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Shopping without the stress after brain injury

Shopping without the stress

We tackle some of the common issues reported by brain injury survivors when shopping

Whether it’s a necessary trip to replenish our cupboards, or a browse to see what’s new in the market, shopping is a regular part of many people’s routines. However, it can become a challenging and stressful chore after brain injury.

In this series, we look at everyday activities that brain injury survivors may need to adapt. Here we discuss shopping after brain injury, tackling some of the common issues reported by brain injury survivors when shopping, as well as what can be done to make this an easier task.

Lack of understanding from others

People with brain injury may need assistance, or care and understanding from others while shopping. For example, they may need to take extra time with paying for shopping, moving around or choosing items. Staff and other shoppers may fail to recognise when someone with a hidden disability needs this level of support and may become impatient or even unkind.

  • Use your Headway Brain Injury Identity Card to quickly explain why you may need assistance.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help, patience, or understanding from others. It may help others to be more considerate if they understand why you may need to take longer with things.

  • Request assistance with packing your shopping bags so you can focus on taking your time with paying.

  • Consider buying and sticking a ‘hidden disabilities’ awareness sticker on your car as these will reduce the risk of getting hassled by others for using up Blue Badge parking spaces.

  • Go shopping with someone you trust, such as family or close friends.

Overstimulation

One of the issues reported to be especially problematic when shopping with a brain injury is ‘overstimulation with sensory stimuli’.

This means struggling with too much light or noise, or other information coming through the senses from the environment. Supermarkets can be especially busy and noisy places, with a bombardment of colours, sights,
sounds and smells that can all feel overwhelming after brain injury.

  • Go at a quieter time. Many supermarkets now have ‘Quiet Hours’ suitable for people with hidden disabilities, making the environment easier to cope with. You could also avoid shopping at times when it is likely to be especially busy, such as weekends or just before Christmas.

  • Wearing noise-cancelling headphones or sunglasses can often reduce the noise or bright lights that cause you discomfort.

  • Take some time to adjust when you get there. Some supermarkets have cafes on site that you can sit in beforehand to adjust yourself to the environment.

  • Keep shopping trips short and plan for rest. Making sure you spend minimal time in the shopping  environment and allowing time for breaks can change the whole experience.

Memory problems

Short-term memory is commonly affected by brain injury, and this can interfere with the ability to remember what needs picking up from the shops. Brain injury survivors with memory problems may also forget what they have already bought after shopping.

  • Rely on shopping lists and introduce a system that you are likely to stick to. For example, keep a running shopping list at home and add items to it as soon as you realise that you need to buy them. Consider whether you are more likely to use a shopping list on your phone or written on paper.

  • Cross items off a list as you shop, so that you can keep track of what you have already picked up.
  • Request printed copies of receipts and store these properly, so that you have a written record of items you have already in case you forget.

  • Keep a list of items you need to take with you when shopping (keys, wallet, shopping bags, Headway ID Card, coins for parking machines, trolley tokens), and stick it somewhere where you are likely to see it when you leave the house.

  • If you are visiting a large car park, take a photo on your mobile phone before you leave your car with a notable landmark that will help you to remember where you have parked. Delete the picture from your phone when you have returned so that you do not get confused between previous visits.

General tips

  • Consider online shopping, as this allows you to take your time with selecting items and removes the necessity of being in overstimulating environments or feeling rushed to pack your shopping and pay.

  • Consider seeking psychological support for learning to manage episodes of anxiety, if shopping causes you to feel especially anxious, and refer to the information in our publication Anxiety after brain injury.

  • Contact your local authority for a needs assessment if you need help with more activities of daily living than just shopping.

  • Find out whether there are any local voluntary community services that can help with shopping. Some local councils have this information available on their websites or check community noticeboard.

  • Ask family and friends if they would be willing to pick up a few items for you while shopping.
 

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