A COMFORT LIFE REPORT:
Berwick On The Lake vs. Gilmore Gardens - Verve Senior Living

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

Berwick Retirement creates some of the most beautiful communities in BC, many at some of the most attractive waterfront locations in the province. Berwick on the Lake impresses on every level, and we’re hard-pressed to isolate factors to highlight, but the location, care, and dining here are certainly a few.

GILMORE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Great care is found at Gilmore Gardens. The environment here leaves nothing to be desired, certainly, but staff really goes out of their way to cater to residents' needs. When you (or one of your parents) experience a setback, you want to find the best care that will quickly bring you back to enjoying life to the fullest, surrounded by caring people, great friends, and an optimally healthy environment. Staff here combine the qualities of being knowledgeable and personable with a love of fun.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

Wonderful place! Great staff, residents, and atmosphere. The view from the dining room is absolutely stunning!

What first attracted us to Berwick is the lake. The whole of the residence is focused on looking out on the lake. From the entrance on the second floor, the immediate beauty of the dining room is viewed with the tall ceilings and breathtaking windows. We have been living here for nearly a year, and have experienced the changing seasons. In spring the property comes to life with the gardens blooming. The symphony concerts at the lakeside. In summer, residents and guests gather on the dock, to watch the people paddling, fishing, swimming, small boats. The joy of eating on the patios under umbrellas whether it is a fabulous barbecue or a simple ice cream snack. Autumn with the fall colours mirrored in the lake. The bird life year-round. While none of us like snow because of outdoor walking, the breathtaking vista of the frozen lake and snow-laden trees in brilliant sunshine is incomparable. Year-round the path outside is used by residents, and kept clear for walking. A favourite of many of us is the library with its solarium. The lake brings a feeling of vacation and casual living which suits us.

A lovely location to move to in retirement. It has all the latest amenities, the menu looks great and it overlooks a lake.

My mother stayed at Berwick years ago ... she loved it.

The food is really wonderful. We have two choices everyday for both lunch and dinner. There’s a pub which is a little less formal. And the bistro is a third eating area, where you can ‘help yourself.’

I wanted to come here because I had back and leg problems. Standing up to prepare meals was hard. We were eating more prepared meals and that sort of thing. I like not having to think about what we’re having, then to stand up and prepare it. It was a big enough job to cook for the two of us, without others, but now, we sit with new people every night. And we love to hear about their lives. Some people here we’ve gotten quite close to.

Myrna Green, resident (2024)

Kitty and Jeff Mcallister , residents (2024)

GILMORE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Thoroughly enjoyed Dan Levitt’s B.C.Seniors Advocate seminar here. Informative and Entertaining! Thanks for providing programs like this.

Thanks to Roberto for giving us a very informative tour at Gilmore, and the staff are all very friendly.

We are extremely pleased with the services and staff at Gilmore Gardens who are professional, kind, and skilled at providing the appropriate level of support. They have created a healthy and respectful community and it is a pleasure to be part of this.

My parents had a very positive experience during their three-plus years at Gilmore Gardens. The facility is very well-managed, and the staff consistently helpful and friendly. The building and its surroundings are attractive and well-maintained. There were always plenty of daily activities and special events with performers from the community. My mother particularly enjoyed the tranquil and lovely garden area in the courtyard. I highly recommend Gilmore Gardens.

After interviewing several similar organizations in Vancouver, my daughters and I decided to send their father here to recuperate after a minor stroke. He is now settling in nicely and started to like the services, people and food provided by the home. We found the home extremely well run under the General Manager Mirandah Sinden, with impressive teamwork among all the staff and workers. We cannot be more pleased with this home, without which we would have to spend a lot more time and energy managing their father's well-being. He initially rejected the idea, claiming he can live indenpendently and will not need the care and meals provided by the home. After less than a week, he started to like the place and settled in nicely. We cannot be more grateful for such a wonderful home, without which we would have to spend a lot more time and energy managing his life.

Mirandah Sinden, management

Andy Wong, son of resident

Linda Young, family member (2024)

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

The definition of resort-style retirement living, Berwick on the Lake’s gorgeous, peaceful setting on Long Lake in Nanaimo is perfectly complemented by the superior quality of the amenities and services we provide. This is affordable luxury at its finest, with an abundance of fine features along with 24/7 monitoring & security. Contact us today to arrange a personal tour. We look forward to seeing you.

