Mr Offen (85) and his wife, Margaret (78) are part of Presbyterian Support's Community First programme which supports people who have been assessed as eligible for residential services but who live at home.
Mr Offen said he valued his independence and the freedom of his own domain.
He enjoyed pottering in his garden, watching whatever he wanted on TV, especially sport, and being free to show anyone he did not like "the door".
The couple say they are lucky to have wonderful neighbours and close family in Dunedin.
As well as meals on wheels, "marvellous" carers visit twice a day.
Both have mobility issues and have had bad falls.
Mr Offen - the only driver - can no longer do so because he has had minor strokes.
The Offens were horrified at a report last week on the aged-care sector which claimed the sector was in crisis, with widespread abuse, neglect, and under-resourcing.
They raised the matter with the Otago Daily Times at an interview.
Mr Offen said he was disturbed by the thought of carers being told not to speak to residents to save time, which was unnatural and unkind.
It suggested some aged-care providers valued money over people, he said.
Mrs Offen said she could not imagine not chatting to people, as she was outgoing and enjoyed talking.
Presbyterian Support Otago chief executive Gillian Bremner said Community First was designed for people who could be in rest-homes but chose not to be.
It was especially tailored to meet the needs of each person, and was not just about meeting their physical needs such as washing and hygiene.
Carers visited people on the programme as many as four times a day, depending on their need.
Community First is part of Presbyterian Support's Enliven programme which seeks to find positive ways to help people age in the community.
