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!)

She's 82 so won't get pip

My DD has a similar level of mobility.

The answer is that you have to find places where you can drop her off near the entrance even if the parking is a little further away, specifically look for places where she can sit down frequently, and also consider places where you would be able to drive to pick her up if she has a bad day and can't walk back to the entrance. For your children, surely any play area that's not too far from somewhere you can park/drop her off with a bench she can sit on, is the answer? Take a picnic, sit and chat, watch the DC.

(And yes, provision of enough benches is woeful).

Does she have an access card? The criteria for getting one are less stringent than for a blue badge and it may open some more options.

Shop mobility schemes are generally helpful.

Cinema.

Theatre.

Open air cinema. Open air bus trips.

You/she can apply for a blue badge. She may also be eligible for attendance allowance if she needs care/assistance with other tasks.

if you take public transport then i assume its her that drives? if she has issues with her feet then is she safe to drive? i mean like can see feel them properly,move them fast enough to react/brake quickly

I get PIP due to my chronic issues, but she'll need attendance allowance. There are places like zoos etc. where you can hire wheelchairs and scooters. I hired one at the NEC in Birmingham as well.
If she can only walk slowly and in pain, then she cannot walk properly. I imagine she won't have a problem getting a blue badge.

Too old for PIP, but light weight wheelchairs are fairly cheap. Go with her to see her GP, he might write a statement to support a BB application. You don't know til you ask.

Your question was whether provision is poor for those with poor mobility

No you are not being unreasonable, provision is extremely poor for people who cant stand or walk that well

Bus stops dont have proper seating. Lack of benches all around. Shops are often exhausing to get around. Changing rooms often dont have seats in them so you cant sit down to get trousers on and off or shoes. Many other examples

You cannot do a first application for pip after retirement age.

many disabled people buy their own wheelchairs me included. Electric ones are good but many elderly people refuse to use one.

she can apply for a blue badge. Each council administers their own scheme and some are much more arsey than others.

you are not wrong that provision is shit but if she won‘t use a wheelchair or apply for a blue badge there is limited things you can do.

just curious, if your mother is 82, how old are your kids that they can't reliably sit still for long?

Not sure if anyone else has mentioned this, but rollators are also options for some people with mobility issues. I'm not as old as your mum but have chosen to buy a ByAcre rollator - they're not the cheapest, but mine gives me a lot of freedom I'd previously lost.

edit - by rollator I mean kind of an outdoor, more robust Zimmer /walking frame. Mine's foldable and also has a seat.

Try https://disabilityequipmentservice.co.uk/ for equipment.

9 and 12 but both neurodivergent

My dad drives her

My dad drives her. They would travel 2 hours for example

Thanks this is good to know if ever she gets the train.

I've realized part of the issue is that I think she would hate to use a rollator or wheelchair even though it would open up access for her.

So what’s actually happening is she doesn’t want to do any of the things that would help? Is that because they would affirm that she is now old?
Because she is. Old, I mean. Which is a privilege denied to many. So refusing mobility aids (that many young people have to use through disability) is very silly, really.
She needs to change her thinking. There are some funky mobility aids out there.. lightweight mobility scooters, bedazzled wheelchairs, trendy rollators.
She needs to understand that it’s her attitude that’s limiting things, not the lack of possibilities.

My mum has a similar level of mobility; although she can walk unaided when out, for short distances, she wouldn't for fear of falling. She has a blue badge, and its made things much easier.

@BUMCHEESE I wonder if you'd be willing to check out the social media for ByAcre rollators - the imagery is very different to some more traditional rollators. For me, some of the positives are my posture is improved - to a more natural upright position, I can walk at around what was my normal walking speed for short periods of time, I can rest whenever and wherever, and there's a choice of styles - depending on lifestyle.

@RollaterUserthey look good but what a price

My mum has heart failure and can walk 50 yards tops (very slowly!). She qualifies for a blue badge and attendance allowance.

Why don't you just go and stay with them or book accommodation close by? Spend time together lunching at theirs then your poor mum doesn't have to worry about her mobility issues. I realise you'd be doing the full 7hrs trip but if you're doing 5 already it's not much further.

I think meeting on the middle once someone is in their 80s with mobility problems may be a bit unrealistic.

I’d need to double check but afaik fil was not charged for his rollator after OT and Physio assessment. Also had bars etc put around the stairs and shower. Try contacting the local falls prevention team.

You may be able to get a roller with a seat on it from
Red Cross shops
Mobility shops
FB Market place
Free cycle