The regional chapter of a seniors national advocacy group is calling on Prince Edward County retirees to attend their next meeting.

The Canadian Association of Retired Persons Chapter 39 has been in existence dating back to 2011. With a large catchment area which includes Brighton, Trent Hills, Quinte West, Stirling Rawdon, Belleville, Napanee and Prince Edward County, the CARP chapter covers three federal and provincial ridings and engages with the four Mayors and municipalities within the local district.

The CARP organizations bills itself as a national, non partisan, not for profit advocacy organization for older adults and seniors. CARP advocates for better healthcare, financial security, affordable housing, transformative culture change in Long Term Care and freedom from ageism.

Chapter Chair Louise Warr explained CARP is currently advocating on a number of national issues that affect retirees including financial security, Long Term Care re modelling and equitable access to preventive healthcare.

This advocacy work involves national strategies with localized components. For example, CARP has been calling on the provincial government to address the issues that make elders vulnerable in LTC Homes and adopt a “Transformative Cultural Change standard” for long-term care from an institutional task-based care model to an emotional based care model such as the Butterly model and the Eden model of care. This level of provincial advocacy is echoed locally through emails to Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith’s office.

Nationally, CARP is calling on the Canadian government to boost old age security by ten per cent amongst people aged 65-74 to match the change made for Canadians 75 years and older. Increased access to affordable housing geared for seniors and eliminating mandatory Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) withdrawals so seniors do not deplete their nest eggs.

While advocacy efforts are a key part of CARP, the local chapter continues to inform seniors on a monthly basis through information sessions every second Tuesday at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre in Belleville.

More recently, guest speakers have attended to speak on topics such as hearing, affordable housing, the local humane society, Volunteer Information Quinte. etc.

“Our “Coffee and Chat” monthly meetings are casual, informative, engaging and fun for the 60-75 people who join us every month,” Ms. Warr told the Gazette. “The knowledgeable speakers share insight, valuable information, tips and actively engage in the Q&A portion of the event which, in turn, supports dialogue and sharing in the room, resulting in positive outcome for all in attendance.”

Our speakers this year have shared their passions, as well as information!

On October 10, CARP celebrates National Seniors Day with a flag raising and a mix and mingle with local politicians from all three levels of government.

On  November14, Carp  welcomes Debbie Macdonald Moynes, Executive Director, Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors who will discuss services and support available for seniors.

For more information on CARP, please visit https://www.carp.ca/community/greater-bay-of-quinte-area/