Heseds Continue to Improve Lives of Homebound Elderly in the FSU

Ekaterina, 82, lives alone in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Enfeebled by the effects of aging and ongoing recovery from a broken leg last year, Ekaterina relies on the assistance of a visiting worker from the local JDC-sponsored Hesed social welfare center to live with dignity.

Born in 1921 in the Bershade town of Vinnitskaya, Ekaterina completed her education requirements and went on to study at a medical college. She served in the Soviet Army from 1941 to 1945 and received many awards for her duty during World War II.

In October of 1945 Ekaterina married but tragically, her husband died two months later. She was sent to the Kuriles, where she worked as a doctor's assistant. The following year, she gave birth to a son who she raised on her own.

Ekaterina moved to Tashkent in 1960 and began working in the center for children with polio. She later transfered jobs to a children's tuberculosis hospital until 1992, when a severe automobile accident forced her to retire.

She currently lives alone, with a condition that classifies as a major disability, and her only son is ill and resides in Russia.

For three years, Hesed worker Tamara has visited Ekaterina two to three times per day. Tamara helps bathe Ekaterina, cleans the apartment, washes her clothing, cooks hot lunches, and delivers food packages to her from the Hesed – tasks which she could not complete in her physical condition. Since the elderly woman broke her leg last year, Tamara has also helped her recuperation through massages and other occupational therapy.

Ekaterina is now able to move inside the apartment, and the vital contribution that the Hesed Home Care services have made to Ekaterina's life are self-evident. "Tamara and I have a very special, warm relationship, and she keeps me in lovely company," says Ekaterina. "I am grateful that the Hesed has organized for me such excellent nursing and care."