CARP
Main St W L8P 4Y5 Hamilton, ON, Canada

We recently shared this story about the impact isolation is having on seniors: https://www.macleans.ca//seniors-covid-19-loneliness-lon/ We want to draw special attention to CARP Nova Scotia Board Member Reverend Dianne Parker, who appears in the article (Photograph by Aaron McKenzie Fraser):... Like 92% of Canadians older than 65, Dianne lives in the community, in a duplex tucked into a Halifax cul-de-sac. She is 74 and widowed, a rector who has spent more than a half-century working with the public. Though she’d retired as head of her parish, she was still providing pastoral care to the ill and dying and performing weddings, funerals and worship services when the pandemic began. Once COVID-19 landed within Canada’s borders, she self-isolated. She cancelled a flight to Calgary to visit her grandchildren and relied on neighbours for groceries. Heeding the health rules of the province, she shifted worship services onto Facebook and YouTube. She went 103 consecutive days without visiting another human beinga shock for someone accustomed to holding hands and offering embraces to countless people in a week. I am a person of a presence and a person of hugs, she says. She was lonely, especially at night. Parker (left) added a lower level to her front porch to allow for socially distanced visits and safe baking exchanges. Using a long stick that she calls her happy stick, she passed gifts and homemade baked goods to her neighbours. In partnership with one of them, she purchased a beehive and is raising bees. My neighbour is the drone. He’s done all the work, and I’m the queen, she laughs. A two-time cancer survivor, Parker is concerned about COVID-19, especially as students return to Nova Scotia for university. For now, she’s performing outdoor weddings and funeral services in personalbeit for a handful of attendees. Being adaptable is the only option, she says. We have to reframe how we do things and look after each other.

Belgium is being blasted for abandoning their seniors during the pandemic. But is Canada doing that much better?

Read the latest letter from our fearless leader, Bill! "Actions speak louder than words (and the words can be deafening)" https://www.carp.ca/advocacy-priorities/#cpo_letter

When does trading freedom for safety become too much to bear (especially as the winter months set in)? https://www.macleans.ca//seniors-covid-19-loneliness-long/

This has been a very tough year for everyone, especially older people who may be feeling isolated or unsafe. Have you noticed a change in your mental health during the pandemic? Make your voice heard by taking this survey. Your answers will inform our advocacy on this important issue.... https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YZTLK2D

Ontario is the only province with a Minister of Long-term Care. So why are our nursing homes in shambles? C.A.R.P. says it's time to shake things up. Sign our petition to remove the Minister from Office!... https://www.carp.ca/on-ltc-minister-resign/

Want to join a virtual conversation on Nov 17th about improving cancer care in Canada, featuring federal MP's, survivors and medical experts? Register now: bit.ly/iPoliticsCancer ... This is sure to be an engaging event!

As Canada's largest advocate for seniors, we 'Remember' older people every day. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the political powers that be and society as a whole. Today they join us in thinking about the people who helped build and protect our country.