Open Doors gains momentum during Seniors Month
Wednesday, June 8, 2005 – Caryn Wolfe
About 600 retirement and long-term care homes across the province have registered for the inaugural Open Doors event taking place on June 18th, during Seniors Month.

“Initially, we thought we might get about 500 of the estimated 1,500 homes to register but already we are well ahead of the mark,” says Derek Mercey, Vice President and co-founder of Care Guide, the publishing company and driving force behind the event.

“And there are even more homes planning their own events for the day that haven’t officially registered yet,” he says.

The idea for Open Doors started late last summer during a brain-storming session.

“Our business is about providing information to seniors and the public about housing and care options so that they can make better decisions and we are always looking for new ways to do this.”

While studying business at University, Derek gained some experience in a group home environment and an appreciation for care-giving as it relates to a vulnerable sector.

“The role we play through our work is fulfilling because there is oftentimes too much misinformation out there,” says Derek.

Sponsors of the inaugural event include: Osprey Media, Ontario Long-Term Care Association (OLTCA), Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA), Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS), Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario as well as Sequentia Communications.

The Ontario Senior’s Secretariat has been behind the event since the start. The initiative is also supported by The Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister Responsible for Seniors and Premier McGuinty.

Plans to roll out Open Doors in Alberta and B.C. are in the works.