Shopping can be a stressful activity for lots of different reasons, especially when its hot or cold weather, or when there is too much background noise causing over stimulation. Even just walking around can set symptoms off. Everyone feels MS differently so what may affect one person, may not affect the next.
It is very common for people living with MS to have an intolerance to heat or cold. Heat can trigger symptoms to worsen, especially fatigue.
Here are a few tips to help enhance your next shopping experience.
Erina Fair have free mobility scooter or wheelchair hire, and they are located just outside of Rebel Sports, where Target used to be.
There is no shame in utilising these free scooters and if you haven't used one before, it may surprise you just how liberating it can feel to be able to enjoy shopping and browsing without the stress of falling over or over doing it.
Westfield Tuggerah also have this program where you can hire scooters and wheelchairs for free. They are also participating in the Hidden Disability Sunflower scheme.
The Sunflower logo is a subtle way of letting the centre employees and retailers know that you may require additional support, assistance, or a bit more time when visiting their Centre. What a fantastic initiative. Free Sunflower lanyards can be collected from the Concierge Desk located on Level 2 near JB Hi-Fi
Westfield Tuggerah also offer Sensory headphones at no cost and can be hired from the Concierge Desk.
It is recommended that you call ahead to check availability. You can also ask them to put a scooter or wheelchair aside for a time in which you plan to shop.
Erina Fair Centre Management (02) 4365 8200
Westfield Tuggerah Concierge (02) 4305 5351
You can find more information about the hidden disability sunflower placard here
Do you have any shopping tips you would like to share with our fellow MS’ers?
You can join us on our private Facebook group to share your tips. This group is for people on the Central Coast NSW, Australia, that are diagnosed with MS, carers or loved ones with MS. This is to keep our local MS community safe and provide a place we can all feel comfortable to share and vent.
Cover photo by Rollz International: