Bob's "Home at Last"

Bob (not his real name) lives in the family home, with his daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In a house that he formally owned  but transferred title to his daughter and didn’t receive any funds for this.

Bob is 89 years old and a world war two veteran. Bob’s family members are abusive towards him. They often scream and swear at him. Bob has put a padlock on his bedroom door as family members enter his bedroom and steal items including money. On pension day they pressure Bob to hand over his pension money. Bob’s grandson sometimes hits him and has attempted to strangle Bob.

Bob is very distressed and often  cries and also he has bad dreams about his war experiences. He feels isolated and he can’t invite his friends to the house or have relatives stay from overseas.

The social worker at Centerlink told Bob about Housing for the Aged Action Group’s (HAAG) Home at Last program. The social worker contacted the intake worker at HAAG and the worker contacted Bob. After completing initial assessment over telephone a referral was made to Home at Last Outreach worker.
The Outreach worker and her colleague visited Bob at his home in northern suburbs of Melbourne. The Outreach worker completed housing applications for public housing and VASEY RSL independent living units. The worker informed Bob of his rights and provided him with information on Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV). Bob did not give his consent to be referred to SRV. Bob just wanted to find suitable alternative housing as quickly as possible.

The worker advised Bob of supports available including home care and linkages into social activities within the community including counselling for war veterans. Bob declined all services and explained to worker that he was very fit and demonstrated his daily exercise program and stated that he was still driving a car.
The worker met with Bob several times at his local shopping centre to keep Bob informed of progress with housing applications.

The worker advocated on behalf of Bob with the Office of Housing and VASEY RSL. The worker assisted Bob to get documents from bank and Centerlink to support his housing applications. Bob was offered an age-appropriate  property (independent living unit, ground floor) through VASEY RSL and was rehoused within two months of application. The worker arranged for removalist  and to move Bob’s belongings into his new home.

The ILU is located close to Bob’s medical supports and supportive family members who assist him with shopping and to get to medical appointments.
Bob has happily settled into his unit and recently two of his relatives from overseas stayed at his home and he has friends and family members dropping in. Bob finally feels he will be able to live the remainder of his life in peace.