Experts explain how people with dementia can get a Blue Badge for disabled parking
Experts have shared advice on how people with dementia can obtain a Blue Badge for parking - a crucial tool that can significantly improve their quality of life.
Dementia, a debilitating condition, often severely affects a person's mobility. Those suffering from the disease may become disoriented, increasing their risk of falls.
It's important to note that a driver transporting a disabled individual is entitled to use disabled parking spaces, provided the Blue Badge is clearly displayed. The Alzheimer's Society has compiled a comprehensive guide to help people understand how those with dementia can secure a Blue Badge. This includes helpful tips for making a successful application and details on eligibility criteria, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Depending on the progression of the condition, people with dementia often face mobility challenges. Early symptoms of dementia include issues with depth perception and visuo-spatial awareness, which can make walking difficult or even hazardous, increasing the risk of falls.
Sufferers of dementia often struggle with spatial awareness or feel disoriented, which can lead to them walking at a slower pace and requiring guidance. This difficulty is exacerbated when attempting tasks such as getting in and out of cars, particularly as muscle weakness is common in the later stages of dementia.
Cognitive impairments associated with dementia can also mean sufferers fail to recognise vital signs or signals. The Alzheimer's Society has issued a warning that "slow processing skills and a lack of quick reaction to speed may be dangerous near roads".
But are individuals with dementia entitled to a Blue Badge for parking?While people with dementia might qualify for a disabled parking badge, it's not a given like it is for those who are registered blind or wheelchair users. Dementia patients could be eligible to use disabled parking bays, whether they're driving themselves or travelling as a passenger.
To bolster a Blue Badge application, it's crucial to provide detailed evidence explaining why one needs access to disabled parking facilities. Documentation about medications, mobility limitations, other health conditions, and any details pertaining to the dementia diagnosis can all support an application.
The Alzheimer's Society points out: "Psychological distress is not defined in the Blue Badge guidance. If a person with dementia experiences symptoms such as fear, disorientation or confusion, which they find overwhelming, this may meet the criteria."
"If these symptoms impact them so severely that they put themselves or someone else at risk, that could also potentially meet the criteria. An example could be where someone with dementia becomes so disorientated during journeys (perhaps due to excessive noise or unfamiliar environments) that they are no longer aware of vehicles on the road, placing themselves in danger."
The Alzheimer's Society has compiled a list to assist those living with dementia and their caregivers for applying for a Blue Badge. The charity has put together a checklist of items and documents that will help your online Blue Badge application. It includes:
- Passport, birth certificate, driving licence or other proof of identity
- Proof of address, such as an electricity bill or council tax bill
- Documents relating to the patient's condition such as a diagnosis letter or correspondence with the medical professionals
- National Insurance number
- A recent digital photograph of the applicant, it does not have to be of passport quality, just a clear, well-lit picture of the person's face and shoulders in front of a plain light-coloured background
The NHS website has a great deal of information about how to live with Alzheimer's disease, how to cope with the condition and the extra help and support that is available.
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