Consumer affected by January bushfires, has medical and mental health needs and is under financial stress.
The consumer is an older person living alone and although their home was not physically damaged during the evacuation event, the stress caused by the disaster has had an ongoing impact on their wellbeing and financial stability. Since the evacuation, the consumer has been diagnosed with a medical condition requiring surgery and ongoing treatment, which has placed additional pressure on their already limited finances. The consumer relies solely on Centrelink benefits as their source of income and is struggling to meet everyday living expenses. Due to their medical condition, they are required to travel regularly to attend specialist appointments, medical assessments, and ongoing healthcare services. In addition to their physical health concerns, the consumer experiences ongoing mental health challenges, which have worsened due to stress, uncertainty, and financial pressure. The combination of medical expenses, isolation, and limited income has affected their emotional wellbeing.