“Don’t hide away at home and feel sorry for yourself! Don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed by the illness. Don’t be excessively self-conscious when outside the home. Most people are very unobservant. Remember this…. Life has a lot to offer, even with PD.”
—ASH G., PWP
My mom wanted to maintain her independence for as long as possible, and part of this included doing her own shopping. Fortunately there are multiple ways to make shopping easier and safer.
If you are by yourself, make sure you have something to help you in case you feel like you are going to fall. Use a shopping cart with something in it so you can lean on it if you are feeling at all unstable. Walkers on wheels can also be helpful, but if you have problems with freezing, they might not be for you.
Mom used a walker on wheels for a time but eventually was unable to because her feet wouldn’t go as fast as it did, and the breaks weren’t fast enough. A great alternative to a traditional walker that is specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s is called the U-Step.
What’s great about the U-Step is that it’s not like pushing a typical walker. Instead, the U-Step surrounds you and moves with you. You feel as stable as you would holding onto another person’s arm. The brakes are unlike those on other walkers. When you lightly squeeze either brake release lever, the walker rolls with you. Once you release the lever, the unit stops immediately. (If you’ve ever used a luggage cart at the airport, it reminds me of these.) It is really helpful to have these types of brakes when you go to stand up from a chair because the walker won’t roll away from you.
If you aren’t feeling up for walking, most shopping malls have wheelchairs you can borrow for the day. Some grocery stores have them as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for one if you are feeling tired or unstable. Mom loved to shop, and it wasn’t fun when we’d have to cut the trip short because her legs had shut down. Getting a wheelchair meant we could go for the whole day without worrying.
Look for automatic doors when going in and out of stores. These are way easier to go through no matter what walking assistance you are using. It is also helpful to shop at stores that have family restrooms so your caregiver can come in with you regardless of gender.
A final trick is to bring your debit card when you are shopping. Most stores allow you to use a debit card, which is, as Mom used to say, “the greatest invention.” By paying with your debit card, there’s no fumbling for change or having to sign your name like you do with a credit card or check. This will help you avoid any stress you might feel about moving slowly or holding up the line.