Personal Shopping Services: Support and Convenience for Seniors
Over the past year as my mother turned seventy, I noticed her struggling with carrying things and getting tired quicker. Living in a different city and seeing her only twice a month I did not realize how much she was affected. When I noticed her pantry was almost empty, I felt an immense sense of guilt. I decided to sit down with her and chat about how she was living her daily life. She admitted that she could no longer spend hours looking for all the groceries and household necessities she required. She needed two days just to get her essentials.
Hearing of my mother’s situation I decided to look online. Since I could not help her with things like grocery shopping I could hire a personal shopper to get her the things she required. I found Tuktu Care, a senior care app. Along with other home care services, Tuktu Care provides grocery shopping services for seniors. Because using an app was most convenient for me, I decided to try it out.
Having an app was extremely convenient. When I first started, I received personalized recommendations for the provider best suited for my mother’s needs. I chose a provider who spoke my mother tongue, Persian, so that my mother would feel comfortable communicating her needs. I was able to choose a provider quickly as I could see a profile overview of the provider. Not only could I see the description provided by the provider, but I could also see the reviews and ratings left by other clients. The reviews left by others assured me that the provider, Cyrus, was suitable to help my mother.
With the app, I began scheduling grocery deliveries for my mother. I let Cyrus know that my mother could not eat foods with added sugar and he has always kept that in mind while shopping. After discussing with my mother I made a list of essentials on the app and added preferred stores; if she requires anything else, I simply have to update the list for that day. At times when Cyrus was unable to find an item he called up my mother to show her other options and choose a substitute she liked.
On Tuktu’s chat option, I can easily get updates after the service is completed. Going beyond his job description, Cyrus let me know if my mother seemed fine or if she was feeling down on a particular day. I feel comforted because my mother has a familiar face she sees at least once a week. My mother often tells me how polite Cyrus is and how meticulously he puts all the groceries in their place. My mother feels happy chatting with Cyrus and he says he is glad to have such an opportunity to practice his Persian.
Once while I was out of the country, my mother suddenly fell ill and was not able to get her prescription medicines. I was not worried as I knew Tuktu’s personal shoppers would be able to help my mother out. I booked a service with Tuktu and the Tuktu provider took a letter of authorization from my mother to pick up my mother’s medications.
A big part of why I trusted Tuktu is because all their providers are verified. All candidates are screened and have to complete a background check as well as an interview with Tuktu to become a provider. Knowing that the person going into my mother’s house was trustworthy put me at ease.
With the help of Tuktu, my mother can continue living independently. Tuktu’s services make sure my mother is eating properly. Since I started using personal shopping for my mother I no longer have to worry about her pantry being empty. I feel better knowing she is taken care of. The situation is ideal because my mother is an extremely independent person and she prefers outsourcing some of the work instead of having me constantly check on her.
Besides shopping for my mother, the social interaction my mother has with her Tuktu providers makes the service invaluable. Having a personal shopper meant my mother could comfortably rest at home and have all the things she required delivered to her house. With Tuktu’s attentive service, my mother does not have to worry about doing any heavy lifting.
Watch this video on Tuktu’s Personal Shoppers:
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