The deterioration of family and social relations, due to the restrictions caused by the pandemic and the increase in living expenses for those who do not have their own home, combined with psychological difficulties they face, has caused a steady increase in the number of vulnerable elderly citizens who move to the port of Piraeus as a last resort, following evictions from the rented houses they used to live in. The pensions and solidarity allowances received by our vulnerable fellow citizens are not sufficient to cover the pressing housing and food needs they face.
The street work team met the 80-year-old Ms. Χ. and her companion at the port of Piraeus where they live in a makeshift shack, after they were evicted from their house two years ago as they could not cover their expenses. The MdM team, with social workers and medical staff, is trying to relieve them from the daily challenges they face living in these difficult conditions.
Due to difficulties in walking caused by an eye problem, Mrs. Χ. was almost bedridden, resulting in the development of bedsores. Thus, over the last 5 months, a regular effort was made to surgically clean and treat the gluteal area of the depression by the MdM medical team. The medical care she received significantly reduced the problem and then an effort was made to find an eye clinic for her vision, so that her condition would not deteriorate again, but also to enable her to become self-sufficient to the extent possible, in the presence of her companion. Finally, the case was accepted to be taken over by a private surgeon who responded positively to the group’s request, since the procedure through the public health system was fruitless or even time-consuming.
Mrs. Χ. underwent surgery, which improved her eyesight and at the same time her ability to walk around, while the social workers of the MdM team continue their efforts to find a solution to her housing problem, which is faced by many of our most vulnerable elderly citizens, depriving them of decent living and the human right to health.
