Blue Badge Holders, Help And Advice Please.

[Tilly2]

I have just spent an hour or so filling in an application for a Blue Badge for my Dad. I didn't have the guidance notes and have filled it in to the best of my ability. He has no benefits apart from Industrial Injuries Benefit.

I found the section about his walking ability particularly difficult. He can only walk short distances around his home, with the aid of a frame. I have no idea how far he could walk. I have had to imagine if he could walk the length of a double decker bus, or a tennis court and I have no idea how long it would take him to do it.

Should I just go for the minimum or state that he cannot walk at all, without help. If I take him out we have to take a wheelchair and I find it difficult to lug it in and out of the car and push him around, as I'm no spring chicken!

[Psybbo]

Could you ask the people in the Home for help with it, Tilly?

[Tilly2]

I could try, Sibs, but I doubt that they could be very specific about how far he could actually walk.

It's a good idea though. I will ask on Monday. Thank you.

[tamborine]

With a frame he can walk in his home. Put down 20feet. He will assessed in a test centre.

[Psybbo]

Or his doctor?

[Tilly2]

He will have to go for a test will he, Tambo? His social worker has not mentioned that to me.

[tamborine]

Doc only sends recommendation but council do testing & issue blue badges.

[Tilly2]

His doctor's useless, Sibs. He only ever sees him in an emergency situation. His doctor is the 'home doctor' who does lots of 'over the phone' consultations!

[tamborine]

Councils do it all.

[hc4361]

Is there space for you to add that he doesn't walk at all outside as he needs to use a wheelchair?

[Tilly2]

Oh! More mitheration then, Tambo.

[ubasses]

When I did one for my Mum I said that she could not walk at all without help as she needed a frame or someone holding tightly to her arm at the time. That was a few months before we needed wheelchair.
Sounds like you are in the position I was in a couple of years ago, I cannot get Mum out at all now, so there should not be any problem in getting the badge. From posts have seen on here Tilly I believe we are under the same Borough Council.

[Gavmacp]

I would put that he can only walk short spdistances with a frame. Anything longer would require a wheelchair, especially for a distance of a tennis court. I don't think they will test him as such.

[tamborine]

I have one for COPD, as am on ventalin

[Tilly2]

Yes, there is hc, and I have written that. However, you have to state how far he can walk, if he can and for how long.

[hc4361]

Put not at all

[tamborine]

Fill in form, get doc to sign or covrring letter & post to council.

[Buenchico]

Are you (or, more importantly here, your father) in Norfolk, Tilly? Or have I got you mixed up with someone else here? I ask because the forms seem to vary a bit between different councils.

However, if I've got the right county, here are the guidance notes:
http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/view/NCC116350

I'd probably just put '5 metres', since that would get him (say) across a typical living room and perhaps out into the hallway. (If you think he could manage a bit more then 10m might be a better answer).

However, as you'll see from the notes, it's permissible to indicate the number of steps (rather than a distance), together with a rough indication of the time taken and information about the style of walking (e.g. 'shuffling').

[Mamyalynne]

As someone has said put - 20 feet (with a walking frame).

Then in extra comments - cannot walk outdoors and requires a wheelchair.

[hc4361]

Without meaning to be rude or offensive, shuffling across a room with a frame is not walking, in my opinion.

[Mamyalynne]

As you wish, but unless it is 100% true - I would advise against putting 'not at all'.