LymeNet Flash: Using motorized carts at the grocery store?

This is topic Using motorized carts at the grocery store? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by arg82 (Member # 161) on :

Hi Everyone,

I'm at a point now where my energy is so low that going shopping isn't really possible except on my best days (which are few and far between). I live with my parents so I don't really NEED to go out grocery shopping, but I would like to be ABLE to. The main obstacle is not having the energy to walk around at the store.

So, I'm thinking I should try using one of the motorized cart things that they have at the store but I'm not sure how to use it and I don't want to look like an idiot trying to figure it out. Does anyone use these? Are they helpful and easy to use? Are they available for anyone who needs them or do you need to have some kind of proof that you need it?

Thanks!

--Annie

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Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :

I haven't used the grocery store carts, but did use one at a big spread out estate garden kind of place. Could not have walked so far, especially on doxy in the sun. It was a snap. The only thing I noticed that my technique was a little jerky.

Very much doubt anyone will question your need for this.

Why don't you give it a whirl sometime, on a non-busy day when there are few other customers around.

Posted by arg82 (Member # 161) on :

Thanks so much for your quick responses! I've had trouble coming to terms with various things - I'm on a leave of absence from school for an indefinite period of time, I'm applying for disability, I'm applying for a handicapped placard to use on my "bad" days. Each thing has been hard to come to terms with but I've realized that these things are just to make my life better and allow me to live it to the fullest. Being stuck at home because I don't think I can handle walking is frustrating but if there are things in effect to help me, I figure I might as well suck it up and use them and have a more fulfilling life!

Yesterday my dad was going to the grocery store and asked me if I wanted to come. I said, "Only if I can ride in the cart." I seriously would have gone if there was an easier way for me to get around in the store - that's where these thoughts came from.

I haven't really scoped out the motorized carts at my grocery store but I've seen others use them. I think they're available there at the enterance - is this right? Any other info or experience would be appreciated. I like to know everything I can about something before going through with it.

I'll take your advice and try to go at a quiet time to try it out. I'm just so self-conscious and don't want to look like an idiot trying it out!

--Annie

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Posted by sapphire101 (Member # 6638) on :

I know how you feel. I feel really self conscious about using them but it means a world of difference.

I still won't use them in my hometown but if we go out of town I don't hesitate. I know I'm being silly for not using them here but we own a business and most people here don't even know I'm sick and I guess I've tried to hide it.

They will show you how to use them at the store. They are really easy and fun, too.LOL Hey, if we lived close we could race.

They never question whether you need one or not so don't worry about that. Most people know that there is such a thing as a hidden disability. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone knew that?

You go out there and hop on one of those and know that you need it just as much as anyone. Don't let that keep you at home like it has me so many times. Get out there and shop!!!

Take care,
Sapphire

Posted by docdave130 on :

just put on a Bush mask and use it.
nobody will even look at you a second time.
i have used these carts on and off for several years and rarely get looks from anybody. if you really feel self conscious about using one , which you shouldn't, get one of the ankle wraps and put it on your ankle .nobody will be the wiser and you will get no looks from anybody just usually respect and niceness.
the carts are in most food stores, wal-mart, target,bj's cosco, even home depot and lowes.
they are at the door and all you need to do is ask the person at the door if you could use the cart. some take a key, some flip on a switch.
they all run 2-8 mils an hour very slow and all have dead man switches that stop the cart when you let go of the switch.
they all have baskets and there are sometimes specific checkout lines for the carts.
i have never felt strange using one since they now make the wal-marts so big i can't even get to the back of the store, so why feel bad about using one if needed.
almost all store will either let you rtake the cart to the curb or like target they will back you a cart and somebody will wheel it out to your car.
everybody is very nice about the use of the cart, unfornately they have to be because the ARC laws for handicap people are very rigid and they will be sued if not in compliance.
so wheels away and ride back to the meat and deli department.

Posted by Annthenurse (Member # 5118) on :

The stores here are so big that I rarely have the energy to walk in them. I use a cart most of the time, except for the small stores. I have had times when I use a electric wheel chair in the small stores. My husband is visually impaired and hasn't driven since 73. Consequently, if I don't go grogery shopping we don't get any. I have gotten past feeling self conscious. If I want to do anything else that day, I had better use a wheelchair. Occasionally I will be feeling quite good and I don't have a lot to get. Then I may walk.
Ann

Posted by Corinne E (Member # 4670) on :

You guys/gals are so lucky. Here in BC (Canada) in some of the grocery stores, they have wheelchairs. How I found out is that one time when I got to the back of the store, I had to lie down (it was that bad). So one of the clerks said they had a wheelchair and would go get it for me.

