Blue badge

It's worth remembering that disability is not necessarily a sign of ageing. In these days of extreme sports, modern medical care for very serious illnesses, and modern warfare, disability affects more young people than perhaps ever before. They too will have applied for blue badges and other aids.

I have just succumbed to acquiring a blue badge as I cannot walk far without getting breathless. I also, at 73, consider myself has old and knackered, having got it. Although it will give me access to all those lovely NT houses and estates with car parks a long distance from the house. Because I hadn't fully read the booklet about double yellow line restrictions, I almost get a parking ticket me first time out!

Cheerytree59, my 93 year old mum has a badge and it's invaluable when we take her anywhere. She is very, very, slow with walking and is crippled by arthritis. She's had a badge for some years (renewed every three). I urge you to seek one for your mum. Kezia, please don't feel old! As you cans see from these posts, it's a badge to help all sorts of people!

The condition you have, is as you say, chronic, and nothing to do with getting old. And the badges are given for a range of reasons-simply getting older isn't one of them(nor should it be in my view). I'd use the badge when I really needed to. It may feel depressing at first but the benefits will outweigh that after a bit.

Kezia, I know how you feel, having had arthritis in my hip and leg for years to the point where I could not walk at times and could not handle a supermarket shopping trolley at all! I failed the blue badge assessment as I could walk with a stick! Not once have I felt old however, just "disabled", which does not make you old"! Cheer up and accept the Blue Badge and get on with your life! Best wishes.

DH helps people apply for Blue Badges via the Age Concern locally. He has yet to have a refusal.
Our DGD has had a blue badge since she was 3 as her mobility is compromised. I don't think that she considers herself "old and Knackered". It is useful when you need it.
What I hate are those people who are able--bodied and borrow a blue badge. It makes my blood boil!
Good luck kesia and only use the Blue Badge when you feel you need it; no-one needs know when you are feeling well!

when I applied for my blue badge it made me feel old and decrepit (70), but when it arrived I felt all my Christmases had come at once. It has made my life so much easier knowing I can park my car near to my destination. It has changed my life. I encourage anyone to apply if they think they need one. They can only say no.

My daughter is 38 and has had a blue badge for four years now. It has been invaluable in allowing her freedom to do shopping and also to have a dedicated parking space where she works. She has mobility issues and, without the blue badge, would not be able to get out and about - she really values the independence it brings. I would like to see the blue badge scheme devolved from having to be in receipt of PIP - Councils should be able to allocate them on a GP's recommendation. It really had made a huge difference to her day to day life.

I would contact her GP, Cherrytree. If I remember correctly - from when my mother was issued with one, they can help with the application process.

I was asked questions about going up and down stairs, walking round a supermarket, whether I got breathless ( I don't ) and other everyday things. It really wasn't too bad. You've got nothing to lose by applying on her behalf.

My 93 yr old Mil has dementia and difficulty walking ( the dementia shuffle)
she finds being out side very disorienting
Taking her for medical check ups is a two man job
One to wait with her as she cant be left by herself and the other to park the car.
I had considered applying for a blue badge on her behalf
but after reading your post luckygirl I think it would be unlikely that she would be eligible.

Good for you kezia it has nothing to do with age. D had a blue badge for GS when he was small as he had heart problems. Touch wood at 5 yrs he no longer needs it.

I've just ordered a RADAR key, too. And requested a parking bay outside my house.
In for a penny and all that

I have had a blue badge since I was 48 - owing to an accident and permanent disability caused by the tendency of my joints to dislocate and generally by hypermobile. It has meant a huge amount to my ability to get out and about as the bigger spaces mean that I can get a wheelchair or walker alongside the car.

I wish there was a temporary blue badge as my mobility is currently compromised and getting in and out of the car from an 'ordinary' car parking space isn't easy and its painful. No doubt if it were on offer for temporary problems then some idiot would misuse it and it would be withdrawn. It's amazing how small and restricted the world becomes when mobility is a problem - and there's a lack of loos as well!

Thank you, lovely people. I've just sent off all the documentation and I'll wait for it with bated breath. I live in a holiday town so it'll be useful once the season gets into full swing, that's for sure.
The assessment wasn't as bad as I'd anticipated; the questions were generally common sense and the assessor walked me through the car park to my car. I was quite taken aback to get it first time though

Go for it! We are not eligible for one, in spite of OH's PD and my mobility limitations - so if they are offering it, grab it with both hands! They make life so much easier in so many settings.

Oh please don't feel 'old and knackered' they are not prerequisites for a blue badge - just enjoy the new freedoms it may provide

Good for you for making your life a little easier. You are not old and knackered but sensible!

Now, could you let my stubborn bil know how brilliant is is!

Use it when you need it and just don't use it when/if having a good day! I wish I had one as I have neck and spine arthritis and can't carry stuff or push trolley far but because I can walk ok I can't get one.