Getting to Treatment: A Senior’s First Hurdle
For many older adults, the hardest part of seeing a doctor is simply getting there. In Ukraine, where healthcare access has become even more complicated in recent years, mobile medical teams are often the bridge to care for the most vulnerable.
Viktor Vasyliovych, a widower in his later years, faced exactly this challenge. His health had declined sharply after several surgeries, leaving him in constant pain and unable to walk to a clinic by himself. Living alone and with limited mobility, he had no real way to reach medical help.
The turning point came through an unexpected meeting: a psychologist from the mobile medical brigade of the BF “Stellar Ukraine” took the time to listen. The brigade, working with the International Rescue Committee and supported by the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, was delivering care in the community. Recognizing that Vasyliovych needed urgent medical attention, the psychologist connected him directly with the brigade’s therapist. The examination revealed symptoms that demanded immediate follow-up and surgery. The brigade coordinated with a healthcare facility, and a partner organization arranged transport to the hospital—a step that proved decisive.
Recovery and a Word of Thanks
Once at the hospital, Viktor Vasyliovych received state-funded medical care, and the operation was successful. His recovery came gradually, but soon he felt like a new man. “I’m already doing my exercises at six in the morning,” he said. “Once I get up, I don’t lie down again.”
He also expressed deep gratitude for the support he received: “Thank you for not leaving me alone in trouble. It’s very hard to manage on your own at this age.”
His story is a reminder that medical care must be both accessible and reachable. For older people, especially those living alone or struggling with physical limitations, having someone to help them cross that distance to care can make all the difference. Investing in mobile health teams and patient transport is a simple but powerful way to improve the quality of life for a generation that too often gets left behind.