A Dunedin man is thanking his lucky stars, and local agencies, after his recent rescue from an abusive living situation.
A member of the Octagon Seniors Club, ''Tom'' (whose name has been changed to protect his identity) was referred to Age Concern Otago social worker Marie Bennett after friends became concerned about him and his financial situation.
It turned out that Tom (64) was living as a boarder in a house with three other people, that his money was being ''managed'' for him, and that he was suffering verbal and financial abuse. He had been dissuaded from attending health appointments and was being prevented from making his own decisions.
''It was terrible for me - I had a very difficult time,'' Tom said.
''It is such a relief to be out of that situation.''
The situation came to a head when Tom was being taken to a hospital appointment by Ms Bennett - an abusive phone call from his landlady set alarm bells ringing and local agencies swung into action.
Urgent assistance was given by the Dunedin City Council, Work and Income and the Dunedin Night Shelter Trust to sort out a new place for Tom to live, provide financial cover and look after him until he could move into his new council flat.
Police accompanied Ms Bennett and Tom back to his former home and were able to retrieve his belongings and his beloved cat, despite a hostile reception. Tom stayed the night at the night shelter and his cat was taken in by the Pet Doctors at The Gardens.
Unfortunately, Tom suffered a health episode and was admitted to Dunedin Hospital, but assistance continued while he recovered.
The Southern District Health Board arranged home supports and medication, while the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Catholic Social Services, St Vincent de Paul and Age Concern Otago staff provided furniture, bedding and food for his flat. The Dunedin Budget Advisory Service also helped out.
When Tom was discharged from hospital a week later, he was able to come home to a furnished flat, with food in the cupboard, where he now lives independently with his cat.
''I have met some of my new neighbours - my cat and I have settled in very well,'' he said.
''Things are looking up.''
A delighted Ms Bennett is celebrating the successful outcome for Tom as ''collaboration in action''.
