Member Article

New shopping service launched in County Durham

A North East care organisation which provides practical support for people living in their own homes has launched a new shopping service for residents across County Durham.

Durham County Council has introduced a new internet shopping service in conjunction with Dale Care – based in Crook, County Durham – called Home Shopping by Dale Care, which allows residents aged 65 years and over to remain independent, or supported at home, for as long as possible.

Home Shopping by Dale Care enables clients to set up an online grocery account with one or more supermarkets of their choice. The Company then co-ordinates and processes individual shopping orders and arranges delivery of the items to its clients’ homes.

This service means that customers are given access to a wide choice of supermarkets, brands and products as well as the opportunity to benefit from competitive prices and promotions.

As part of the service, Dale Care staff can also provide assistance in putting clients’ shopping away if they are unable to do so due to mobility, health or any other issues.

To coincide with the launch of Home Shopping by Dale Care, the Company has appointed two new staff members to help meet increasing demand as the service picks up over the coming months.

Glynnis Holland, director of Dale Care, said: “We are really pleased to have launched Home Shopping by Dale Care.

“The ability to carry heavy shopping bags is one of the first things that are lost as age and frailty increase. Mobility and strength decline, sometimes to the extent that a trip to the shops becomes a major burden or even an impossible task.

“With our new low-cost service, however, we can support elderly residents living throughout County Durham in ordering groceries online, which then takes the hassle out of their grocery shopping and ensures that they remain independent for longer.”

Denise Elliott, Durham County Council strategic commissioning manager, added: “This new service gives residents with health or mobility problems a wider choice of store, brands, products and delivery times when they are ordering their shopping and means they won’t have to struggle with heavy bags.

“As well as helping residents maintain their independence it also gives them the chance to take advantage of promotions and cheaper supermarket prices.”

Dale Care has already received some excellent feedback from its first customer, Mrs Scott. She said: “I am delighted with this service as it was so easy to use and everyone was so helpful. I have already placed my next order.”

Staff at Dale Care hope that the new home shopping service will become another valuable provision for elderly people living in County Durham, including older carers and those caring for older residents.

For more information on Home Shopping by Dale Care, please visit: www.homeshoppingbydalecare.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Harvey and Hugo .