When Bob* no longer felt safe at home, his HammondCare team was determined to find a practical way to help.
A Home Care client in Newcastle, Bob was living alone while managing health challenges. Over time, his home became increasingly unsafe. Someone was living in his lounge room and his mobility scooter, his only transport, was stolen. Bob felt vulnerable in the place that should have offered security.
After the electricity was disconnected, he was alone, frightened and in urgent need of somewhere safe to stay.
When concerns were raised for Bob’s welfare, Specialised Carer Dan and Client Care Operations Manager Kacey, from the Hunter Cardiff Home Care team, found him in desperate need of support.
Dan said, ‘I’ve never seen anything like it. I’ve been on the road for 11 years, and this was very eye-opening and emotional.’
The team explored every avenue, contacting police, government departments and community services to find Bob immediate help. But no safe option was available when he needed it.
Then the Hammond Foundation stepped in.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Hammond Foundation’s Care Fund provided emergency accommodation and vouchers for food and other essentials. It gave the Home Care team the practical resources they needed to move quickly, rather than wait for systems and services to catch up.
For Bob, the support meant more than a hotel room. It meant a warm bed, a meal, a safe place to sleep and the reassurance that he was not facing the situation alone. Supported by Home Care team members who stayed alongside him throughout the crisis, Bob was able to leave an unsafe environment and begin accessing the longer-term support he needed.
*Name changed to protect privacy.