Advice

How to apply for a blue badge for a person with dementia

Despite completing the online application providing proof of identity & actually paying for a blue badge several months ago & personally visiting their offices I still await a decision by Walsall Council who now wish me to attend a medical assessment in February 2020-
The officials don't appear to accept my diagnosis is a 'terminal illness' - having read other posts relating to people having significant mobility problems and still not being successful - I will be most surprised to get a positive result

Trying to get a blue badge for my husband who has PCA. He has 12 points on pip for mobility but we are being told he may well not qualify. I am mystified and frustrated beyond belief. Have already done the online form but now have numerous other forms to fill in.

I was diagnosed with dementia October'18 - following inclusion of dementia sufferers right to apply for a disabled badge I forwarded relevant information to Walsall Council- I was also asked to provide form DS1500 signed by my GP or consultant - guidance on completing this form refers to 'terminal illness' defined as a progressive disease where death as a consequence can reasonably be expected within 6 months. Has the definition been changed in respect of dementia ? I am presently fit to drive ( reviewed annually or before if my condition worsens) My question is - may a person with dementia qualify for a 'blue badge' if they have no current physical problems? Secondly why do local authorities have different requisites before issuing ?

I've applied for a blue badge for my mother who has severe Alzheimer's dementia. OCC will not accept evidence provided by her GP, they require completion of a form by an "expert assessor"
In her case this would be the psychiatrist who confirmed her diagnosis nearly two years ago and who hasn't seen her since. I have written requesting the consultant to complete this form but as her condition has (predictably) worsened drastically since he assessed her this would be no reflection of her reality even if he is willing to do it.
Blue badges for hidden disabilities has clearly been introduced without considerations of the realities Alzheimer's sufferers experience. There seems to be a misconception that they receive ongoing medical care for the condition post diagnosis which has not been our experience. Nobody, other than her carers, knows the difficulties she experiences.
I am however unhelpfully contacted by OCC social services every time my mother manages to get out alone as she is clearly at risk being incapable of finding her way anywhere or communicating verbally. For these reasons she is on their register of vulnerable adults , which the blue badge team have access to, but they still need further evidence of her lack of capability.

Similar situation to Tracey Longley above. I am so infuriated have written to the Secretary of State for Transport. The publicity regarding Blue Badges for hidden disabilities did not make clear at all the restrictions placed by the new legislation. For anyone who had their mobility assessment carried out prior to September 2019 beware - my wife was re-assessed in August 2018 and at the time I made it clear that the primary reason was to support a blue badge application. The assessor would not have been aware of the exact requirements of the new legislation and was, naturally, focussed on assessing to ensure the appropriate financial position was achieved. Therefore although my wife received the full 12 points for mobility this was not good enough for Surrey County Council. I am now considering contacting the BBC Victoria Derbyshire programme.

I have applied for a blue badge for my mam who has Alzheimer's and subsequently has no spatial awareness when out of the home. She cannot even recognise which car she got out of in a car park. We applied under the hidden disabilities criteria and have just been turned down for a blue badge because she is escorted everywhere which apparently negates the need for a blue badge.

My husband has Alzheimer's and when I started the on-line application West Sussex says we can apply after the end of August for people with 'hidden disabilities'. This looks as if they must be addressing the situation so there may be a glimmer of hope by issuing a date.

Hello, just reading the last comment. Is a Doctors letter needed in advance ( to put with the application ) or just written evidence in the supporting 1200word application? My mum needs a badge, and Dad says the doctors reception is blocking it . She has macular degeneration in both eyes so practically blind but not registered blind, has just officially been diagnosed with Altzeimers after a few years dementia, and has a bad knee with a steroid injection now wearing off. She loves to walk and wander off on her own - realises she can't see but forgets that she can't remember anything and also has a sore knee so just heads off thinking she is fine so its unsafe within seconds ! Is a doctor's letter necessary ( which is what i also heard when you apply with a postal application), or do the council automatically send online applications to the doctor to ask them for a report ( which is what someone has said to my Dad).
thank-you

This is a really helpful blog but does anyone know what you do to establish the ID for a Blue Badge for someone who doesn't have a passport or a Drivers License? My brother has Young onset Alzheimer's and had his license revoked and his passport is expired. He needs a blue badge now as his sight is poor and spatial awareness a real problem . He can't walk without being guided and goes off in all directions with no awareness of safety and negotiating our way across a car park safely is becoming a real nightmare. I looked into renewing his passport but I just don't think he would be able to comply with the photo requirements and there are issues with me applying on his behalf.

Very disappointed to learn today that Notts County Council are not issuing Blue Badges for disabled people with hidden, unseen disabilities, such as Alzheimers or Autism. It isn't council policy yet and yet my husband with Alzheimers was told last year, by a Working Age Dementia support worker, that he could re-apply for a Blue Badge in April '19. No such luck!!

My mum is 89 and has Alzheimers, she can not walk without relying on my arm - as her balance is not good and her lack of muscle tone in her legs means that they don't do what she's telling them and she stumbles a lot. To get to the cinema, which she loves, I have to drop her at the cinema and make her safe in the onsite Costa, then drive to a carpark, park, pay and run back to the cinema, or put her in the wheelchair at the carpark and push her up a huge hill! Her blue badge application was refused.

Lorraine: I feel for you. Not to begrudge the ease of obtaining a badge for Registered Blind and Partially Sighted but I cannot see why we are so knocked back. My Dear One can see but does not know why he is going or where without an arm or hand - and we have to brave the disabled toilets as a couple.

My sister has had Alzheimers for almost 9 years. She had a blue badge after a hip operation but this was not renewed. I applied for one because of her dementia but it was refused, as was my appeal. In the meantime her carer got a fine for parking just slightly over the line in an Aberdeenshire car park ( so my sister could exit with the aid of her walking stick.) When her carer appealed to the attendant he just said,”She should have a blue badge!” We had to pay £40 fine but I’m in a catch 22 and feel very frustrated. Any advice would be appreciated.

the i time is coming for my husband but I have heard the problems people have had trying to get one and I have enough problems now without that. Surely if a Dr gave permission that us all you need.

I'm having trouble with an application for a blue badge for my Dad. He is being asked to go for an Occupation Therapy assessment. He would likely find this most distressing and my Mum is dreading taking him. She is already struggling to cope and this is a real blow. I am going to write to the Council and ask if a GP letter could replace the assessment.