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Plan ahead for Independent Living at Berwick House and Berwick Royal Oak

With high demand and limited availability, early planning ensures a smooth transition to these sought-after senior living communities
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Enjoy the best of Independent Living at Berwick House and Berwick Royal Oak on beautiful Southern Vancouver Island.

Early spring is the perfect time to focus on the future and for those who value their independence, planning ahead is key to finding the right senior living community. If you’re considering Berwick House in Gordon Head or Berwick Royal Oak in Victoria, taking proactive steps now can help ensure a seamless transition to these welcoming residences.

With their strong sense of community and exceptional lifestyle, Berwick House and Berwick Royal Oak remain top choices for those seeking independent living. High demand has led to full occupancy, meaning prospective residents should anticipate a wait of many months for a suite to become available.

“This time of year is ideal for getting organized and taking those first steps,” says Kathy McAree, community relations manager at Berwick Royal Oak. “Even if you're not planning to move for a few years, starting early ensures you’re ready when the time comes.”

Download Berwick's free E-book 'The Berwick Journey: Where to Begin When Considering Independent Living'

Take the first step toward independent living

The journey to independent living begins with a tour, where individuals and couples can explore the amenities and experience Berwick’s warm atmosphere. After the tour, adding your name to the waitlist is an essential next step. Linda MacDonald, community relations manager at Berwick House, emphasizes the importance of using the waiting period to prepare for the move.

“When a suite becomes available, decisions happen quickly,” MacDonald says. “We typically ask those on the waitlist to confirm their interest within 48 hours, and move-ins usually occur within one to two months.”

To ensure a stress-free transition, MacDonald recommends starting the downsizing process early. “Decluttering and minimizing your belongings now can make the shift from a private home to a Berwick suite much easier and more enjoyable.”

Having a contingency plan, such as temporary accommodations with family, can also be helpful while waiting for a suite.

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“Even if you're not planning to move for a few years, starting early ensures you’re ready when the time comes," says Kathy McAree, community relations manager at Berwick Royal Oak. Photo courtesy of Berwick.

Embrace a vibrant, worry-free lifestyle

Acclaimed artist Graham Scholes, who moved into Berwick Royal Oak last year, compares life at Berwick to “a cruise ship at dry dock.”

“Living here gives you the time to go out and volunteer in areas you have an interest in, and you don’t have to worry about your house,” he says.

Scholes and his wife lived in a home on Lands End Road before realizing that home maintenance was taking away time he could have spent in his studio. Their children had encouraged them to move for years—even their grandson worked at Berwick for eight years—and they finally made the transition.

“There’s motivation to stay active. We’re surrounded by beautiful walking areas, and I walk about two kilometres every day,” Scholes says. “There’s not enough days in the week to take it all in. They do a wonderful job, truly.”

Make 2025 the year you take charge of your future! Stay tuned for details about an open house in fall 2025, where you can explore everything Berwick House and Berwick Royal Oak have to offer.

Learn more about Berwick Retirement Communities online at berwickretirement.com. To book a tour of Berwick House in Gordon Head, contact Linda McDonald 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'.