The Story of Zoia Oleksiivna: A Resident of the Newly Renovated Ward at the Petrykiv Regional Geriatric Nursing Home

Zoia Oleksiivna, 70, and her son Maksym, 45, were among the first residents of the newly renovated ward at the Petrykiv Regional Geriatric Nursing Home. This renovation was carried out by the Ternopil regional branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross with support from the Swiss Red Cross. 

The family relocated from Sviatohirsk in the Donetsk region in autumn 2022. During the occupation of their city, which lasted three months, they remained in their heavily damaged apartment throughout the entire period. 

“The windows in our apartment were completely smashed; there was no water, heat, or light. Our neighbour cooked for us on the street over a fire and passed the food through the window. During the occupation, my son and I never left the apartment because of our health problems. Even during air raid alerts, we couldn’t go to the shelter, so we took refuge in the hallway,” Zoia Oleksiivna said. 

Due to the extended occupation and related health complications, Zoia Oleksiivna and her son spent several months in a hospital in the Ternopil region. After their treatment, they were transferred to the Petrykiv Regional Geriatric Nursing Home. 

“For a year, we lived on the third floor of the nursing home in a room that lacked the amenities we needed, and the facilities in the corridor were not convenient for people with disabilities. Today, we are happy to be in such a beautiful and, most importantly, comfortable room. Finally, I can move around on a walker without any obstacles. We feel really cosy and comfortable here,” she added. 

It is worth mentioning that in March, the Petrykiv Regional Geriatric Nursing Home opened a newly renovated ward for internally displaced persons. The Ternopil regional branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross, with the support of the Swiss Red Cross, renovated 12 rooms to accommodate 27 people with disabilities. The renovation included installing separate bathrooms for each room, as well as new water supply, sewage systems, and ventilation. Additionally, the rooms were partially furnished.