John wasn’t sure he was ready to move to a retirement community, but that changed when he visited Berwick Royal Oak.
Urged by his kids to take a tour, Berwick felt different than other retirement communities he’d visited. “Nothing else compared,” says John. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he noticed everyone, both residents and staff, were very friendly and seemed happy at Berwick.
After hearing about all the amenities and being able to enjoy three chef-prepared meals a day in The Dining Room, Bistro, or authentic British Pub, John’s son, David, declared that he wanted to move in.
Then, when David heard there would be weekly cleaning and housekeepers would change the bed and launder linens, he asked how old you had to be to move in. Not yet having reached 65, David seemed disappointed but was excited for his dad.
However, John, only in his 70s, was still a bit reluctant. His kids were concerned about him spending so much time at his house alone, especially during the pandemic.
After a few more visits, John found a one-bedroom suite with a kitchenette, lovely balcony and lots of sunshine that suited him well, but he wasn’t so keen about not being able to move all his belongings.
“We really liked our home,” John says, but realized that it would be better for him to live in a supportive community rather than in his big house on his own.
Today, John thoroughly enjoys his lifestyle at Berwick.
“Getting used to being someplace else takes a bit of doing,” says John, but he really feels like he belongs at Berwick.
He appreciates the nice setup, ability to be as social as he wishes, and enjoys the endless activities—from exercise classes in The Zoom Room to poker, bridge and crib in The Jolly Joker games room. There are also movies every evening in the gorgeous theatre, and the stage recently hosted a resident and staff talent show, in which John participated.
The community embraced John, making him feel confident, welcome and comfortable. “I’ve become quite friendly with many people, especially the ‘coffee people’—they’re very easy to talk to,” John says.
While coming from their family home, people often think that moving to a retirement community takes away their independence, David, says, “My dad has thrived so much more than I could have imagined; he’s become more independent at Berwick.”
John’s daughter, Sharon, is “over the moon” about his experience at Berwick.
“Berwick has given my dad a safe and comfortable place to live in a caring, supportive atmosphere. He’s thriving in his retirement.”
Sharon, who visits her dad often, says, “I feel like I’m at home when I’m there, too. Berwick staff have been great.”
Staff and residents always welcome newcomers with open arms. When John first arrived at Berwick, a resident welcomer gave him the inside scoop and introduced him to several other residents.
Dining services gave John a tour of the many mealtime options and introduced him to residents who he still dines with.
“I like to have breakfast and lunch in The Bistro, then dinner in The Dining Room with a small group,” says John, adding, “I’ve never seen a dining room like Berwick Royal Oak’s.” John loves the two-story windows that surround The Dining Room and the woodwork throughout the building.
“You can tell they didn’t cut any corners,” he says. With the lovely atmosphere and great selection of cuisine available, “it’s like being on a cruise ship.”
Every day, Berwick provides the options and comforts of an all-inclusive vacation in their retirement communities. For more information, visit www.berwickretirement.com.
