01/11/2026
She hadn’t gone out on her own in three months 🌿
A client told us her mum had stopped going out alone. When we asked Mum why, she just said, “It’s too tiring out there.”
On the home visit, we walked with her to the front door. That’s when we saw it. She wasn’t unwilling to go out. She was afraid.
Three steps outside. No handrail on either side.
Many older people won’t say “I’m scared.” They say “I’m tired,” or “I don’t feel like it.”
On home visits, OTs look for these unspoken reasons:
· Is there anything to hold onto at the door and on the steps?
· Is the walk too tiring without a place to rest?
· Has a fear of falling made them move less and less?
Sometimes one handrail is all it takes to feel safe going out again. Some equipment and home changes may be supported through NDIS or Support at Home.
When did your parents last go out on their own? Tell us in the comments 👇
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Adapted from a real home visit. Details have been changed to protect privacy.
General information only. Please check with your own health professional.