According to Cathy Ellis, retired physical therapist, former clinical director of the spinal cord program at Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC (and my favorite aunt), grocery shopping can have extra challenges for older shoppers and folks with limited mobility, including wheelchair or walker users or anyone recovering from surgery or injuries.

Ellis, who has also worked in home health care, suggests going to customer service to ask for assistance when grocery shopping in person and utilizing the mobility scooters or motorized shopping carts available for use.

Ellis also recommends the American Occupational Therapy Association as a great resource for literature, advocacy and general support and tips regarding accessibility. 

Another accessibility advocate (and person related to me) Jim Wynne, a Certified Orthotist and Prosthetist (CPO), recommends finding out when your store is less crowded and grocery shopping at non-peak hours. Per Wynne, fewer people and carts in the aisle can give you more room to safely move around without feeling rushed or pushed. It also means the store’s customer service will likely have more bandwidth to provide you with proper aid.