Logistics
Do you park close, possibly using a handicapped placard? Is it drudgery to walk through the store because you have osteoarthritis? Do you grab a manual cart as soon as possible to stabilize your walking? Have you considered driving one of the motorized carts which are typically available at the front entry of grocery stores? Point being -- you need to choose your mode of navigation and make it as easy on yourself as can be. Conserving energy as you navigate the store is the goal.
Be Organized
It helps to be organized with a prepared shopping list, and it's a bonus if you are in a familiar store and already know where everything is. Making a list that reflects the order of aisles can expedite the process as well (e.g., will you come upon produce first or the bakery?)
Heavy and Bulky Items
If you are buying cases of soda, water, or other drinks - think twice. It may be better to consider delivery for those items -- or buy them separately another day. If you fill the cart up with bulky items, you will reduce the allotted space for smaller items. You will end up with less of what you really need.
Highs and Lows
It has been my experience, that in a grocery store, 25% of items are above where you can easily reach and 25% are too low. But stores design their shelf layout for display -- not necessarily for ease of access by a person with arthritis. You need to adapt to their layout. Certainly, you can ask a store employee or a kind customer for help. Or, you can get creative -- take a reacher with you or find the aisle that sells long utensils, like barbecue tongs, and use them as reachers.
Checking Out
When you are ready to check out, don't worry about other people huffing and puffing behind you because you are too slow. Take items out of your cart at your own pace. There used to be stores that unloaded your cart for you -- but I think those days are gone. Once packed up, take the help offered to assist you to your car. You need to conserve energy for putting away the groceries at home.
Bag Priority Items Together
Have items that are intended for the regrigerator or freezer packed together. Those must go in the house first. If then, you need to rest, the other items can come in later. Now, be happy -- you did it!
Bottom Line
For a successful grocery shopping trip, you must:
- know your limitations
- organize
- prioritize
- accept help
And, don't forget, somes stores deliver and some offer pick-up service. Check out what's available in your area.
