A carers' guide to getting out and about
- Suzanne Bourne
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
Depending on our caring situation, some of us may feel a bit differently about getting out and about. We may need extra planning and preparations to make a day out sail smoothly and sometimes getting out of the door can be an achievment in itself.
So we asked carers in the Mobilise community what are some of the barriers to getting out and about, and more importantly what solutions they had found.
1. We don’t all move at the same pace
We might be itching to get out again after for a long period of caring at home, or still feeling hesitant. That’s okay. It's important to go at our own pace, and let friends and family know what feels right for us. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and what works for us might not work for others.
If we're planning to have some time out alone - whether it be 20 minutes or a couple of hours - we've heard from some carers in our community that they've had success with organising respite. And when that’s not possible, asking a family member or friend to step in for a few hours can give us the breathing space we need for some mental clarity.
2. Small steps make a big difference
Simple outings can help us feel more connected and less isolated, and we don't need to travel far.
"I find doing one or two things in a week to mark increased freedom helps, if it’s possible..."
A few small step ideas from the Mobilise community:
A takeaway coffee on a park bench, maybe with a friend
A short doorstep chat
A wander around a spacious garden centre or open-air market
Shopping in a smaller, local shop - just buy a few items
Shopping at non-peak times
A trip to the seaside might be quite a mission, is there a patch of grass, open sky or water that is nearer?
A mini picnic
Join an outdoor exercise session or a walk and chat group
A trip to the zoo, farm or other outdoor attraction
A drive to somewhere with open sky or water
“I find doing one or two small things a week helps me feel like I’m rejoining the world, bit by bit.”
3. "Just popping to the loo!"
Toilet access can be a major barrier, especially when caring for someone who needs support. Here are some tools that can help:
"Just Can’t Wait" Card – a discreet digital or physical card to help access toilets
Radar Key – opens accessible toilets across the UK. We can also order them on Amazon.
Changing Places Toilets – offer more space, hoists and adult changing tables (check the Toilet Map)
Mobiloo – a mobile attended toilet service for accessible events. We can check with the organiser to see if they are providing this service
"Our challenge is access to toilets. When you care for someone with full personal care, finding a suitable toilet is quite an event. And typically we need to find one quickly."
4. Hidden disabilities
If we, or someone we care for has a hidden disability it can be hard to explain why we might need help or that communication might not be easy.
The sunflower lanyard has become a widely recognised way of showing we or the person we care for might need support, understanding and patience. These can be bought online or in larger retailers and include optional cards or icons to explain specific needs.
5. Feeling stuck or trapped?
Many of us can't leave the person we care for, and taking them out may not be possible or feel overwhelming. But there are creative options:
Start small with a gardening activity (or going to a nearby park)
Ask a friend to sit with them for an hour so we can pop out
Try a regular mini outing to shift the mood and break the cycle, slowly making them longer each time
"A change of four walls for even a couple of hours helps to break the negativity cycle"
If we are feeling that we might never be able to get out of the house again or that we are being left behind, it might be time to start thinking about further support. Our first steps for getting help and support with our caring roles blog might be a good place to start.
Things sometimes take a while to set up so starting now is the perfect time to start. In the mean time our carers' guide to getting stuff done without leaving the house blog might have some helpful tips.
Something for the wishlist
One carer shared:
"Bought a camper van for holidays but find it’s really good for days out as we have a flushable loo and running water for handwashing. A day out at national trust now can last all day using our van as a base. Freedom!"
Borrowing or hiring a camper van could be a creative solution too.
What's next?
Getting out isn’t always easy, but we don’t have to figure it all out alone. In the Mobilise Hub, thousands of us caring share ideas, and cheer each other on through the ups and downs. Whether we’re planning a first trip out, or just need someone who gets it, connect with other carers and receive practical support, 24/7.
