Our Work
Elderly Sitters
The Elderly Sitters Project is a vital initiative that provides compassionate support and essential services to elderly refugees across Lebanon’s cities and regions, including Beirut, Saida, Tyre, Tripoli, and the Beqaa Valley. Recognizing the vulnerabilities and isolation faced by many elderly individuals in refugee communities, the project offers structured, personal assistance through dedicated youth caregivers.
This intergenerational approach not only ensures that elderly individuals receive needed physical and emotional care but also bridges the gap between generations, fostering empathy, understanding, and community bonds.
At the heart of the Elderly Sitters Project are the 57 young caregivers who devote four hours daily to supporting the elderly. Their assistance covers a range of critical daily activities, including cleaning, cooking, personal hygiene, and medication reminders, which help elderly refugees maintain their independence and dignity. Beyond these practical tasks, caregivers provide companionship and engage in meaningful conversations, alleviating the loneliness that many elderly refugees face.
Specialised first aid training with Al Shifaa equips caregivers with essential skills to safely and effectively support those in their care.
“It’s my first time I go out since a year, except for seeing doctors. I met my friends during the activities and made new ones. We laughed, shared memories, and enjoyed our time. I felt alive again!”
Abo Nidal, 81 years old.
Stories from the field
"Palestine is my mother. I love all Palestinian youth, and my dream is to return back to Palestine even if it was the last day of my life. The Palestinian Kufiah represents our identity, history, and our resilience. It defines us. I still remember when we were displaced and we left our lands and properties behind. I keep telling my grandchildren about our homeland, Palestine, and I keep reminding them about their right to return"
They are not alone. Here's a few more stories from the field.
Key Services:
- Caregiving: 57 caregivers engage with the elderly for 4 hours daily, offering companionship and assistance with daily activities such as house cleaning, meal preparation, medicine reminders, and personal hygiene.
- First Aid Workshops: Conducted in collaboration with Al Shifaa, these workshops educate caregivers on elderly care.
- Nutritious Meals: Hot meals are distributed three times a week in Beirut, Tyre, and Beqaa, and daily in Saida, in cooperation with Al Forqan kitchen. Additionally, six meals were provided during the last days of Ramadan.
- Medical Support: Following needs assessments, medical equipment including wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, blood pressure monitors, and glucometers were provided. Medicine for a one-month intake was given to 23 elderly individuals.
- Additional Services: Activities like nail care by specialists, house cleaning, and providing household appliances and furniture for 27 elderly were conducted. Companionship activities included conversations and emotional support to alleviate loneliness.
- Special Outings: With Al Shifaa’s help, an elderly woman received medical check-ups and a visit to the sea.
- Support Materials: 90 diaper bags were distributed to the elderly.
An evaluation of the project showed high satisfaction among the elderly and caregivers, highlighting the program’s positive impact on both the recipients and the volunteers, who gained valuable experience and income.
“I own land in Palestine and I keep the ownership documents. Maybe I can there someday.”
Abo Khalel, 93 years old. Abo Khalil is humorous and always asks people to serve him Kunafa.
How you can make a difference
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