Adding welcome to a cold entrance

The building is fairly new, it replaced an aging facility that has been on the property for year. Located in one of the nicest residential areas in London, old north, it is not surprising that a large part of the building is dedicated to providing residential for seniors.

The sign above the entrance says Advanced followed by Medical Group and Senior Living. I was there to receive treatment for my sun-damaged skin. I arrived with only an address but once there it was clear this place was more than a medical facility. My question was: "How much more?"

The welcoming fall scarecrow was light on the scare but heavy on the welcome. And the large Apple a Day Bistro sign indicated that there was more to this place than medical offices.

When I got home I discovered there are a number of Internet sites related to this place. First, the senior residences are part of The Manor Village chain. It appears there are at least eight of these Aging in Place facilities.

It is said a Dr. M. Garth Mann started The Manor Village Life Centers out of a belief that staying healthy in one's senior years should be easily accomplished without having to leave the area of one's home. His first Manor Village was built for, and inspired by, his mother some 30 years ago. Linking the London Manor Village with a local medical group was an natural fit.

My guess is that lots of folk living in the immediate area take advantage of the Advanced centre. The little bistro fills a neighbourhood need and the walk-in-medical-clinic is a plus for any neighbourhood.