We deliver Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. We do not deliver on weekends or statutory holidays. Services may be provided outside these parameters on a case-by-case basis to support the needs of the client.

We shop at all major grocery stores including Fortinos, Metro, Sobeys, No Frills, Food Basics Freshco, and Shoppers Drug Mart. If you shop at two separate stores and the orders are significant you will be charged for two full deliveries.

If a client is in need of service, but is not in control of their own finances we obtain a list from them or their caregiver, shop for them and deliver. However, instead of collecting payment directly from the client, an invoice will be sent out by our finance department to their trustee on a monthly basis. Trustee accounts are charged an extra $5.00 per order.

The Grocer-Ease program supports the growing number of seniors and adults with disabilities in our community, primarily those who are unable to get out into the community or does not have family supports in place.

The Grocer-Ease program delivers to seniors and/or adults with disabilities that meet any of the following criteria:

• Physical health problems
• Mental health problems
• Mobility/balance problems
• Medically frail
• Unable or struggling to carry heavy/bulky items
• Uses a walker, cane or wheelchair
• Does not have access to a car
• Does not have a reliable support network
• Recovering from acute or chronic hospital says
• Other circumstances deemed appropriate by the Program Manager

Philosophy of Care
Our philosophy is guided by our mission:

Our Mission
Our Commitment:

We provide quality services that enhance the lives of our clients.

Delivered through our Senior Services.

To assist seniors and adults with physical disabilities live a safe, healthy and independent life in their own homes and community.

Banyan’s Senior Services is funded by Home and Community Care Support Services, the City of Hamilton, and the United Way Halton & Hamilton.

Grocer-Ease is the only program of its kind in our city and it is far more than just a shopping service.

Our shoppers are experienced, well-trained and have all undertaken a vulnerable sector police check.

The Grocer-Ease program provides an essential link to other services in the community. For many isolated individuals in our community, this service is particularly helpful as the Grocer-Ease shoppers represent a vital connection between the client and other support services. Working with other community support service providers, including nutritional and falls prevention services, this program ensures that our clients’ health and other needs are identified and referred to appropriate services in the community. Read our client satisfaction survey to learn more about what our Grocer-Ease clients have to say.

In addition, Grocer-Ease provides extensive information and education on nutrition, eating alone, falls prevention, exercise, resources in the community and prevention against elder abuse.

Grocer-Ease is a valued resource in maintaining the health of seniors, vulnerable populations, frail/elderly, and people recovering from surgeries and other acute hospital stays. Without access to grocery shopping many of these individuals would either have to be maintained in a hospital setting longer or be forced to give up their independence and move to an institutional type setting.

What you eat affects your health. Research links good nutrition with risk reduction and disease management. Both the type and amount of food you eat impacts current and future states of health. Good nutrition means that you are eating the right foods, in the right amounts. Being nutritionally “at risk” means that you are experiencing problems that affect what and how much you eat. If this continues, more serious problems can develop. Good nutrition, like eating more fruits and vegetables, can decrease your risk for heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. It is important to eat the proper servings allotted to you daily. By not eating nutritious food, you will not feel your best each day.

Additional Resources:

Canada’s Food Guide

Dieticians of Canada: Planning Meals Using Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide

Dieticians of Canada: Cooking for One or Two People: Eating Alone

Falls and Poor Nutrition
Studies have shown there is a link between falls and poor nutrition:

• 20-30% of seniors experience at least one fall each year
• Falls are the cause of 85% of seniors’ injury-related hospitalizations
• 50% of all falls causing hospitalization happen at home (Taken from Public Health Agency of Canada)

There are several factors that, individually or in combination, put older people at risk for falling – one of which is nutrition. An unbalanced diet can result in poor balance and weakness, which contribute to an overall increase in the incidence of falls. The Grocer-Ease program works closely with Falls Prevention Programs. The Program Manager sits on the Falls Prevention Coalition of Hamilton to ensure that our clients have all the necessary information and education to assist them to remain safely at home.

Public Health Agency of Canada: Senior’s Falls in Canada

Public Health Agency of Canada: You Can Prevent Falls

Health Canada: Seniors and Aging – Preventing Falls In and Around Your Home