Retired seniors advocate wants to assure quality of care continues

A long career managing nursing homes taught John Martin about the needs of seniors in the western end of the Island.

So after retiring, Martin got back to work advocating for seniors as a member of the Community Care Facilities and Private Nursing Homes Licensing Board.

He applied for the position through Engage PEI, which offers Islanders a chance to volunteer on more than 70 provincial government agencies, boards, and commissions.

Martin was part of a group that assessed the need for community care facilities in West Prince. Over the summer months he visited a variety of homes and met licensed home owners and managers to hear about their needs.

“I’m a baby boomer living through the best Canada has ever been able to provide its citizens in services and supports,” he said. “But I know that on the horizon there is something different for people. I want to make sure the options are there for this next generation.”

Martin says he knows most rural areas in Canada struggle for services that are typically available in larger cities. “We are used to rolling up our sleeves and doing for ourselves.”

That’s why he wanted to stay involved as an advocate for seniors and adults with disabilities and others who use community care facilities, and especially for those in his home community of O’Leary.

 “I want to help put supports in place to ensure care is of a quality and safe nature,” Martin said. “I firmly believe our last days – if we are not in hardship or pain – can be some of our best days.”

When Martin isn’t advocating for seniors he can be found at the curling rink, on cycling the trails, or singing choral music with his wife Eileen. The couple has two grown children.