It might seem mundane, but for many people living with dementia, grocery shopping can be an overwhelming task.

In a new initiative announced on Thursday, Coles Group partnered with aged care provider HammondCare to build mini supermarkets within high-care dementia and senior care facilities nationwide.

According to international research, people living with dementia describe shopping as their favourite activity. Photo retrieved from Sydney News Today.​

Mike Baird, former NSW Premier and now Hammondcare Chief Executive, said the organisation’s aged care facility in Melbourne’s east would have the first mini Coles on site.

"Research shows that those with dementia — often the activity they miss the most is shopping," said the CEO.

"It is all about independence; it is about dignity. It is about choice and about residents doing the activities they enjoy."

Coles Group CEO Steven Cain confirmed the stores would be small in size but big in range. Staff will regularly update the minimart’s shelves with items that reflect the tastes of their senior shoppers.

"Quite often, what they are looking for is smaller cuts of vegetables, smaller cuts of meat," said Mr Cain.

"A lot of them like brands they've gotten used to over their time."

The mini-stores will also be restocked for seasonal events like Christmas and Easter. As they prepare for special occasions with family and loved ones, this will help invigorate festive memories and feelings for residents.

Una Daniel is among the 500,000 Australians living with dementia and is a resident in one of HammondCare’s aged care villages.

"I'm very definite about what I want… and that needs to be taken into account," said the 83-year-old, who is excited about the mini supermarket only a short walk away from her cottage.

"I love soup, and I love fish. And, I love things like French bread."

Unlike the larger and more commercial grocery stores, senior shoppers will not have to deal with self-checkouts. They can simply choose the items they want and bring them back to their accommodation.

Visitors such as residents’ family members are also encouraged to patronise the little grocery stores.

Mr Cain added that the company was not foreseeing a significant move into aged care, but the supermarket giant recognises that a large proportion of their consumer base are seniors.

"As people go through their life stages from being a baby to being more elderly, we want to be able to serve them right through their life,” the CEO said.

“We’re committed to leading the way in accessible shopping, and this partnership is aligned with our purpose to help Australians live healthier and happier lives.”


We think this is a great initiative, but it would be great to see if Coles was also offering Senior Discounts? What do you think?

 

[Xe]

Aww this is precious!

 

[Vera]

this was something that was needed, thanks coles

 

[MJonkers]

Recognition and credit should be given to Jason van Genderen from @omas apple sauce , the originator of the idea of setting up a Coles supermarket at home for his Mum Hendrika who has dementia. Jason, from the NSW Central Coast gave recognition to Coles in his original video of the Coles shopping at home story ( during covid to keep the elderly safe),shared with millions of people world wide as his videos educating people about positive ways to care for loved ones with dementia have gone viral .

 

[Xe]

Recognition and credit should be given to Jason van Genderen from @omas apple sauce , the originator of the idea of setting up a Coles supermarket at home for his Mum Hendrika who has dementia. Jason, from the NSW Central Coast gave recognition to Coles in his original video of the Coles shopping at home story ( during covid to keep the elderly safe),shared with millions of people world wide as his videos educating people about positive ways to care for loved ones with dementia have gone viral .

This is so true though! Most people think they can't do anything to make a difference in the world but this just goes to show how one small idea can make such a huge difference to so many people.