Getting out and about

Arthritis can affect how easy it is for you to move around. The pain, stiffness and fatigue might make it difficult for you to:

• walk far before being affected by pain and tiredness
• use public transport (for example, due to steps, there being no service close enough to your home, or not having the guarantee of a seat)
• drive a car (for example, if the driving position is not comfortable for you)

It is important for your overall well-being that you maintain your independence and get out and about. For many people, having access to mobility solutions can mean the difference between working and not working; being able to do your own shopping, and maintaining social relations.

Help with getting around

If you are 65 or under, you might be eligible to apply for the Disability Living Allowance. The mobility component of this benefit is intended to help disabled people cover the extra costs of getting around.

If you receive the higher rate mobility component, you will be eligible to apply for a Blue Badge. A Blue Badge entitles you to a range of parking benefits:

• free use of parking meters and pay-and-display on street parking bays
• exemption from some limits on parking times
• parking up to three hours on yellow lines

Although it is a UK-wide scheme, it is best to check each council or borough’s policy as they do differ. Your local social services department can tell you how to apply for a Blue Badge.
Some privately owned businesses, such as supermarkets, provide bays for their disabled customers. These are not covered by the Blue Badge scheme regulations and there is a lot of misuse of the bays by the general public.

Traveling by rail

If you receive Attendance Allowance or the higher rate Disability Living Allowance you are eligible to purchase a Disabled Persons Railcard.

The card:

• allows you and an accompanying adult to travel at a discount of up to a third each
• is renewable annually
• is valid throughout the UK

If you have mobility problems, you can also arrange assistance at stations if you provide at least 24 hours notice. Contact your rail operator for details.

Local transport schemes

You may be able to find a local transport scheme run by your local authority, or a voluntary or commercial organisation. Look in your phone book for details.

Motability scheme

If you’ve been given the higher rate of the Disability Living Allowance mobility component for 12 months or more, you can use it to get a car, wheelchair or scooter through the Motability scheme.

Driving

Being able to drive can help you to stay independent, but you might require some adaptations to make it easier, such as an automatic gearbox and power assisted steering. The Forum of Motability Centres can tell you where to go if you need further help.

Don’t forget:

• you may be able to apply for a Blue Badge and get parking concessions. Contact your local social services for details
• you must tell your insurance company and the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) if your arthritis affects your ability to drive in any way