Important Senior Grocery Cart Features to Consider
Seniors need shopping carts designed for maneuverability, portability, and versatility. Get a shopping cart to prevent falls when transporting groceries from the store to your house. This list of senior grocery cart features will get you thinking about what is the perfect cart for your needs.
Long Grocery Cart Handle
Seniors need a long grocery cart handle. Therefore, a key feature for any cart for the elderly to help with shopping needs a tall handle or an extendable handle. Telescopic handles are a nice option as well as traditional adjustments. The key advantage of the longer handle is the reduced chance of bending down or over to grab the cart.
Wheels & Swiveled Wheel Grocery Cart
All carts have wheels. However, some models will have 4 wheels while others may have just two. When evaluating carts for elderly individuals consider the use case to understand which style and number of wheels are right for you or your loved one.
Two-wheeled carts can be more stable when not moving due to the fixed “legs” on the side opposite the wheels. Swivel wheels are an option that allows the senior to move the cart in different directions easily. These swivel wheels are akin to the wheels commonly found on luggage.
Foldable Grocery Cart
A foldable grocery cart is ideal for elderly residents of senior living communities that lack excess storage space at home. The cart easily breaks down to fit inside a closet. It also is helpful when bringing the cart into a shared transportation vehicle or when placing it inside the trunk of a small car. As a result, there are a variety of styles of folding carts. Depending on the design of the cart just the handle may collapse, while others may fold up like an accordion. There are also foldable wagons that serve as a cart for seniors which fold up as well..
Size and Space Capacity
The storage capacity for an individual cart is very important. Generally, the larger the capacity and size the heavier the cart will be without any load. As a result, finding the right balance is important. The right size for the cart is different for every older adult. How many groceries will be purchased on any given trip is important to consider. Do you generally have one bag of groceries or two or even three? That makes a big difference in picking the right senior shopping cart.
Seniors that have minimal storage space in a senior residence need to think outside the box. Letting your cart double as a place to keep a few belongings like a coat or umbrella which are used on trips outside the house is a good idea for maximizing the storage space of the cart.
Weight Capacity
Along the lines of storage and size capacity, it is crucial to consider the weight capacity when looking at senior grocery cart features and comparing models. The construction materials will impact the weight the most.
Construction Materials
Shopping carts for older adults come in many different styles often dictated by the construction materials. Some versions are made with heavier stainless steel and are very ridged and can take a beating. Other models are designed to be lightweight and constructed out of aluminum, vinyl, and plastic parts to reduce the total weight of the cart. Seniors traveling far distances with their carts may need the extra stability of heavier construction materials. However, overall, a lightweight cart is what most elderly want.
Secure Personal Items
A pocket to store personal items like a wallet or cellphone is important to look for when reviewing senior grocery cart features. Most are designed for loading a bag or two of groceries and that is it. However, having a secure compartment for a wallet, small purse, or cell phone is very helpful when out in public places.
Non Slip Handle
A non slip handle is essential. A quality grip on a shopping cart makes it easier to hold onto when carrying a load. Look for grips that will not slip to avoid causing a blister from prolonged use.
Quality Grocery Cart Characteristics
Seniors that are aging in place or living a senior living community need a quality grocery cart to assist bringing groceries and other goods inside. Rather than carrying a bag seniors should place the goods and food into a cart and then bring them in. The number one goal of seniors should be avoiding a fall and a well-designed cart will mean it is used frequently and reduce the chance of a fall from carrying mundane things like food and other items picked up while shopping.
A good cart should be easily maneuverable, portable and versatile in what it carries and where it can go.
Maneuverability
A smaller size cart is easier to move around. Avoid bumping into the end caps at the shopping center or hitting people trying to navigate through tight walkways or crowded city streets. Quality rubber wheels will transport over all types of surfaces and easily go over bumps and cracks in the sidewalk.
Portability
A lightweight cart is the most portable. Bring the cart wherever it is needed. Carts that are made of lightweight construction materials improve portability. The ability to fold a cart into a smaller size or even just drop down the handle means the cart fits into more places. It is essential to fit a cart into a cart or bus and then store it into a closet when not in use.
Versatility
While some carts are designed to fit just a single grocery bag others are adjustable or come with a larger carrying capacity. A versatile cart allows the senior to load the groceries for the day, but also add a blanket, spare coat or other items needed for the day. Older adults with grandchildren often will bring grandkids’ toys in a cart to make an afternoon ith grandma at the park extra fun. Have a cart that you feel comfortable taking into multiple settings.
Pick the Cart for YOU!
At the end of the day it is essential to get the cart that meets your needs. Some seniors only require a small grocery cart while others need a full-size foldable wagon. Don’t make a quick choice, review your options and get the best solution that meets your needs. Shopping for seniors does not need to be complicated, but if its too much online shopping is also always a good option.