Many aspects of daily life become challenging when you have reduced mobility, including weekly food shopping. From reaching to lifting and bending over, there is a lot of movement involved in food shopping. For most of us, this is no issue; however, those who have reduced mobility may find things more difficult. While you could shop online, you should always have the option of getting out and doing this yourself. Whether you have permanent disability or have suffered an accident that wasn’t your fault recently, here are some tips to make the process easier.
Plan your trip
First, try to do your shopping when the supermarket is quiet. This will include off-peak hours, before 9 am or after 9 pm. During the week, it will also be quieter than weekends, which can be chaotic at times. Check to see if your local store of choice is accessible with wheelchair-friendly ramps, wide aisles, and suitable entrances. Planning a list means you know exactly where everything you need is located in the store and avoid missing anything.
Use assistive tools
Supermarkets will usually have trolleys or vehicles for those who struggle with mobility, but there are plenty of other tools you can purchase to make things even easier. For example, reachers allow you to grab things high and low without bending or straining. Mirrors can be used to see things around you without needing to turn. Make sure to bring a wheelchair-friendly bag that won’t destabilise your chair.
Ask for help
If there’s ever a time when you are struggling and need some assistance, feel free to ask a member of staff or even the public. You’ll find most people are always happy to help locate and carry items. A sunflower lanyard can indicate you may need extra support, and there are often local charities that can offer assistance or transport services.
Leaving the store
Once you’ve finished your food shop, it’s time to secure and transport your items. Make sure you don’t overload a mobility scooter as it can affect safety and performance. Distribute weight evenly, with the heaviest items at the bottom of your bag. Straps or bungees can help prevent things from falling.
Doing a weekly food shop with reduced mobility can be challenging, stressful, and daunting. While shopping online can be a good solution, many people prefer to shop in-store. Hopefully, the advice in this post will help you make your weekly food shop more manageable and less stressful.
