Blue Badge Assessment

retiredandskint

My DH has to go for an assessment for a Blue Badge. The letter stated that, although he was allowed to have someone with him, all questions would need to be answered by him. He has a variety of complex illnesses one of which is Dementia and I cannot guarantee he would give an accurate answer on his disabilities or abilities. I don't want to cheat the system, hell I have trouble walking myself, but not asking for me because I can cope (just) but he needs the help and freedome a BB would give him as a passenger.

Any help/advice would be appriciated.

Richie-from-the-Boro

Anyone with dementia and their carer should get a letter of recommendation from a GP which states that the symptoms of dementia have progressed to a stage where their mobility is impaired because of physical problems, or, requirements for the safety and vigilance of the person with dementia, such that a blue badge would be of benefit.

Go with him to the 'with further interview', let the O/T assessor do their work and you answer any questions they choose to ask you on your husbands behalf. Best of luck.

retiredandskint

Thanks RftB I wasn't sure whether a doctor would write a letter and whether it would have any influence. It was the Memory Clinic who suggested we got one and sent someone round to help fill in the form. We're currently awaiting a visit from OT to see if there is anything they can help us with.

billywilly

retiredandskint wrote: »

Thanks RftB I wasn't sure whether a doctor would write a letter and whether it would have any influence. It was the Memory Clinic who suggested we got one and sent someone round to help fill in the form. We're currently awaiting a visit from OT to see if there is anything they can help us with.

Neither am I. I too have been through the wringer with the 'memory clinic' and the hours of tests. No one indicated that a BB would be relevant as it is not a physical disability as such.
Anyhow at the time I had been awarded DLA - High mobility so there was no need to apply to the council. Unfortunately I was refused PIP on the transfer over so had to hand my badge in to the council.

I thought that the new system was so that there is no 'recommendation from a GP' anymore?

As for an OT, where do you get them from? I don't need any help care wise or mobility wise, I can get round albeit not as fast and in pain, but I get there in the end.

Richie-from-the-Boro

retiredandskint wrote: »

Thanks RftB I wasn't sure whether a doctor would write a letter and whether it would have any influence. It was the Memory Clinic who suggested we got one and sent someone round to help fill in the form. We're currently awaiting a visit from OT to see if there is anything they can help us with.

- they are not required [protocol] to take account of a GP's letter, but any evidence of "mobility is impaired" is usually given consideration
- ignore poster billywilly s/he's a troll called Andy & Flo

retiredandskint

Thanks again RftB I get where you're coming from regarding WB seen too many posts by him/her/them.

Derwent

Anyone who receives at least standard rate PIP mobility automatically qualifies for a blue badge.

billywilly

Richie-from-the-Boro wrote: »

- they are not required [protocol] to take account of a GP's letter, but any evidence of "mobility is impaired" is usually given consideration
- ignore poster billywilly s/he's a troll called Andy & Flo

Which if it comes from the GP puts us right back to the old system where a GP's recommendation was the way to go.

They stopped using GP referrals and reports as it became very clear that by virtue of the relationship - patient/doctor, these reports could well be biased in favour of the patient.

Today it is supposed to be totally independent with no reference to the GP.

retiredandskint

DH is not applying based on dementia but his inability to walk more than a few steps without getting totally out breath and needing to rest. He is also very unstable on his feet and walks as if drunk and stumbles/falls quite a lot. When we park by the time we get to the shop he's completely wiped out. The reason I referred to his demential was because they will ask him questions and I am not allowed to answer (or help answer). He doesn't always understand what's being said to him so wouldn't necessarily give the 'right' answer. The memory team are only involved because they have seen first hand the deteriation in his overall well being.

Richie-from-the-Boro

retiredandskint wrote: »

DH is not applying based on dementia but his inability to walk more than a few steps without getting totally out breath and needing to rest. He is also very unstable on his feet and walks as if drunk and stumbles/falls quite a lot. When we park by the time we get to the shop he's completely wiped out. The reason I referred to his demential was because they will ask him questions and I am not allowed to answer (or help answer). He doesn't always understand what's being said to him so wouldn't necessarily give the 'right' answer. The memory team are only involved because they have seen first hand the deterioration in his overall well being.

The Alzheimer's Society, do not support the view that all people with dementia should be eligible for a blue badge as a system of automatic eligibility would increase dependency and reduce independence. However, the Society is concerned that a significant number of people with dementia who would be appropriate for blue badges are currently being excluded.

billywilly

Richie-from-the-Boro wrote: »

The Alzheimer's Society, do not support the view that all people with dementia should be eligible for a blue badge as a system of automatic eligibility would increase dependency and reduce independence. However, the Society is concerned that a significant number of people with dementia who would be appropriate for blue badges are currently being excluded.

Talk about double dutch - do they or don't they?