Around 7,500 older people living alone receive ongoing support from social helpers of the Ukrainian Red Cross

The Ukrainian Red Cross Home-Based Care programme (formerly known as the Patronage Service) dates back to 1961. Initially, the service was available only in a few regions, but following the full-scale invasion in 2022, it was expanded across the entire territory of Ukraine. Thanks to the mobilisation of the organisation’s resources, thousands of people who need help the most are now receiving support.

Currently, 1,306 social helpers provide assistance to 7,496 lonely older people across 978 locations in 23 regions of Ukraine and the city of Kyiv.

“We want every elderly person who needs support to feel that they are not left to face their problems alone. Our social helpers are more than just assistants with household chores; they become trusted friends to those they help, always present in the most difficult moments,” comments Zoia Pogorila, Head of the Home-Based Care Unit at the Ukrainian Red Cross.

The social helpers of the Ukrainian Red Cross assist their beneficiaries with everyday tasks, such as cleaning, cooking, and changing bed linen. They also accompany them to medical appointments, deliver food, water, and other essential goods, assist with utility bills, and provide hygiene services.

However, the most valuable aspect of their work is the emotional support they provide. Social helpers communicate with their beneficiaries, organise walks, and arrange other activities, creating a sense of warmth and care. This is especially important for elderly people who are isolated, particularly in times of war, when support and attention become a lifeline.

The Home-Based Care programme is an example of how the Ukrainian Red Cross, with the support of its partners within the International Red Cross Movement, cares for the most vulnerable populations, offering not only practical help but also a sense of humanity and compassion.