Too old to get a Blue Badge?

Dee78

Hi, I’m just wondering, is it hard for older people severely  disabled by arthritis and on  long waiting lists for hip operations to get Blue Badges? My Dad’s walking has got so bad that if he can’t park right outside a building, it’s too far for him to walk. He’s even using sticks indoors. 

His doctor was quite defeatist ( or maybe realistic?) and said he wouldn’t qualify for a Blue Badge. I’m confused, as I am a younger person who has PIP (high rate daily living and low rate mobility) I was able to get a Blue badge no problem. Yes, I have nerve damage in my feet, fatigue issues  and the badge is a life saver but currently I feel less challenged than my Dad! 

Any thoughts? Tips? Important elder people also given same access to public life.. 

Thanks 😊 

calcotti

It is true that because a person of pension cannot make a new claim for PIP so cannot automatically qualify for a Blue Badge on the grounds of a qualifying PIP claim. However they may still qualify for a BB.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge

Dee78

Thank you Calcotti, good to know. Very helpful.  I wonder why the GP was so negative about the chances? Is it harder to get a Blue Badge for mobility  if you don’t qualify for PIP ( ie too old to get PIP) 

calcotti

it’s harder in the sense that it has to be assessed. My dad had Blue Badge for many years but had never had PiP. 

Dee78

Thanks very much Calcotti, glad to hear that your Dad had a Blue Badge for many years without having PIP. Gives me the confidence to support my Dad in trying to ask the GP again about Blue Badges for him while he awaits his hip op. ( and the unknown length of wait!) 

calcotti

It isn’t the GP that issues the Blue Badge. It’s the local authority who do that but I think he may need a supporting statement from GP to accompany the application - that will depend on his local authority.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge

durhamjaide2001

I never thought it would be to old to get a blue badge because my great grandfather had one. PIP is only one of the criterias to get a blue badge. "If you're not automatically eligible
You can still get a badge if: you have long term problems walking or going to places - including problems caused by stress, anxiety or other mental health issues. you have severe problems using both your arms. (Sourcehttps://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/help-for-disabled-travellers1/blue-badge-scheme/applying-for-a-blue-badge/ accessed on the 3.2.23)  It would be worth looking into it anyway. 

anawilliam850

Hi The eligibility criteria for Blue Badges can vary depending on the country and local council where the application is being made. However, in general, the Blue Badge scheme is intended to provide assistance to people who have difficulty walking or who have severe mobility issues, so your dad may be eligible if he meets the criteria.

The fact that your dad is on a long waiting list for a hip operation and is using walking aids inside the home suggests that he is likely to meet the criteria for a Blue Badge. Arthritis can be a debilitating condition that affects mobility, and if it is impacting your dad's ability to walk, he may be eligible for a Blue Badge.

It is possible that your dad's doctor may not be fully aware of the eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge or the extent of your dad's mobility issues. You may want to encourage your dad to speak to his doctor again or seek a second opinion to explore the possibility of applying for a Blue Badge.

Additionally, there may be other forms of assistance and support available to your dad to help him manage his mobility issues, such as home adaptations or community services. Your local council or a local disability advocacy group may be able to provide advice and information about available resources.

Overall, it's important to ensure that elderly people with disabilities are given the same access to public life as others. The Blue Badge scheme is just one example of a service that can help make life easier for people with mobility issues, and it's important to explore all available options to ensure that your dad has the support and assistance he needs.

Dee78

Ana, this is such helpful and thorough advice, thank you!

We can use this information to go back to his doctor, and also thank you, good to think of other home adaptations or support he may need. Also re advocacy etc, all very useful.

Much appreciate all this and yes, elders with disabilities very much need access to all. 

2oldcodgers

anawilliam850 said:

Hi The eligibility criteria for Blue Badges can vary depending on the country and local council where the application is being made. However, in general, the Blue Badge scheme is intended to provide assistance to people who have difficulty walking or who have severe mobility issues, so your dad may be eligible if he meets the criteria.

The fact that your dad is on a long waiting list for a hip operation and is using walking aids inside the home suggests that he is likely to meet the criteria for a Blue Badge. Arthritis can be a debilitating condition that affects mobility, and if it is impacting your dad's ability to walk, he may be eligible for a Blue Badge.