She ferried me around the store with a backet on my lap. She made me laugh so hard, I got over feeling self-conscious and each time I came into store, all I had to do was ask.

Then the Superstore opened here in Abbotsford, but guess what - they had no wheelchairs, and wouldn't even carry my groceries to car. There prices are so much better, but they don't care about the customer. But about a month ago in Vancouver had to go to the Superstore, so I asked what their policy was, and yes they don't have a wheelchair, but were willing if I had a list to go get my groceries and carry them out to car. They said to complain to head office.

But you know what, it's too late. I will stick with my good old Safeway. Their prices might be high, but they do care about their customers better. I should write in local paper and Vancouver paper about this.

Now I find I am once again looking at needing this wheelchair. I really think the fluroescent lights have something to do with it. I am all right from car to entrance, but about 5 minutes later, my knees/hips start to hurt so badly and then just give out.

Now if I had a motorized cart, I would be in my glory. I hate asking for help.

Take care,

Corinne

Posted by minoucat (Member # 5175) on :

Well, if it helps any, I love to see people using the carts. They make me feel as if I am living in a civilized, sensible country.

Carts are such a simple, practical solution, embodying the concepts of self-reliance, personal dignity, and non-invasive community support. I think you should wave at everyone as you drive by, and ask them, "..and what have you done today to make this world a better place to live?"

Posted by arg82 (Member # 161) on :

quote:
Originally posted by minoucat:
Well, if it helps any, I love to see people using the carts. They make me feel as if I am living in a civilized, sensible country.
Carts are such a simple, practical solution, embodying the concepts of self-reliance, personal dignity, and non-invasive community support. I think you should wave at everyone as you drive by, and ask them, "..and what have you done today to make this world a better place to live?"

I love your take on this. Thanks. It really helps to make me feel better about doing this.

And thank you so much to everyone who has responded. I'm kind of excited to explore this more and scout things out the next time I go to a big store. I think some of my reservations about it come from being afraid people will think I'm just lazy. But I shouldn't be worried about what other people will think, just about how much easier it could make my life!

--Annie

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Posted by Monica (Member # 224) on :

I realize you're a lot younger than I am (I'll be 53 on Tuesday), but it is difficult for me too to make concessions because of this illness.

I obtained a permanent disability parking permit from the DMV in NJ because of "chronic Lyme." They accepted that as a reason without question. It took me a long time to break down and even apply for it; that's how vain I was.

As far as walking, it took me a long time to admit I needed a cane, but not quite as long to admit I needed a walker which I'm using now.

As far as grocery shopping, my kids and friends have been doing my shopping for me. I would use the motorized cart without question, but what would I do when I got home? How would I get the groceries in the house? I could bother my neighbors, but they are so kind and do so much for me anyway I really don't want to.

Not all disabilities can be seen. The hardest thing for me has been to ask for help, but most people are extremely kind and more than happy to help.

Posted by pq (Member # 6886) on :

Hi Arg,

Carts are easy to use.

I've found 3 different styles so far.

Always check the speed to get a feel for how it moves. Some carts have speed-setting dials; others you have to go by how far inward you press the handle.

Listen for strange noises when moving.
Don't use it if any strange noises.

Don't go over door saddles, and bumps too
fast, because you'll feel it in your spine, and hip joints.

I've had to give up my license, and other ID, then go back into store after shopping to get my lic. back.

Depending on the store, the owner/manager might trust you with a permanent key.

The key to the cart in one store may fit the key to a cart in another store.

[This message has been edited by pq (edited 03 April 2005).]

Posted by DC (Member # 6633) on :

Use the carts. It's your life and you need to take care of you.

I put off getting a handicap tag as long as I could. I feel like everyone is looking at me, I just turned 41. But going to the store is so much nicer being able to park near the door.
If I go the the grocery store I use the basket as a walker. When in other stores I use a cane.
Just bought an old riding mower so I can mow my yard. My neighbors have been mowing it for me. But I feel better being able to do it myself now. Plus I get out in the sun.

Do what is nessary to take care of you!

Posted by okie lyme (Member # 7130) on :

I really think the fluroescent lights have something to do with it. I am all right from car to entrance, but about 5 minutes later, my knees/hips start to hurt so badly and then just give out.

Corrine,
I really think you said a mouthful about the lights. I noticed especially at night at WalMart or anytime at Lowes, in a few minutes I feel like I've been run over by a Mack truck. I've been known to just sit down on a nice cool floor for a bit.
Does any one else feel better when it's clooudy, cool, and damp out?? I have arthritis but the heat makes me feel awful

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