Blue badge issue

Hi,

it’s the local council who issue blue badges so I suggest you or they get in touch and ask for the necessary application forms. I think that the form gives the criteria. Different councils apply rules in their own way, as I’ve seen someone who should get one refused, but someone else from another area has one who I consider doesn’t merit one! (I’m a retired OT by the way) When filling in the form, state the worst scenario. 

Hugs xxx

Hi.  Moomy thank you for your swift reply.  My parents live in Basildon so they fall under Basildon borough council or essex county council.

and  I live 20 miles away from my mum and dad and want to do as much to help as possible to alleviate any stress.  I understand the whole patient confidentially but really would like a way that someone could aupport my mum on behalf of my dad.  My mum.was told that Dad would only be eligible for a blue badge if he had 6 weeks to live.  

The difficult thing is my Dad seems to be in denial to a point, this is how he copes (and I understand that.)  However when dealing with outside agencies for further support that's where the hurdle is.  

I'm not sure where to go as the nurses sadly haven't supported or advised just left them hanging.  I will gladly pass on your advice to my Mum.  Thanks a million for taking the timw to read and reply.  Sorry it's waffled and long winded. Xxxx

Hello

Blue Badges in Basildon are administered by Essex County Council 

Sorry I can't do a link to their website but if you google Blue Badge Scheme Essex you should get a link that will give you information. Or if you contact

Adult Social Care Team

Telephone: 0345 603 7630
Out of hours telephone: 0345 606 1212
Email: socialcaredirect@essex.gov.uk

You will be connected with the Blue Badge Team

Normally the application is filled in online and a photograph downloaded BUT it is possible to make the application by paper and they will send out forms for manual completion.

They ask a lot of information and it is often a good idea to get help with the completion and Macmillans, Consumers bureau or Age uk as they have people who are trained in completing them.

The information on symptoms should also be worse case scenario observed from a bad day.

It is now accepted that applications are being made by people who don't display visible signs of disability (All disabilities are not visible).

When you are speaking to the Adult Social Care Team take the opportunity to discuss all avenues of assistance, including benefits, that your mum and dad are entitled to. I would ask you note the word. Entitled these are benefits that your parents are due and in no way should be looked on as charity.

I hope this is of help to you, if I can help in any other way please don't hesitate to contact me.

Ian

CC

Hi again , 

Thanks to Ian  for help too.....

There is no way the '6 weeks' statement applies to a blue badge! My husband has had one for over 20 years as he has severe mobility issues form bad arthritis. It's made a huge amount of difference, actually enabled him to work and get to retirement age! He would have had to be on very long term sickness otherwise as there was no way he could get to his office in a big spread out company even with a wheelchair! 

So that phone call your parents had referring to '6 weeks to live' is totally incorrect. But I agree with Ian, in that your parents should be thinking of his worst day when filling in the forms, whether paper or on line. I think 2 passport size photos are needed. It might be worth you checking on line (Google Blue badge and it should tell you more) 

Hugs xxx

Good evening Ian.  

You are a sweet heart for taking the time to provide me such in depth information.  This is really helpful and i have messaged my mum who passes on her thanks to you.

As you can inagine it's tough not really knowing where to source information from let alone trying to get it during these unprecedented times.

It will hopefully alleviate going through various departments/call advisors  so having all the info is fabulous.

Many thanks Ian for this and for further support if need be.

Sinead

X

Hi Moomy.  I am not trained in this field so have no knowledge on the requirements however I found it very strange for my Mum to be  told "your husband can only obtain a badge if he is termial and six weeks to live" 

The lovely Ian has kindly supplied me which correct information that i have greatfully passed on to my mum.  

Sadly my mum has list confidemce in those who are supposed to be supportimg both my parents.  

I thought that given the fact the oncologist consultant told my Dad he could have 12-18 good months and nothing more they can do proves in itself he is terminal.  (I Could be wrong though) 

I just would like my mum and Dad to have what they can in place should my Dad worsen there is little or no stress. 

You like Ian are a sweetheart for advising me and I am truly grateful to you.

Thank you so much

Sinead.

Xx

Hi again Sinead, 

If your Dad has either DLA (if over retirement age i think that just continues) or PIP (the council social work dept could help in applying, or ask the CAB for help) which can be hard to get as the assessments are renowned for getting things wrong, then he might automatically qualify for a Blue Badge anyway. Hidden disabilities are covered, in that breathlessness on exertion will be a qualification. 

In hubs' case, when he first applied, one hip joint virtually dislocated every time he put weight on it, so yes, he could walk (-ish) but with considerable pain and obvious limp. so it was just agreed. 

Wishing you luck and hope you succeed.

Hugs xxx

Good evening.  Thank you for being so kind and getting back to me.  You advice has been really helpful.  Between my Mum and I we have submitted an application for a blue badge.  We are hoping it'll be approved so my dad can have some independence as he is getting breathless often.  I am going to assist both my Mum and Dad in completing application forms  for any finacial support as they have no one to other than myself to help.  My Dad  plays down his condition which I totally get as it's it coping mechanism.  

I just want to be as supportive to my dad and mum. 

You're  such a sweetheart for messagijg.  Thank you. 

I hope you're well and keeping safe.

Lots of love.

Sinead.

Xxxx