The proportion of older people in the Ukrainian population who remain in areas of active hostilities is greater than their proportion of the total population. They are also overrepresented among the casualties, accounting for 42 percent. The reason for this is that older people are less able and less willing to leave their homes.   They are emotionally tied to their homes, have difficulties evacuating and lack access to information about existing support options. In most cases, they also have no savings. Furthermore, they are often unwilling – or physically unable – to use air raid shelters. Elderly people left behind in the frontline region also suffer from limited access to food and medical care (ACAPS, thematic report, August 01, 2024). For people with physical disabilities, evacuation is a challenge, and access to emergency information and shelters is also difficult for them. Most air raid shelters and collective shelters are not adapted to the needs of people with disabilities and lack staff to adequately support them, leading to their physical and social isolation. These people need support.

Save Ukraine

The project is being implemented by the Ukrainian organization „Save Ukraine“ with our financial support. Save Ukraine was founded in 2014 and is now the largest organization in Ukraine dedicated to rescuing children, families and elderly people from the effects of war. The registered non-governmental organization, which is run by 210 employees and 300 volunteers, is one of the few organizations that still evacuates elderly and mobility-impaired people – a need that became even greater with the escalation of the Russian offensive in spring 2024. Save Ukraine has been operating two „Hope and Healing“ centers for the reception and care of internally displaced persons with mobility impairments and the elderly since July 2022. These centers serve as important hubs for the provision of basic assistance, including shelter, medical care, document recovery support and psychological care for the elderly and people with reduced mobility. Save Ukraine maintains four rescue teams involved in the evacuations. A 24/7 hotline takes calls from people in need of help. Save Ukraine evacuates around 300 people every month. The top priority is to save the lives of children and adults.