We hear devastating stories of how people struggle to make ends meet during tough times, such as the case of this couple who shared their financial struggles while relying on Centrelink benefits. You can read the whole story here.

This is especially difficult for the most vulnerable members of the population, such as the elderly, who often have fewer resources to cope with the rising cost of living.

This is the story of Susannah Tuxford, a 78-year-old former industrial worker from Brisbane, who, after retiring in 2014, has now been forced to sleep in her car after being unable to afford a roof over her head.



Susannah worked for nearly 50 years straight at the age of 14, paying taxes and allowing herself very few breaks in her life. After working tirelessly for over five decades, relaxing into her golden years with a home of her own is a fair expectation.

Due to the increase in rental costs, however, this has made even basic accommodation too expensive for her. It also left Susannah to deal with her predicament without any support from the federal government.



'I pay all that money, all those years, and the government isn't helping anybody like me,' Susannah said.

Susannah also has no family left in Australia, so she feels she has no other choice but to spend her days living in her car.

Local charities have started to bring her sandwiches, but Susannah said that lack of basic amenities has left her feeling somewhat ‘embarrassed’.



'I didn't have a shower for two weeks, I just went in the bathroom and [used] the hand basin there,' Susannah reluctantly revealed.

This lack of dignified living conditions left the Queensland Opposition Leader, David Crisafulli, appalled.

'How have we reached this point in Queensland when somebody has paid taxes all their lives in her golden years, because of a lack of housing investment, has to live in a park,' he said.

Thankfully, after the heart-breaking account of Susannah’s situation was heard by a local news station 9News, the issue was brought to the attention of the Queensland Minister of Housing, Meaghan Scanlon.




Susannah was offered a place in an aged care facility. While she was grateful for the offer, she explained that she didn't need aged care but a roof over her head.

Australia’s welfare safety net is designed to provide sustenance for those facing financial hardship. Amongst these are a bevy of programmes aimed specifically at helping seniors manage their expenses.

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In addition, there is the Commonwealth Rental Assistance provided by the Australian government as part of their social security system. It's designed to provide financial help for eligible people, especially seniors who rent privately or pay board and lodgings.

Perhaps not as widely known is the Commonwealth's Home Support Programme (CHSP), which offers subsidised care for the elderly in their own homes. This can range from help with housekeeping to actual nursing care, giving the elderly a fighting chance at maintaining a quality standard of living.

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While retirees may need to go through some administrative hurdles to access these supports, they do exist, and that gives hope.


Susannah’s situation serves as a stark reminder that more needs to be done to ensure that support reaches those who need it most.

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