kskillma

Oh - I assumed it would have to be an official letter, like bank or DWP or something.. brilliant, I'll do that. Many thanks

Novocastrian

A bank works too but in my recent experience the GP practice will be flexible.

YMMV.

Novocastrian

The Blue Badge thing has become a bit less relevant since I posted about it earlier today. The old fellow took a tumble down a short flight of stairs this morning and is now in hospital.

We'll likely return from France in a couple of days but luckily my sister in law (who is a semi-retired nurse) is with him.

It's as bad as having kids.

kskillma

Oh dear - sorry to hear that! I was only saying the other day, your kids grow up and fly the nest and next minute you're responsible for your parents! I'm bringing my maiden aunt home from NZ after 45 years as she is lonely and scared. My mum (who is her twin) will be widowed later this year and also wants to return 'home' from Northampton. My challenge is to get them housed together but near me.... wish me luck lol!!!

Novocastrian

I wish you luck.

Editha

The form online on gov.uk does not exclude Scottish applicants.

On my mother's application I ticked a box: 'I am over the age of two and have a permanent and substantial disability which means that I have very considerable difficulty in walking.'

The next page of the online application said:
I sent off the form with the identification documents and fee and received the Blue Badge in the post, without any further assessment. Therefore I can only assume that my mother's great age was a factor in the LA's decision not to call her in for a mobility assessment.

Also, there is nothing at all on the form asking for a doctor's referral or report.

Editha

That's bad news. I hope he recovers.

Novocastrian

Moi aussi. Latest is that he's comfortable after a minor operation. We'll see what tomorrow holds.

Oi wey!

TrishP

As a former OT in Scotland and one who has completed these assessments and forms on behalf of clients and patients with mobility issues, I beg to differ re benefits - there is no requirement to be in receipt of disability benefits in order to be eligible. However, being in receipt of disability benefits can automatically make a person eligible, meaning that an assessment may not be required. The form should ideally be signed by a registered healthcare provider (OT, PT, nurse or doctor).

Dundee15

Thank you for correcting me.. looks like we were given incorrect advice from our local authority. When we applied for my mother we were told that unless she had disability benefits or a doctor was happy to confirm that she was unable to walk or had dementia she would not qualify on age alone. She was 86 years old and a bit unsteady on here feet.

TrishP

Indeed, age alone is not an indicator of need for a blue badge ... I know loads of seniors who are significantly fitter and more active than me!!
The golden ticket to getting one is to record falls/near falls on the application form.

Editha

Oh will somebody please look at the online form, which I've linked to in my post above, and tell me where it asks for either a doctor's signature, or has the space to 'record falls'?

TrishP

Rather than completing an online form and hoping some boffin in an office somewhere in England gets around to forwarding it on to the relevant local council, contact the local authority directly and ask for a form to be sent to you. You can then attach a letter of support to it, if you feel it is warranted. However, in my experience, if someone requires a blue badge, they also require other services, so a full assessment may be required by someone from your local Community Care team.

Editha

I completed the online form, and the 'boffin' (?) forwarded it promptly enough for me to get a blue badge for my mother a fortnight later.

A social care assessment is a completely separate matter, and will be carried out after a request to the local authority care team. I've also had experience of asking for an assessment recently. The waiting time in Devon, for non urgent cases, is currently over a month.

TrishP

Quite often, completion of the blue badge application is undertaken by the person who completes the social care assessment, most often the community OT working for the local authority care team (as I previously was).
A month-long waiting list is actually very very good for non-urgent cases - that's quite an achievement, the Community Care team is obviously very well managed.