Elderly Ukrainian refugees living in Poland find themselves far from their families, homes, and roots. Their daily lives are filled with uncertainty – where to live? How to afford the necessary medications? Their anxiety is heightened by their lack of Polish language skills and the extremely low Ukrainian pensions. Many of them stay in collective housing centers because they cannot afford the cheapest apartment.
The role of non-governmental organizations in the social care system
In Poland, over 70,000 Ukrainian refugees are elderly, aged 60 and above. The scale of challenges they face exceeds the capabilities of even the richest countries. The situation is particularly tough for those living in smaller towns, far from larger urban areas, where the social care system cannot meet all their needs. This is why the role of non-governmental organizations is crucial – to assist where and when state systems lack the necessary resources.
Thanks to the efforts of organizations like the Jesuit Refugee Service Poland Foundation, many elderly Ukrainian refugees in Nowy Sącz have received vital support. This foundation, funded by the POP Fund, has been instrumental in addressing their most urgent needs.
– For seniors, it’s extremely important to have a place to go, sit, and chat, as loneliness affects them deeply. They feel overlooked and unnecessary, even though they strongly desire to contribute. That’s why integrative activities that actively allow them to participate in social life are crucial. Additionally, beyond loneliness, they often experience anxiety related to financial issues, so material support for these individuals is equally important,” says Katarzyna Wróblewska, Board Member of the Jesuit Refugee Service Poland Foundation
The Jesuit Refugee Service Poland Foundation provides elderly Ukrainian refugees with medications, helps with daily shopping for food and clothing, assists with administrative matters and translations, and organizes integration activities.
Phone as a pretext for conversations
Activation workshops, an Information Point where assistants help with administrative matters in Ukrainian, and most importantly, time spent with others. The Spe Salvi Foundation improves the quality of life for older people and people with disabilities in Białystok and the Białystok district, as well as for Ukrainian refugees. It offers free support from a psychologist, lawyer, digital technology consultant, and translator to assist seniors with handling matters at the office.
– We provide consultations on modern technologies, phone use. Often, these sessions are just an excuse to talk about everything. The presence of another person, spending time with them, is very important for seniors,” explains Wioletta Kuć from the Spe Salvi Foundation.
As noted by the President of the Jesuit Refugee Service Poland Foundation, many seniors suffer because they feel overlooked and unnecessary, which deepens their loneliness. This is why integration activities, group outings, and gatherings are essential. These events allow seniors to form new connections and make them feel engaged and part of a community. They lack spaces where they can meet others and talk—like senior clubs, cafés, or support groups.
Response from the POP Fund Organizations
As part of the 1st and 2nd Editions of the POP Fund Grant Competition, operated by the Polish Center for International Aid Foundation, 900 elderly individuals will receive support. Migrant Info Point is hosting a series of meetings for seniors. Through the project “Knowledge is Key – comprehensive support for Ukrainian refugees and the local community,” elderly participants will engage in training sessions, creative workshops, and trips to museums and around Leszno.
The Barka Mutual Aid Foundation runs neighborhood clubs in Poznań, Szamotuły, Tarnowo Podgórne, and Wronki. As part of the “Mutually needed” project, 18 Polish-Ukrainian senior groups will meet twice a week until the end of December to spend time creatively and actively.
Long-term assistance beyond ad-hoc activities
Thanks to the generous support of donors like the Biedronki Foundation, through the POP Fund, we are able to assist many elderly Ukrainian men and women who find themselves in difficult life situations. Although organizations across Poland are actively working to meet their needs, the scale of challenges remains immense. Older individuals who cannot return to their homes not only need financial assistance but also support in coping with the longing for their country, loved ones, and language. It is crucial that the efforts of organizations go beyond short-term help, enabling seniors not only to adapt to life in Poland but also to regain a sense of security and community so they don’t feel alone and have people around them they can rely on.
