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Elderly parents
Original poster

Elderly and frail - blue badge?

34 replies

redshoebox · 23/03/2018 19:02

My MIL is in her early 90's and is increasingly frail. She has had a couple of falls lately and is now very unsteady and can't walk very far, she needs to hold someone's arm. Does anyone know whether she would be able to apply for a blue badge to use when we are taking her somewhere in the car? I've looked on the government website, but it doesn't mention eligibility due to sheer old age.

OP posts:
Needmoresleep · 26/03/2018 07:36

May I ask a very basic question. Both I, and my mum's carer take DM to places in our own cars. DM cannot walk very far at all. Is there some way in which we coulld get a blue badge which could be used by the carer, me or both, only to be used when DM is with us? Parking is not good in key places: GPs, dentist, hospital, near beach cafe, but there are usually a lot of empty disabed spaces. Which means we often end up having to take taxis, and are deterred from taking DM for short walks/coffee.

Topseyt · 25/03/2018 22:47

I would think she should qualify. No harm in applying anyway.

My parents are in n their eighties and of increasingly limited mobility now. They have qualified for a blue badge each. Like your MIL, they were initially reluctant to apply, not considering themselves disabled, and not wanting to admit that they were starting to struggle.

They are now very glad of their blue badges though. They only regret not applying sooner.

pimlicolife · 23/03/2018 22:41

Hi there, the eligibility criteria is purely physical. The criteria is online if you have a good google.

If you apply they will offer an in person assessment if it's not clear from the information provided that your mother clearly qualifies for a badge.

In order to qualify you need to be virtually unable to walk. But you lose nothing by applying,

Original poster
redshoebox · 23/03/2018 22:31

Yes, to walk any distance, she needs a helping arm.
We haven't applied for anything yet, like I say she's been a trouper until a couple of weeks ago and it's gone pear-shaped since. There hasn't been time to think about stuff like that yet. It's only really come to a head since her last fall and the emergency hospital visit a couple of days ago.
She's my MIL, so DH and his siblings will be the ones to help her make decisions and sort out paperwork etc, rather than me.

OP posts:
AnnaMagnani · 23/03/2018 21:22

It isn't based on age but disability - ability to walk distances. If she needs to hold an arm and can't walk far then she should qualify.

Have you also applied for Attendance Allowance?

Original poster
redshoebox · 23/03/2018 21:16

Thanks for your advice. They are going to visit her house to see what adaptations can be made. Up until a few weeks ago she was very sprightly for a 94 year-old but she has suddenly become a lot more doddery and had several falls in the last ten days. A&E after the last fall with various minor injuries but she hasn't broken her hip thank goodness, and they didn't keep her in.

She's a stubborn character and reluctant to apply ("I'm not disabled!!!") but I thought it might be a good idea to find out a bit now, rather than leave it until later.

OP posts:
thesandwich · 23/03/2018 21:04

Some local authorities do assessments, but do apply- get advice from age uk etc if it helps.

NecklessMumster · 23/03/2018 20:37

it's based on ability not age, but it sounds like your mum would qualify and should definitely apply

daisy118 · 23/03/2018 20:35

Yes make an application online,Im sure her age will add to the situation.I applied for my mum aged 88 on discharge from hospital after a broken hip.They also require information on any medication taken,recent hospital admissions,their GP and record the distance they can walk.Mums application was successful,recall she did get a phone call to chat about her walking ability.