If you have a spinal cord injury and is constrained to a wheelchair, your life will undoubtedly never be the same again. You will have to learn how to do a lot of things differently, including grocery shopping. Of course, shopping from a wheelchair will be a challenge, but it can be easy and quite fulfilling if you plan your trip to the store well.
Here are some beneficial tips that you can use:
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Go To The Most Accessible Store
While most grocery stores are accessible, there are those that are easier to navigate than others. Go to those with the widest aisles since narrow aisles can be a problem.
There are many stores with a flat, level entry and automatic doors, but there are others that do not have these. Smaller neighborhood grocery stores might have smaller entries than the larger stores in town. As such, you might need to travel to town if you want to have a hassle-free shopping experience.
Have A List
You know what you need to pick up from the grocery store but having a written list can be very helpful. You can group your items according to how they are placed in the store. Consequently, you will not have to move up and down the aisles in the store, looking for what you need.
Be Mindful Of Your Ideal Shopping Time
Being in a wheelchair or a mobility scooter does not rhyme well with encountering crowds of shoppers. If you know that the store is often packed with shoppers on Thursdays, avoid going then. Pick a time when the store is not crowded. This way, you will navigate freely without crashing into other shoppers. Even better, the assistants are likely to be less busy hence can assist you when you need any help. Moreover, ensure you find out when the store restocks to avoid missing out on any of your needs.
Bring Along An Aid
Being in a wheelchair means there are heights you cannot reach. Consequently, when you go to the store, you will need aid to help you get to highly placed items that you might need. You can bring along someone to reach for the things you might need on the top shelf. You can also use a mirror with a handle to see around bins or shelves that are far from you.
Use Home Delivery
Of course, it feels good to step out and visit your favorite grocery store. However, if you think you are not ready to face the hassles of going to the store, home delivery can be just fine. Even better, many stores have home deliveries and at an affordable rate if you order their products online. This is a great option, especially if the weather is unfavorable.
After incurring a life-changing spinal cord injury, getting out of the house and back into the community can be challenging but very important. Shopping for your groceries not only helps you to socialize but also increases your independence. If you are not okay going out alone, you can always bring along a friend to make the experience even more enjoyable.