Submission ID 118335
| Issue/Objective | As the conflict in Ukraine enters its third year, elderly women-who make up over 60% of the country's aging population-remain among the most vulnerable and overlooked. Many live alone in conflict-affected areas, facing isolation, poverty, and limited access to healthcare. In response, the Canadian Red Cross supports a home-based care program led by the Ukrainian Red Cross in regions like Cherkasy and Poltava. Trained social helpers provide psychosocial support, assistance with daily tasks, and critical human connection. This program helps preserve dignity and stability for elderly women who are otherwise cut off from essential services and support networks. |
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| Methodology/Approach | We will use semi-structured interviews with elderly women receiving home-based care and key program staff, along with a desk review of program documents and reports. Thematic analysis will help assess program impact, highlight service gaps, and explore the lived experiences of beneficiaries in conflict-affected regions of Ukraine. |
| Results | • Improved understanding of the unique challenges faced by elderly women in conflict-affected areas of Ukraine. • Insights into the effectiveness of the home-based care program in addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs. • Identification of service gaps and areas for program improvement. • Recommendations to enhance support strategies for elderly populations in humanitarian settings. • Documentation of lived experiences to inform policy and advocacy efforts focused on aging and gender in conflict zones. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | • Improved understanding of the unique challenges faced by elderly women in conflict-affected areas of Ukraine. • Insights into the effectiveness of the home-based care program in addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs. • Identification of service gaps and areas for program improvement. • Recommendations to enhance support strategies for elderly populations in humanitarian settings. • Documentation of lived experiences to inform policy and advocacy efforts focused on aging and gender in conflict zones. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Faiza Rab Canadian Red Cross Askar Umarbekov Canadian Red Cross Sabina Voronetska Canadian Red Cross Sabina Voronetska Canadian Red Cross |
