More than 7,000 lonely older people receive social care from the Ukrainian Red Cross

Today, on 1 October, the world celebrates the International Day of Older Persons, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly. This day provides an opportunity to remind society of the importance of respect for older people and the need to pay more attention to them by supporting them in their daily needs.

For over 60 years, the Ukrainian Red Cross has been helping lonely older people and people with disabilities feel valued by providing comprehensive and high-quality home-based care. Approximately 1,300 social helpers across Ukraine have become not only a reliable source of support for those facing everyday challenges but also true friends and sources of comfort during the war.

“Currently, the Ukrainian Red Cross is assisting 7,398 beneficiaries in areas controlled by Ukraine. In August 2024 alone, our social helpers made 94,400 visits and provided 723,277 services to older people,” comments Zoia Pogorila, Head of the Home-Based Care Unit.

Social helpers clean homes and change bed linen, prepare meals, assist with personal hygiene, purchase and deliver essential goods (including food, medicines, and household supplies), and help with social issues such as accompanying individuals to medical appointments, paying utility bills, and restoring family links. An equally important aspect of this assistance is providing regular social interaction, which is often lacking for lonely older people.

For more information about the Ukrainian Red Cross Home-Based Care programme and necessary contacts, please visit our official website or call our hotline at 0 800 332 656.