Starting on the road to Berwick.
We regularly check in with residents about their journey to Berwick Communities. As we expected, they have plenty of advice informed by their own experiences and those of their friends and neighbours. Here are some of their best tips to help you explore whether senior living is the right choice for you.
What is most important to you?
Ask yourself some questions and take a moment to reflect. What has prompted you to consider moving? Every situation is unique. Perhaps you’re looking to downsize, have experienced a recent change in health or no longer feel up for the day-to-day upkeep of your house. Maybe you’re looking for a change, whether that’s meeting more people, enjoying new experiences or learning new skills.
Talk it over.
If you’re feeling a little unsure about the future, that’s definitely normal. Moving is a significant change, but there are incredible resources and support services in our communities that can make this process a little bit easier. Talking through what you’re feeling with your family and friends can be helpful when trying to make a big life decision.
Get out and explore.
As you start your research process, think about location. Is there a specific area where you’d like to live? Next, consider what would best suit your lifestyle. For instance, If you’re an active person who enjoys a regular fitness routine, look for senior living communities that have fitness-related indoor and outdoor amenities to support those goals. From there, think about the services you’ll need to live well, such as housekeeping, dining and wellness programs. Finally, reflect on your interests and hobbies, and any aspirational things you may want to accomplish. What do you like to do and how can your future community support these interests and goals?
Visit your top choices.
After conducting online research and speaking to friends and family about their recommendations, plan some virtual or in-person visits and take your communities of choice for a test drive. If you can, attend events or programs at a community, which is a great way to connect with current residents and hear their honest impressions. It’s also good to explore their website and ask for a brochure, a complete list of all the available services and a breakdown of monthly fees and any additional costs. You can even plan a short-term stay to experience the community for yourself.
Remember, there’s no “normal” timeline.
Everyone is different, and making a decision to move into a senior living community like Berwick can be as quick or deliberate a process as you like. Some people make the decision relatively quickly in weeks or months, while others may take years to decide on the best fit. All ways are perfectly acceptable. If you want more information or would like to talk anything over, we’re always here to help.
What is most important to you?
Ask yourself some questions and take a moment to reflect. What has prompted you to consider moving? Every situation is unique. Perhaps you’re looking to downsize, have experienced a recent change in health or no longer feel up for the day-to-day upkeep of your house. Maybe you’re looking for a change, whether that’s meeting more people, enjoying new experiences or learning new skills.
Talk it over.
If you’re feeling a little unsure about the future, that’s definitely normal. Moving is a significant change, but there are incredible resources and support services in our communities that can make this process a little bit easier. Talking through what you’re feeling with your family and friends can be helpful when trying to make a big life decision.
Get out and explore.
As you start your research process, think about location. Is there a specific area where you’d like to live? Next, consider what would best suit your lifestyle. For instance, If you’re an active person who enjoys a regular fitness routine, look for senior living communities that have fitness-related indoor and outdoor amenities to support those goals. From there, think about the services you’ll need to live well, such as housekeeping, dining and wellness programs. Finally, reflect on your interests and hobbies, and any aspirational things you may want to accomplish. What do you like to do and how can your future community support these interests and goals?
Visit your top choices.
After conducting online research and speaking to friends and family about their recommendations, plan some virtual or in-person visits and take your communities of choice for a test drive. If you can, attend events or programs at a community, which is a great way to connect with current residents and hear their honest impressions. It’s also good to explore their website and ask for a brochure, a complete list of all the available services and a breakdown of monthly fees and any additional costs. You can even plan a short-term stay to experience the community for yourself.
Remember, there’s no “normal” timeline.
Everyone is different, and making a decision to move into a senior living community like Berwick can be as quick or deliberate a process as you like. Some people make the decision relatively quickly in weeks or months, while others may take years to decide on the best fit. All ways are perfectly acceptable. If you want more information or would like to talk anything over, we’re always here to help.
Hear from Berwick residents.
“We have many activities to choose from at Berwick but when learning to play ukulele was offered, I decided to take the challenge. The experience has been very fulfilling and brings with it great enjoyment. We are now able to share this with other people. Being able to continue learning enables us to stay involved here and in our community.”
—Nancy Carter
“A decade ago, I described my ideal retirement community to my husband, and it’s come true at Berwick. I feel I’m part of a community which pays attention to all my needs—physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual. My husband and I experienced two other retirement facilities in Victoria and were not impressed. Berwick stands out, because management communicates and responds quickly to any concerns. They genuinely walk the talk about caring.”
—Terry Dance-Bennink
“Living at Berwick has given me the opportunity to meet many new friends and acquaintances. The friendly and compassionate staff have encouraged me to follow my passion for the arts. I have learned to play the ukulele, dabbled in fabric art and continued quilting. For me it was a good decision to move to Berwick.”
—Lois Hayward
“We have many activities to choose from at Berwick but when learning to play ukulele was offered, I decided to take the challenge. The experience has been very fulfilling and brings with it great enjoyment. We are now able to share this with other people. Being able to continue learning enables us to stay involved here and in our community.”
—Nancy Carter
“A decade ago, I described my ideal retirement community to my husband, and it’s come true at Berwick. I feel I’m part of a community which pays attention to all my needs—physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual. My husband and I experienced two other retirement facilities in Victoria and were not impressed. Berwick stands out, because management communicates and responds quickly to any concerns. They genuinely walk the talk about caring.”
—Terry Dance-Bennink
“Living at Berwick has given me the opportunity to meet many new friends and acquaintances. The friendly and compassionate staff have encouraged me to follow my passion for the arts. I have learned to play the ukulele, dabbled in fabric art and continued quilting. For me it was a good decision to move to Berwick.”
—Lois Hayward
