BLUE BADGES - experiences and questions

[EcclesCakesPlz]

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?

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

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

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

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 ?

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!

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.