For nearly 3 months, Ganna Sokolova, a 70-year-old Ukrainian newcomer, has been living in a hospital bed, trapped in a limbo no one should have to endure. She has dementia-like symptoms, does not speak English, cannot care for herself, and has no known relatives in Canada. Though medically cleared, she has nowhere to go. The bare, impersonal walls surrounding her likely feel more and more like a prison with each passing day.

Ganna’s journey to this hospital bed is full of unanswered questions. We know she lived in Kyiv and worked in finance before arriving in Canada on a work permit in October 2023. However, we do not know if her mental state was better at the time or if something triggered her confusion and memory lapses. After staying in a newcomer hotel for two weeks, she was found sitting outside with her belongings, lost and disoriented. A kind stranger took her in, offering temporary shelter, but when that person left Canada, she brought Ganna to a shelter, the only option available.

At the shelter, it became clear that Ganna was unwell and could not care for herself. Staff, unable to provide the support she needed, arranged for her to be taken to the hospital.

Perhaps the stress of moving to a foreign country worsened an existing condition, or maybe something else contributed to her decline—no one knows for sure. What is certain is that, if she were a Canadian resident, the hospital would apply for long-term care. But because she is not, she does not qualify. Her work permit, set to expire in 2026, further complicates her situation.

Volunteers are doing everything they can – helping Ganna apply for legal aid, permanent residency and financial assistance, as she has no income and needs support to cover the cost of some essential medications. But that takes time and until her legal status is resolved, Ganna waits. No one around her speaks her language. When asked if she had anything to read, she replied, “No,” and added that she enjoys romance novels. What a lonely existence! Not even a book to read or anyone to talk to. 

We are searching for answers. Did Ganna arrive with a group? Does anyone remember her? Was she well when she first came to Canada? Over the past year, her condition appears to have worsened.

Ganna mentioned she has a son—Igor—but she has lost contact with him. The Ukrainian consulate has been informed and is working to locate him. Their response was brief: “The Consulate sent an inquiry to the competent authorities of Ukraine aimed at finding close relatives of Ms. Ganna Sokolova. If there is any information to share with you, we will inform you as soon as possible.” – Signed, Ievgeniia Shevkunova, Consul.

How You Can Help:

• • Do you know Ganna or her son, Igor?
    If you have any information about Ganna’s background or family, especially her son, please reach out. Any lead could help reconnect her with her loved ones.

  • Help us get her a wheelchair
    Ganna is at risk of falling and now requires a wheelchair for safe mobility. While she qualifies for a government-subsidized chair, she is unable to afford the remaining 25% of the cost (about $800). We are looking to either raise funds or find a gently used wheelchair that meets her needs.

    Wheelchair specifications:

    • Type 2 manual wheelchair

    • Seat dimensions: 18” width x 18” depth x 18” floor height

    • Ideally includes: ROHO cushion and contoured, padded back support

  • Volunteer to assist
    Help with Ganna’s case or support others in similar difficult situations. Your time and skills can make a real difference.

  • Donate books or activities
    Ukrainian or Russian books, magazines, or coloring books can bring comfort and help Ganna stay mentally engaged while she adjusts to her new environment.

No one should be left alone, staring at a wall in a foreign land with no place to go. Ganna’s story is still unfolding, and we are doing everything we can to ensure it does not end in despair.

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UPDATES

• March 25, 2025 
  Ganna was recently transferred to a long-term care facility. We’re hopeful that she now has a room of her own and the chance to connect with new roommates and caregivers. She still needs ongoing support with her legal status and other important matters, which we continue to assist her with. We’re also planning a visit soon to check in and bring her some books to help keep her mind engaged.
  
  

• April 2, 2025
  Thanks to Olga, who responded to our call for book donations, we now have a wonderful collection of books to gift Ganna.💛
  
  

  
  
  
  
  

• April 23, 2025 – Great news! Today we delivered a free wheelchair for Ganna, who has mobility issues. Her occupational therapist adjusted it and said it works well.