Poor mobility but not registered disabled

[BUMCHEESE]

My DM is 82 and can only walk very limited distances due to an issue with her legs and feet - a few minutes max. She is able to do this unaided eg without zimmer frame.

But from what I've read she wouldn't be classified as disabled or get any special treatment e.g. special parking or access to a wheelchair etc.

It makes doing things with her very difficult as we try to meet half way between our houses - my DC can't sit still for long so while we can meet for a meal it's stressful, and we have to find somewhere with parking close by etc.

AIBU to struggle to think of things to do and places to meet and to think provision for people like this is poor?

(Half way is around Windsor area, in case anyone has any suggestions!)

There's no such thing as registered disabled apart from visual and hearing impairments

Have you (assuming this is what you mean) tried applying for a blue badge for her?

She may very well qualify for a blue badge. If you don’t apply you’ll never know. Complete the form honestly but with the worst days in mind, not when she’s at her most chipper.

I am sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but there is no such thing as being registered disabled as such.

You can apply for a blue badge with medical evidence. Different councils have different criteria.

If your DM was in receipt of certain benefits like PIP then that can help a blue badge application, otherwise a GP letter or something.

As PP says, not sure what you mean by “registered disabled”.

Does she receive PIP etc?

What is stopping you from buying a wheelchair?

You can buy wheelchairs yourself - a basic lightweight companion-propelled one that you can pop in your car boot will be about £200 new, but you may find second hand ones. They are an absolute game changer for days out, if your DC aren’t still in a pushchair.

Have you spoken to your local council about a blue badge (which is the badge for disabled parking) she might be eligible?

In terms of access to a wheelchair, I dont know where you mean, but there isn't really a register of disabled people that qualifies you for this. Some venues, that have that specific facility, might want proof like a pip claim, bit others would just accept you saying she's old and has a leg issue and can't walk far.

I bought my dad a folding wheelchair from Amazon, it was about £200.

If you can't afford one, have a look at your local FB groups as plenty of people give them away.

She might qualify for a bb if she can walk less than 50m. Would she walk further with an aid like a rollator, can she use public transport? You could request an ot assessment for mobility and around the home, like grab rails. Are her mobility issues medically documented, if not arrange for her to see a physio to assess her.

I agree, if someone can't walk far options for days out or activities are very limited. Both my parents have extremely limited mobility ( neither will entertain a wheelchair) and it's virtually impossible to take them anywhere. I tend to drive them to where we are going, get them out of the car and then drive off to park. I find it really stressful, they move slowly and basically I'm illegally parked.

Most disabled people using wheelchairs buy their wheelchairs. There is no ‘special treatment’ for being disabled. A BB application can be done via her local council website. Also worth looking into to attendance allowance.

What do you mean by 'registered disabled'? There is no 'register' of people with disabilities. Not sure where this has come from?

She's too old for PIP but might get a blue badge. Remember to mention pain, breathlessness and fatigue after walking as well as while walking. Folding wheelchair has already been suggested. One with small wheels is easier to get in a car and a small car with a high hatchback will make things much easier than a big car with a low back.

Sounds to me like she'd be eligible for a blue badge for parking purposes. You don't need to be registered or on a passport benefit to apply under the discretionary rules. She'd just need support from her GP that she struggled to walk. If you think she'd benefit from a wheelchair, again, speak to her GP as they can signpost to access disability aids.

Attendance Allowance would be the benefit but it is more relevant for those with additional care and support needs than mobility alone.

Apply for a BB via the council. Fill it in for her worst days, not the good ones.

As others have said, there is no disabled registry, you have to apply for the BB yourself. Mine is council issued, although i'm now also entitled to one via my PIP claim.

She may qualify for a blue badge. the key to success is sending plenty of medical evidence to say why she can't mobilise far.

Does she have a blue badge if not ,why not?

This. I have hired a wheelchair myself, when going for short breaks, at home, and abroad.

I agree she needs BB but be warned some councils do not issue on old age and infirmity alone.

I hired a wheelchair from the Red Cross. It was simple to do, and was clean, and comfortable.

I can recommend the services provided by Windsor Shopmobility, mobility scooter hire for a very modest contribution. It’s right by Alexander Gardens which might work well for active DCs too. Might a mobility scooter work for outings?

https://www.people2places.org.uk/

There’s no such thing as registered disabled. She can apply for a blue badge and she will be assessed.

The Red Cross do wheelchair hire.

No such thing as being registered disabled. My dm has a blue badge following a knee replacement. Dm struggles to walk a long distance with out a break. You apply and provide evidence which might be clinic letters or a letter from the gp with a statement in support of the badge.

Sorry poorly worded - I mean have PIP / blue badge