Knowing what to get an elderly relative seems to get trickier for many each year.
Here at Grey Matters, experience tells us one of the most useful items an elderly relative can have is a valid passport. From banking to benefits and so much in between, a valid photo ID is essential for so many vital aspects of day-to-day life.
With many older people no longer holding a valid driver’s license or deciding they won't be going abroad anymore so no longer need a passport; they are at total loss when presented with the request for a valid photo ID. This is often becomes a total obstacle, preventing much needed support and benefits granted.
ID, the key to taking control…
One Grey Matters client never held a driving licence and had never travelled outside of England. Her husband did everything official, including all their finances, she didn’t even have a bank card. When he died, the management of day-to-day life and personal admin became incredibly difficult.
Her son was faced with a plethora of challenges. On top of his own grief and supporting his mother through the turbulence of life after her husband’s death, he also had to deal with bureaucracy which follows the death of a loved one. Without valid photo ID, she was at a loss. Her son had to manage it all and the client was unable to take control of her own life. Valid photo ID is the key to so many essential elements in life, opening and managing finances, accessing benefits and support available and even in some cases medical procedures.
So, our advice? Check the dates of your Mum and Dad’s passport and if they are about to expire or have expired, treat them to a new passport for Christmas. You will undoubtably be doing them and yourself a favour.
You can apply online or by post (it's currently £9.50 cheaper to do it online!). For more information or to apply, click here.
