We all need to go to the supermarket and sometimes, we may find ourselves there on a regular basis. When we are standing in line, however, we recognize that it can be a frustrating experience. At times, the supermarket may be busy and the lines may be long but we need to be there, regardless.

One of the more frustrating things we may experience in line at the supermarket is a slow down when we are in a hurry. It just seems as if the line crawls but imagine how you feel when you’re at the front of that line and are holding up others. Nobody wants to be that person but we all find ourselves in that situation at times.

Recently, customers at a certain grocery store were noticing a slowdown. They then noticed a sign that the register that gave a rather interesting explanation.

This supermarket chain in Scotland realizes that sometimes, people just need some extra time when paying for their items. That is why they created a special checkout lane where nobody would have to feel rushed. It is particularly beneficial for older people who may suffer from dementia.

When a person has dementia and they find themselves at the cash register, they may get frustrated over pulling out some cash or a credit card. They recognize that they are holding up others and it can be a frustrating situation.

This special lane is also beneficial for people who have social anxiety, autism or even parents with small children.

This “relaxed checkout lane” can be found that the Tesco store in Forres. People in this lane can talk to the cashier, request assistance and just take their time when making a purchase.

Wendy Menzies is the brainchild of this particular project. She is a dementia advisor for Alzheimer Scotland and when she came to the store, she recognized the need. Many people in the community suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 25% of those individuals live alone.

An employee at Tesco recommended creating the relaxed space for anyone who needs it.

“It can help take some of the pressure off and hopefully then it will encourage people to still go out and about and participate in things that they’ve always done.”

You will find this line open certain days every week. Cashiers are trained by Alzheimer Scotland so they provide the best customer experience that they can.

The sign informs shoppers that they can take as long as they need. It also warns of the potential wait.

“RELAXED CHECKOUT

Feel free to take as long as you need to go through this checkout today

Please be aware that you may experience a wait to complete your transaction

Thank you”

More and more people are suffering from Alzheimer’s in the United States. By some estimates, there are over 5 million Americans dealing with the disease. This is a simple idea but it is one that may make a big difference in many lives.

You can learn more about this checkout lane and see it in action in this video: