service that will basicaly sgn you up, CRB check you then refer you to clients so you can do their cleaning or errands such as shopping.
Back when I done it a few years back it was around £6 per hour and the client paid you directly.

I did this awhile back as they were advertising and thought I could combine it with my cleaning job. I filled in the application form and spoke to someone on the phone about it who led me to believe I would get some work, I waited and waited and never got an acknowledge back even saying No was disappointed as I would have enjoyed this work. Oh well perhaps they will advertise again.

Dontknowanymore

Februarycat wrote: »

I did this awhile back as they were advertising and thought I could combine it with my cleaning job. I filled in the application form and spoke to someone on the phone about it who led me to believe I would get some work, I waited and waited and never got an acknowledge back even saying No was disappointed as I would have enjoyed this work. Oh well perhaps they will advertise again.

Did you contact them for an update?
I would give them another call.

Februarycat

No I didn't contact them. I am down for some voluntary work too got my CRB but not done anything else.

wayne1983

Dontknowanymore wrote: »

OP if you have an age concern or similar in your area, see if they have a service that will basicaly sgn you up, CRB check you then refer you to clients so you can do their cleaning or errands such as shopping.
Back when I done it a few years back it was around £6 per hour and the client paid you directly.

Hi there ive sent you a pm, many thanks.:beer:

casp1997

i do this for a lady she is disabled i used to work for a care company and when i left she cried asked me if i would do it on my own back i said i will i do her shopping at tescos go to post office pay all her bills get her money she is a freind now and she is all alone and would not no what to do with out me We have just done her furneral horse and cart i said do it no one else to leave her money to she as mail order firms she lives well And i will pop and see her in the week she rings me a lot as well she pays me a small fee but thats not what its a bout i cover my petrol and get her tesco points we are good freinds i have been going about 8 years now bless her
cas

casp1997

soolin wrote: »

Surely you would have to beat the £2 a shop delivered that Asda are currently promoting? Anyway, who would really do a good turn for someone in need and charge a wage for it? I can't see this being economically viable once you have paid tax and NI etc.

I have worked with the elderly and they like a shop done in store they dont like change and alot have not got computers and then they have to use a card to pay they dont like that i no As i go to a lady they love bargains i pick up for her in store
casp

magoogy

one of my first jobs from school was working for centrepoint, doing shopping for the elderly and disabled (i was in the office) - we used teletext on the tv and they could choose their shopping and phone it in to us. This was free as it was a government initiative at the time but, the funds were taken away so this part of centrepoint shut down. This was a shame as our customers really appreciated this service. Im sure there could be the need still but, there will be so many laws to get round, etc.....good luck

pineapple

Hermia wrote: »

I have never heard of anyone doing this for money.

They do but under the auspices of local councils or organisations like Age Concern or Anchor. There are also private agencies out there - which however generally pay peanuts.
As an ex sheltered housing warden I came into contact with all of them. I knew one private independent person. It had started out as contact through an agency.
Often people don't want a stand alone shopping service. In fact in my housing scheme, help with shopping (or personal care) was more popular.
If you are going to do this as a business you will need good public liability insurance and to cover yourself for accusations of theft/breakage/misappropriation of funds. It does happen!
As stated - many elderly people use a taxi for a weekly shop. It can be good for them as it gets them out the house. The other competition is deliveries from supermarkets. But increasingly popular, in my housing scheme was the delivery of pre cooked meals. As that gets round the cooking issue as well.
However we should try not to generalise. Many older folk continue to drive.
Nor is everyone is a sweet little old lady. Think picky, querulous and sometimes plain annoying! As for the men be aware the old libido is still there.

SailorSam

In the winter when the snow ans ice has been on the ground i've just gone and knocked to ask some old neighbours do they need anything while i'm out.
Never thought about getting payment but now you mention it maybe they'll remember me in their Will.