Shopping Part V: Strategies for Life, Living Well with Vision Loss
Mary Beth Caruso, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
November 1, 2009
This month’s column concludes the series on shopping with information on ways to confidently pay with checks, credit cards and debit cards. Just as wallet organization is important for cash; it is true for credit, debit, and gift cards etc. Always replacing a card in a specific slot in the wallet can help to avoid the embarrassment of trying to pay for groceries with the library card. Some cards may be easily identified by color or design or they can be tactually labeled. Be cautious about placement of an identifying mark (notch, bump, tape etc.) due to how the card is run through a machine.
Instead of carrying cash, many individuals prefer to pay with a credit card. Carrying a favorite dark pen is easier than trying to find the store’s pen. The clerk can use this to put a dark line or X where to sign or place the card underneath the line. A simple signature guide can be handed to the cashier with the request to have them place it over the signature line. The signature guide can “live” in the same slot as the credit card in the wallet. The low vision devices that were used to help read prices can be of assistance when confirming the total cost and signing the credit card slip. Upon returning home a hand held magnifier, electronic video magnifier or another person can compare the cash register receipt with the credit card receipt.
Debit cards may cause concern regarding privacy and confidentiality so the credit feature can be used instead of the debit feature. Several large retail chain stores (i.e. Wal-Mart, Rite-Aid, Trader Joe’s and Target) are beginning to install tactile keypads to help customers independently enter confidential information on the touch screen, such as the PIN. In the meantime, low vision devices are helpful or a trusted friend can provide orientation to a keypad in an often frequented store. After being oriented, some customers have been known to use the same checkout aisle each time and have placed a tactile mark for guidance on the keypad.
When paying by check, some individuals will make the check out prior to going to the store; writing in the store name and only leaving blank the amount of money to be filled in. This can be done in the calm and comfort at home, using low vision devices or a check guide. Some stores stamp the store name; others insert the check into the register to complete the lines for the amount of money which automatically corresponds to the receipt amount. Ask about the process at customer service. Carrying a favorite pen and full check guide or raised/bold lined check is an option. If the register fills in the store name and money amount, a signature guide turned upside down matches up with the signature line for most checks.
Congratulations for doing the planning of making a list, going to a store, shopping and paying. Repetition leads to increased self confidence which leads to increased independence and control. Start shopping locally and then expand your horizons!
Perkins Outreach Services for Ages 55 and Older, Outreach@Perkins.org, 617-972-7643.
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