BLUE BADGES - experiences and questions

31 replies

EcclesCakesPlz · 10/01/2024 14:37

I've being trying to persuade my Mum to apply for a BB but she feels she doesn't qualify because she's not 'bad enough'.

I'm not sure myself how stringent the criteria are. I've completed the application online (the questionnaire part) and it says she may qualify.

She's almost 97.
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. I have to help her navigate big car parks (supermarkets) because her hearing isn't great and she isn't that aware of cars moving in and out of spaces.

She has macular degeneration. This is treated with injections, regularly. When she is being collected after treatment, her eyesight is blurred so whoever is picking her up (me or my sister) has to wait at the door in the car, although it's not really a parking area.

Very occasionally, on uneven pavements, she will use a walking stick.

The BB questions ask if she uses a walking aid(s).
They ask if she can only walk very short distances without stopping for breath (this isn't the case.)
They ask if she gets Attendance Allowance- she does.
They ask if she has medical conditions- yes, the macular.

However, she thinks these are not enough to qualify.

Is it worth applying?

OP posts:

Original poster

EcclesCakesPlz · 10/01/2024 14:50

@olderbutwiser Thank you. She does get AA (see my post) but only very recently after I persuaded her to apply. (I did the application for her.)

My Mum is a cup half full person (maybe that's why she is as old as she is!) and always thinks of what she can do on her 'good days' rather than the days when she isn't so good.

She still loves to shop, and it's often a real PITA trying to park close enough to somewhere, or navigate a multi storey car park with her, because I need to 'steer' her away from cars as if she's a toddler (especially electric ones that are silent.)

OP posts:

Mischance · 10/01/2024 14:49

I have a Blue Badge - I applied online and had to supply copies of various medical stuff/letters etc. I submitted all of this online. The decisions seem to depend on where you live, some areas applying stricter criteria.

I am not on any disability-related benefits, so that is not always relevant.

I find it immensely helpful as I can park nearer and, most importantly for me, can park in disabled spaces with more clearance on either side, as getting out of a car is painful for me if I cannot open the door to its widest. Most areas you park free with a blue badge - an unexpected perk!

The badge applies to the person, not the car, so you can use your car with Mum in it.

AgnesX · 10/01/2024 14:49

If you don't ask you don't get. Apply and ask her GP for input too.

anothernamechangeagainsndagain · 10/01/2024 14:48

It sound like she qualifies due to sight loss. Is she registered blind or partially sighted?

Age alone doesn't qualify you, a sprightly 90 something that can walk 200m unaided will not get a blue badge but this isn't the case here

LadyMary50 · 10/01/2024 14:45

Definitely do apply,my husband has problems getting in and out of the car because of foot drop so needs the extra space to be able to fully open the door and get his walking stick without falling over.Our doctor got Age Uk to come out and access him and they also filled in the forms and took the photo.He had the BB within 2 weeks.It may be worth speaking to Age Uk they are very helpful.Having read your post I’m quite certain your mother is entitled to a BB.Good luck.

olderbutwiser · 10/01/2024 14:44

I haven't read any further than "she's almost 97".

Just apply. Go slowly through the application, answering the questions as if she is having a bad day eg after her macular degeneration jabs.

You might want to horrify her by applying for Attendance Allowance at the same time (although that might make her feel a bit old).

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