BLUE BADGES - experiences and questions

I got one last year, I have rheumatoid arthritis, the process to get it was quite easy. Only drawback is, the disabled parking spaces are all ways full but you can park on some double yellows.

Just apply! It costs nothing to make the application.
ive done one recently for an elderly friend. For some odd reason computer said no before we even send the evidence. I rang a spoke to a person, they told me to appeal.
i did, and he got the badge. At that pint he was reasonably mobile and still driving. A week late he had an awful fall and is now far less mobile, so the BB has been so helpful.
Remember, give answers relating to your mums worst days, not her best. Be honest, but not overly optimistic!
and if it gets rejected call them!

Sounds worth applying to me.

How far can she walk from her home without needing a break ? Does she need to have another person with her all the time or can she walk places on her own ?

Nobody here can definitively say. All we can give us opinions which are worthless to your scenario.
you will only find out the answer if you apply. The worst that can happen is they say no

Can vary between areas, being 97 doesn't always qualify you, there has to be disability.

The advice we were given is apply on the basis of her worst day. I would apply.

I recommend applying anyway. How far can she walk unaided? At 97 her health is going to decline, so you're hardly telling lies to 'beat the system'. Do you think it would make a very old lady's life easier? If so, do it (in my post above I meant that telling her it would make your life easier, just so we're clear, to encourage her to apply)

My mum has arthritic knees and is aged 85. Her GP wrote a supporting letter and it was approved.
The council have also agreed to paint a disabled bay outside her house for her car but we are still waiting for that.

Your post reminded me of a relative of mine who also thought she wouldn't qualify at 94!
Their macular degeneration was more advanced than your DMs though so they qualified on that alone! But they manage to live independently and don't get Attendance Allowance.
I think it all depends how you word your answers. If you specify risk of falls, not able to walk up inclines, for example, you may stand a better chance. The blurred eyesight after injections is only a temporary disability so will not be a qualifying factor.

I don’t think it sounds like she would qualify because it sounds like she can walk a fair distance. The section on planning journeys might be worth looking at if she can’t go alone. I found accessing the BB very hard. It’s worth trying though because having it has transformed our lives.

Enhanced mobility isn't an automatic blue badge either

Being awarded Enhanced Mobility means you're now entitled to a Motability vehicle. If you want one, of course

Yeah she has the injections too.
Thing is, it's only occasionally and if they grant it, it can be used any time. I know it sounds horrible. I just know this as my Dad had congestive heart failure before he died and when his legs swelled up with water (common with congestive heart failure) he couldn't walk. At all. Not until he had fluid drained in hospital. They refused him a blue badge on account of him only occasionally needing it! Despite the fact that he had heart failure and needed to carry oxygen round with him if he left the house. Nope. It's very very strict.

However, if your Mum was awarded certain rates of PIP, she will automatically be awarded a blue badge. I know this as I have one! I have to send my PIP award letter in every time it's renewed and they issue it automatically.

She walks unaided most of the time, but when I take her out to shop, we do have to try to park as close to a store as possible.
A person can also be an aid. Does she go shopping alone most of the time or only with another person? Does she have to link arms with you for support or guidance instead of using a stick?

Under our council a standalone application (ie not with an automatic entitlement through CDP/ADP - Scottish disability benefits) will usually mean an OT assessment. I did one where I had to go to their offices in the next town.

I would like to think common sense would be applied and a decision made based on paper for someone who is 97, but some councils are not so sensible.

In this case then I don't think she'll qualify. My mum has macular degeneration (she's 79) and doesn't qualify. Also, even though her near sight is really bad, she's still passed the DVLA vision check for driving and is still the best driver I've ever met. When she has those drops you speak of, she just sits for 45 mins to an hour for her vision to return, before driving home.

It seems like she should qualify. I just applied this summer because I was loosing the ability to get in and out of the car (needed to open the door wide) and also to walk any distance at all really. It has made a huge difference. My condition progressed to me needing a wheelchair so I was really grateful to have it. I also didn't think I was bad enough and had to be encouraged to apply. I also didn't think I would qualify for PIP but was encouraged to apply and assessed for standard and enhanced mobility. Just to say it seems I am bad enough, i just didn't want to be and didn't accept it easily. X

I would apply for it on a falls prevention basis. My Mum is 94 and we finally applied when she was 91. I naively assumed they would nod it through because of her age, but I really had to argue her case with the deciding officer. She doesn't have mobility problems as such, but walking any distance tires her out and she has asthma. He finally said yes and I'm so glad he did as she has got a lot weaker over the past two years and her balance is deteriorating. It's been a godsend.

Certainly worth applying - and help her fill it in and make sure you are answering how she is on her worst days.

My mother has one. It's so very useful when I'm taking her anywhere. No more parking up right by the door then finding her somewhere safe to sit while i find a space.
Negotiating wobbly mother plus a load of shopping is way easier in a disabled space, even when we aren't using the wheelchair.
Have a chat with your mum and see if perhaps she will get one for your benefit, if not hers! * *