Hospice Ukraine - Caring for the Caregivers

The palliatove care service in Kyiv has gone from strength to strength, fuelled by the need and growing demand from patients and family members. In 2026 so far, even with our limited resources, the team has been able to care for more than 100 patients each month, and over 150 caregivers. In Ivano-Frankivsk, the numbers are also steadily growing, and they now have more than 40 patients each month. 

For the caregivers, we have run training sessions to help them care for their relatives, with practical help such as how to lift properly and how to feed and provide appropriate nutrition. We have run creative workshops focussing on art and writing stories. The latter has helped them to express their fears and dreams. We have also provided psychological support and bereavement support as well as providing essential items such as pain-relieving mattresses, diapers, stoma bags etc.

We are also in the process of recording videos that can be used to demonstrate how to care for patients at home, including lifting, mouth care, hygiene and other things that can enhance the quality of life. These videos can then be used on a wider basis, such as sending to patients and family members who are living near the front line and find it hard to access appropriate care. 

Many caregivers have expressed their appreciation for the help given through this project and we hope that you will help us to continue expanding our reach. 

This is one of the lovely messages received:

"I cannot put into words how grateful I am to your Foundation and first and foremost to you personally (Dr Zoia). When all of this is over, I would very much like to support you.because I can see tht you genuinely care and this makes our life a little easier. I have people around me who are aware of my father's situation and I am sure they will not remain indifferent."

Patient story:

My father, who is 57, has lung cancer. My GP prescribed some medications but they were not effective in controlling his pain. In fact they were useless. I was then put in touch with Dr Zoia from the palliative team and she coordinated his care. Very quickly, his pain was controlled and he has even been able to get out of bed again. He is feeling so much better. I am his main carer and I no longer feel I am in this all on my own. I am so grateful that this team exists and that they support me as well as my father. 

Links:

• website

• Impact Review of charity 2025 (PDF)