Activity Overview
Grocery and retail shopping can be stressful for individuals with aphasia. It involves navigating stores, asking questions, understanding prices, and interacting with staff. This guide offers practical tools and strategies to support communication and make shopping a more confident, enjoyable experience.
Goal
Help people with aphasia and their families prepare for shopping trips using functional communication supports.
What to Expect
- Make a List → Travel to Store → Find Items → Ask for Help → Checkout
- May include reading signs, asking for assistance, or understanding receipts.
- Could be in large supermarkets, small stores, or online platforms.
Preparation Tips
- Bring:
- Written or picture-based shopping list
- Store loyalty card or coupons
- Payment method prepared (cash/card)
- Organize list by store sections (produce, dairy, etc.) – pictures help here too.
- Use a map of the store layout, if available
- Practice key shopping phrases (i.e.: “I need size 9”)
Communication Supports
- Use pre-written cards or communication aids:
- “I have aphasia. Please be patient.”
- “Where is the ___ aisle?”
- Point to items, use gestures, or show pictures on your phone
- Many people like to use a picture dictionary organized by category, such as the Oxford Picture Dictionary. Check out our Resources section for more tools
- Use a simple calculator or phone app for budgeting
Support for Family & Care Partners
- Help build and organize the shopping list; be sure that you allow the person with aphasia to lead the task.
- Encourage independent communication with store staff
- Offer backup support only if needed
- Model using communication aids respectfully
Real-Life Examples
“A recipe card. The peppers and green and over there (points to kitchen)” — Carla, person with aphasia
“My brother uses a speech app to ask for ‘apples’ or ‘rice.’ It helps the staff understand him.” — Sam, Care Partner