Very well said - may/likely - but nothing is guaranteed no matter what the medical condition is. 
I hold a BB but my wife doesn't. We have tried to get her one for at least 6 years but are always refused. She is too old to apply for PIP but does get AA at the higher rate (day & night) One of her conditions that affects her mobility is Arthritis. She has it in her neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, hips and knees. In fact part of her AA award was because she needs help to get to the toilet day and night as well as trying to get her comfortable in bed at night/sitting down during the day. Walking causes pain which she is supposed to do and to walk through the pain.  The AA award is for life and was granted nearly 10 years ago. She is 79.
The council have had sight of the AA award each time and they tell her that it means nothing to them.
After 6 years of constantly applying she has now given up. Thankfully I am always with her so we both use my  BB as I do all of the driving.

chiarieds

Altho your wife doesn't automatically qualify for a Blue Badge, as AA isn't considered, & perhaps a moot point, but why would you want to pay for an additional Blue Badge? You mention that you are always with her, & are the one that drives, so unless anyone else drives your wife, then your Blue Badge is surely sufficient.

2oldcodgers

chiarieds said:

Altho your wife doesn't automatically qualify for a Blue Badge, as AA isn't considered, & perhaps a moot point, but why would you want to pay for an additional Blue Badge? You mention that you are always with her, & are the one that drives, so unless anyone else drives your wife, then your Blue Badge is surely sufficient.

It is but there have been instances of being admitted into hospital with my wife to find alternative modes of transport to be with me. Normally that would be one or the other of our children. In that case not having a BB of her own she has to put up with the difficulties of finding other parking sites. and the long walk involved.

ShirleyW

chiarieds said:

Altho your wife doesn't automatically qualify for a Blue Badge, as AA isn't considered, & perhaps a moot point, but why would you want to pay for an additional Blue Badge? You mention that you are always with her, & are the one that drives, so unless anyone else drives your wife, then your Blue Badge is surely sufficient.

Relying on someone else's Blue Badge is not really such a good idea.  Such as when the other person whose badge you are relying on is ill or in hospital.  And maybe one day this lady will be on her own and no longer able to rely on her husband. 

Also the Blue Badge is for parking help for the person it is issued to and not to someone else you are driving somewhere.  So technically it is breaking the law for the husband to use it to allow his wife to access disabled spaces close to where they want to get to.

I really do think the criteria for Blue Badges needs looking at for older people.  Yes you do expect your mobility to possibly reduce as you get on in years and that is why older people cannot claim PIP.  But maybe if Pensioners met the same criteria as the PIP mobility ones they could be awarded a Blue Badge but the PIP allowance.

I struggle to walk but because I only receive Attendance Allowance I have been unable to persuade my council to issue me a Blue Badge.  So, like @2oldcodgers , I have to rely on my husband's Blue Badge but it is far from ideal and the cost doesn't really come into it.  They only cost £10 for three years.

Dee78

thanks so much all for your thoughts Re my elderly Dad getting a blue badge ( while waiting for ever for a hip op) 
I agree, Shirley 

durhamjaide2001

Oh congratulations @Dee78 I'm pleased for him 

Dee78

ah, thanks!😊 Sorry, I missed out a word, he’s still trying to get a Blue Badge 🤞

durhamjaide2001

Oh ok 

DustinDejesus

Dee78 said:

Hi, I’m just wondering, is it hard for older people severely  disabled by arthritis and on  long waiting lists for hip operations to get Blue Badges? My Dad’s walking has got so bad that if he can’t park right outside a building, it’s too far for him to walk. He’s even using sticks indoors. 

His doctor was quite defeatist ( or maybe realistic?) and said he wouldn’t qualify for a Blue Badge. I’m confused, as I am a younger person who has PIP (high rate daily living and low rate mobility) I was able to get a Blue badge no problem. Yes, I have nerve damage in my feet, fatigue issues  and the badge is a life saver but currently I feel less challenged than my Dad! 

Any thoughts? Tips? Important elder people also given same access to public life.. 

Thanks 😊 

Hi there, I can understand your concern. Access to Blue Badges for older people severely disabled by arthritis may vary depending on the assessment criteria in your area. It's essential to explore all options and appeal if necessary.

Dee78

I just wanted to say thanks so much for your advice and thoughts!
Happy News😀 My 80 year old Dad did manage to get a Blue Badge! Let’s just hope after now a year waiting he does get that hip operation. It is sad how unecessarily disabled he is, while awaiting a standard and life changing op. 

Lou67

@Dee78
Oh that’s great news I’m so pleased it’ll give your dad the freedom he needs.
I hope he doesn’t have to much longer to wait for his hip replacement. So he can get out and use his BB. 

Take care 😊

Dee78

 Thanks Lou!☺️