The decision to move to a retirement community is often driven by the desire for a more relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle.
It's no surprise, then, that one of the most common reasons residents choose Berwick is the freedom from cooking. “Meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning up can start to feel more like a chore than a pleasure,” says Kathy McAree, Community Relations Manager at Berwick Royal Oak.
At Berwick House in Gordon Head and Berwick Royal Oak, residents enjoy three chef-prepared meals daily, allowing them to savour delectable cuisine without the hassle of meal preparation.
"I can't tell you how nice it is to sit down to a delicious meal without having to worry about planning or cleaning up afterward," says Linda MacDonald, Community Relations Manager at Berwick House. "It's one of the things our residents appreciate the most."
The appeal extends beyond the dining experience. Home and garden maintenance can also become burdensome over time. One Berwick resident had been contemplating a move for years but hesitated to take the next step. Then, after struggling to repair a broken dishwasher, the frustration of home upkeep was the breaking point.
At Berwick, there are no more worries about repairs, yard work or unexpected maintenance costs – just the freedom to enjoy a stress-free lifestyle.
"We hear from so many residents that they love the simplicity and peace of mind that comes with living in a community where everything is taken care of," McAree adds. "It allows them to focus on what truly makes them happy."
This newfound freedom allows residents to focus on what matters. Whether continuing a lifelong passion, exploring new hobbies or engaging in social events, Berwick’s vibrant communities offer endless possibilities. From fitness classes and cultural outings to educational workshops and live entertainment, residents can craft a lifestyle that suits their interests – whether they prefer a bustling calendar of activities or a more relaxed, laid-back approach.
At Berwick Royal Oak, resident Bob McLure finds joy in leading engaging discussions alongside his granddaughter, inspiring thought-provoking conversations on a variety of topics.
"Life at Berwick Royal Oak is a happy blend of comfortable accommodation, many dining options and a wide variety of activities ranging from musical presentations to many offerings by Berwick residents,” McLure says. “It's in the latter category that I, along with my granddaughter, have offered a well received series of discussion sessions centred around life in each of the decades from 1930 to 2020. Individual memories surface and generate much further introspection covering a wide variety of interesting topics, ranging from foods to fashions to music and even lifestyle."
For those considering a move, Berwick encourages individuals to visit multiple retirement communities to find the perfect fit. "Choosing the right community is an important decision and we always recommend doing research and taking the time to explore options," McAree says. "Berwick has a strong reputation and with our high demand, waitlists can be lengthy – so it’s wise to plan ahead."
Learn more about Berwick Retirement Communities online at berwickretirement.com. To book a tour of Berwick House in Gordon Head, contact Linda MacDonald at 250-853-5492. For a tour of Berwick Royal Oak, contact Kathy McAree at 250-419-4012.
For a closer look at what Independent Living has to offer and where to get started, download Berwick's new E-book, The Berwick Journey: Where to Begin When Considering Independent Living.
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Plan ahead for Independent Living at Berwick House and Berwick Royal Oak