Caring for Bella

Bella never married.  Without children, she had to rely on a neighbor to help her when crippling arthritis left her unable to walk, sit up or feed herself.   And this neighbor became her only contact with the outside world. 

When the local Hesed (Jewish welfare center) in eastern Ukraine heard about Bella, a team paid her a visit.  "She was lying on a couch," recalled Sara, a Hesed home-care specialist.  "Apparently, she had lived on the couch for three years."

The home-care team obtained equipment that would change Bella’s life.  "We put supports under the legs of the couch to raise her head, so that she could see out the window," Sara said.  "We gave her a specialized back support so she could sit up.  And we gave her a wheelchair that doubles as a commode.  These things dramatically improved Bella’s quality of life."

Today, a home-care volunteer regularly visits Bella.  She and the neighbor ensure that Bella is well cared for.  Bella also receives visits from members of the local Jewish community – both adults and children – who value her sense of humor and kind heart.

"The community has become part of Bella’s life," Sara said.  "And Bella, for all her suffering, has become part of the community."