Find a CareRight job.
Browse All
Using public transport can support independence and open up opportunities to visit friends, attend appointments and enjoy days out. When someone has lost confidence in travelling, however, even a familiar journey may feel difficult.
Hazel had not travelled by train for six years. This week, with support from CareRight, she caught a train from Plymouth and spent the day in Looe on the south-east Cornwall coast.
The trip was an opportunity to return to a form of travel Hazel had previously avoided. It also gave her time to enjoy the journey itself, explore the harbour and have lunch beside the sea.
Confidence can diminish after a long period without using trains or buses. Concerns may include finding the correct platform, boarding safely, managing changes or knowing what to do when a service is delayed.
A supported journey can make these situations more manageable. The care worker can help with planning, tickets, luggage and movement around the station while encouraging the person to remain involved in decisions.
Hazel travelled with her wheeled walking aid. The day therefore required consideration of station access, boarding and the amount of walking involved after arrival. Allowing enough time and avoiding unnecessary pressure helped the journey remain comfortable.

Hazel and her companion began the trip in Plymouth. Delays affected the journey, requiring some flexibility, but Hazel was able to continue. She also spent part of the journey in a first-class carriage.
Delays can be unsettling for someone returning to public transport. Calm explanations and updated plans can reduce uncertainty. It may also help to carry refreshments, medication and contact details in case the journey takes longer than expected.
Progress did not depend on every part of the journey going exactly to plan. Hazel adapted to the delay and completed a trip she had not attempted for six years.
On arrival, Hazel spent time taking in the harbour and coastal surroundings. Looe is a fishing town in south-east Cornwall, with the harbour forming a central part of the town’s character.

A destination such as Looe offers different sounds, views and opportunities for social contact. For Hazel, the visit also provided a clear and enjoyable purpose for returning to rail travel.
Information about facilities, accessibility and planning a visit is available from the Looe visitor information service.
Lunch was a traditional portion of fish and chips, accompanied by a hot drink. Eating outside gave Hazel time to rest and enjoy a familiar meal before the return journey.

Rest stops form an important part of an accessible day out. They can help manage tiredness and provide an opportunity to review the remaining plans. The schedule should allow the person to leave earlier or stay longer according to how they feel.
The preparation required for a train journey depends on the person’s mobility, communication preferences and confidence. Useful checks may include station accessibility, platform changes, toilet availability, seating and the suitability of connecting services.
National Rail’s Passenger Assist serviceallows eligible passengers to request help with navigating stations, boarding and leaving trains, connections and luggage. Travellers should check the current service details with the train operator before setting out.
A gradual approach may be suitable for someone who has not travelled for some time. This could begin with visiting a station, taking a short journey or travelling at a quieter time. The aim is to build familiarity without placing pressure on the person.
Personal outcomes describe what someone wants to maintain, regain or experience through their care. Hazel’s goals for the day included travelling by train again and enjoying a visit to the coast.
Completing the journey did not mean that Hazel must travel alone in future. It showed that, with suitable support and planning, train travel could once again be part of her life. Further journeys can be considered at a pace that feels comfortable to her.
CareRight provides home care and personal support intended to help people remain involved in their homes and communities. Depending on assessed needs, this may include companionship, personal care, assistance with everyday activities and support to attend appointments or social outings.
Home care in Devon
Families can speak with CareRight about the person’s routines, travel goals and assessed care needs to establish what support may be suitable.
News
Explore CareRight, the rebranded Angel HomeCare, o ...
Discover your path to a fulfilling career in domic ...
Explore home care vs. care homes, discover persona ...
Discover effective strategies for promoting indepe ...
Unlock the potential of Domiciliary Care in bolste ...
Family get visibility on, tasks completed and care notes, so they can see how their loved ones are doing. CareRight uses CarelineLive to keep family in the loop Making up-to-date information accessible.