Defending seniors against this pandemic have turned everyday tasks into unusual challenges. Shopping for seniors is one of those necessary tasks that has taken on a new meaning. Back then, the only problem for seniors when going shopping was that their mobility aids had to be carried every time. Now, the pandemic also added to the problem. Even though shopping stores limit the count of customers to their store at a time and implement other safety measures, it cannot be easy to adopt social distancing in grocery stores, especially given the prevalence of high-touch surfaces.
For seniors, a trip shopping can be difficult and tiresome due to the logistics of parking or organizing transportation, navigating the store, and finding what they require. While getting the goods and supplies they require is critical, offering a secure shopping experience is also important. If you’re a senior, caregiver to one, or are out shopping and come across a senior citizen, follow these guidelines to guarantee that everyone has a safe trip.
Things worth remembering for shopping seniors
Keeping seniors safe when shopping isn’t that easy, but it does necessitate some effort and planning. Large stores and malls are full of hazards, many of which are especially dangerous to less mobile senior citizens. Planning ahead of time and taking a few measurements, a shopping senior will be happy and content.
- Choose stores that are easily accessible.
Accessibility is critical whether the senior you’re overseeing walks unassisted or uses a wheelchair. Falls, trips, and slips are more likely in narrow corridors, tight twists, and stairwells. Check that the store you plan to visit has broad aisles, aids like elevators and escalators once you’ve made a list of the possible path, and easy access.
It is also advisable to check if their escalators support wheelchairs or rollators. If you have questions regarding the store’s accessibility, ask the management. Even better, pay a visit to the store to inspect the premises ahead of time.
- Whenever possible, shop during daylight hours.
Although some store lighting is adequate, it is never as good as natural light. Seniors should shop during daytime hours to reduce the danger of trips, falls, and slips. When entering a store or mall, look for parking lots with plenty of natural light and stick to designated walkways.
- Locate a good parking spot ahead of time.
It’s the best and advisable idea to park as close to the stores as possible if traveling by automobile. You may need to do some research and planning ahead of time for this.
Seniors can arrange priority parking for them and those with mobility challenges by calling ahead and inquiring with store and mall management. Dedicated parking for these guests is almost available within a few yards of the door. Make sure to always have a transfer aid with you so that if you get out of the car, it is comfortable and quick.
- When it’s quiet, shop
For seniors, shopping during peak times can be extremely stressful. Furthermore, navigating busy retail locations raises the danger of an accident. It is why it’s crucial to pick the right time to go shopping with a senior.
Try to avoid major sales events like 50% discounts on stores. On Wednesdays, for example, supermarkets are typically less busy. It isn’t always the case, though. Examine your local mall or store ahead of time, and pick a somewhat calm weekday. Sometimes hearing aid accessories help seniors hear things, and sometimes it is better to remove them if it is too noisy around the environment.
- Make a to-do list
Seniors who make a list are less likely to forget essential purchases. Furthermore, by making each purchase as it’s done, there is less risk of purchasing the same item twice. However, there is a more significant reason to make a list: it will assist you in efficiently planning your journey. Roads, uneven sidewalks, and other risks can all be avoided. You can also reduce travel time and physical exertion by planning a sensible route.
- Shopping delivery/online
As you might expect, the safest food shopping advice is to avoid going to the supermarket. To reduce your chance of exposure, ordering online or using meal delivery services is the best option. Fortunately, older grocery delivery services have grown in popularity. Grocery shopping assistance for elders is already available in supermarkets today. Third-party services such as Amazon are now available worldwide, delivering goods safely to your home.
Things seniors should bring with them when shopping outside.
Pedestrian safety encompasses more than just persons walking in a neighborhood. It’s about ensuring the safety of all people in their community when and where they stroll. Senior adults are frequently engaged in pedestrian accidents because of their diminished physical, sensory, and cognitive capacities. Everyone must be aware of and work together to provide a safe pedestrian environment for seniors, regardless of where they are – especially when shopping. These are the things seniors should bring with them when shopping outside.
Wheelchairs are an option for seniors who want to get around. Wheelchairs make it easier for people to get around the neighborhood or even shop in malls. Wheelchair-using seniors have an active lifestyle and report a great quality of life and improved freedom and independence.
Mobility aids can often enable people to walk longer distances with less tiredness or pain. A cane, crutches, walkers, and rollators may be useful if you find that walking in every time you go shopping with a carriage is easier than walking without one.
For seniors suffering from uncontrollable urination but want to go out and shopping, the best and most probably important things are these incontinence products. Anywhere or anytime, incontinence products help seniors perform shopping without losing their confidence in public. Make sure that you, as seniors, bring the right amount of incontinence products for a long-lasting pleasurable experience when outside.
Final Thoughts
You or seniors should not worry about shopping right now. Our medical staff at AvaCare Medical takes care of it for you, ensuring that you have the best daily living aids to meet your needs. Many of our staff are delighted to help seniors have the greatest possible experience.
If you or your loved ones have any inquiries on how we keep our customers well and happy or if we can deliver you the experience you want to receive during this time, contact us via our email here at info@avacaremedical.com or phone us at 1-877-813-7799.