GILMORE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Gilmore Gardens is a premium Independent Living retirement residence five minutes from Steveston and Richmond's popular nature walks, including the Dyke Trail. Recently updated, Gilmore Gardens offers shopping close by, on-site amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere fostered by our residents and dedicated team members. Voted the #1 Best Senior Home in Richmond in 2024, Gilmore Gardens continues to set the standard for excellence. We look forward to welcoming you and your pets to a place you'll be proud to call home. Our various suite options range from studio to two-bedroom. Each suite features a kitchenette, an accessible bathroom, and ample storage. A four-course dinner with a variety of choices is included, along with a continental breakfast, while lunch is available for an additional fee.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

Berwick offers a resort-style lifestyle in unparalleled locations throughout British Columbia. it's inspired senior living designed to empower independent seniors to thrive, stay active and engaged. Our resort-style amenities and services enable residents to age on their own terms. With multiple dining venues from restaurant-style dining rooms, a grab n' go Bistro and traditional English pubs offering seasonal menus and local wines, fitness centres with state-of-the-art equipment, many thoughtfully designed multipurpose spaces for more opportunities to engage with others or pursue interests on your own time, expansive suites with kitchenettes, and a robust wellness program all designed to help you maintain your independence.

GILMORE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

At Gilmore Gardens, we focus on creating a retirement lifestyle that feels active, welcoming, and easy to enjoy. Residents appreciate the balance we offer, comfortable suites, beautiful surroundings, and a wide range of social, fitness, and recreational programs. We especially help people stay engaged and connected so they can enjoy the freedom that comes with independent living.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

As advocates for seniors, we believe that by learning about their lives and interests, and helping them articulate their needs and wants, we can truly facilitate the transition from a situation that is not quite working anymore, whether to our community or elsewhere. In the event that one of these amazing people decides to call Berwick their home, we are then able to welcome them in a way that says, “This is home.”

GILMORE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

When someone moves to Gilmore Gardens, we make a point of helping them feel comfortable quickly. Residents are introduced to the dining room, activities, and common spaces that shape everyday life here. Our team and residents are welcoming. Shared meals, outings, and programs make it easy for new residents to begin forming friendships and settling into the community.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

As residents’ needs evolve, they live comfortably through the availability of both independent living and assisted living within the same community. Services and supports can be arranged to provide additional assistance while residents remain in familiar surroundings. The focus is on maintaining independence while ensuring help is available when it is needed. If a resident eventually requires 24-hour nursing care, the resident’s family member should work with Island Health or a local private pay long term care community for assessment and placement in long-term care.

GILMORE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Gilmore Gardens is designed for independent living, but additional support can be arranged through home-care providers if a resident’s needs change. Our team works with residents and families to help coordinate services so they can remain comfortable and independent for as long as possible. If care needs eventually exceed what can reasonably be supported through home care, we help guide families as they explore appropriate next steps.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

Someone seeking a very basic lifestyle with limited amenities or minimal community interaction may find another setting more aligned with their preferences. Berwick on the Lake appeals to seniors who value a full-service retirement lifestyle with amenities, dining, wellness programs, and opportunities for social engagement.

GILMORE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Gilmore Gardens is best suited to seniors seeking an independent retirement lifestyle with opportunities for social connection and activities. Someone who already requires a high level of daily medical care or a clinical care environment may find a community with on-site assisted living or long-term care more appropriate. Our residence is strongest for people who value independence alongside community life.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

We are proud to be locally-owned and operated by father and son, Gordon and Chris Denford. From the opening of our very first retirement community, the Denford’s realized the importance of creating a warm and welcoming community that put the needs of our residents first. Gordon and Chris are actively involved in the development and operation of each unique location and their philosophy of accessible, approachable and effective listening allows
Berwick to adapt quickly to the residents’ changing needs. Their openness and commitment to our residents can be felt in every aspect of life at all our Berwick’s.

GILMORE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Many residents are pleasantly surprised by the setting. The community feels bright and welcoming, with views of the mountains and nearby green space that give daily life a relaxed, West Coast feel. People often remark on how quickly the residence begins to feel comfortable and how naturally friendships form through shared meals and activities.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

Berwick on the Lake will continue building on the qualities residents value most—strong hospitality, engaging programs, and attentive service. The focus will remain on enhancing wellness opportunities and community life while maintaining the welcoming environment and beautiful waterfront setting that define the residence.

GILMORE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

Over the next five years, we expect to continue enhancing the lifestyle that residents already value here—active programming, comfortable surroundings, and attentive service. Our goal is to keep refining the experience so residents can enjoy independence, connection, and a vibrant retirement lifestyle in a community that continues to evolve with their interests.

BERWICK ON THE LAKE

Berwick on the Lake is nestled at one end of beautiful Long Lake. The lake is stocked with trout, bass and is home to a variety of wildlife including Canada Geese, Mallard Ducks, Mergansers, Trumpeter Swans and frogs.

Berwick on the Lake boasts its own floating gazebo and dock where residents can relax and enjoy the activities on the lake which include fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing.

Berwick on the Lake's private dining room displays exquisite and unique stained glass windows that were custom ordered from Germany.

Berwick on the Lake's patio water feature contains a large carefree whimsical frog that instills a sense of fun and lightness to residents and staff alike.

GILMORE GARDENS - VERVE SENIOR LIVING

• Gilmore Gardens offers independent retirement living in Richmond, BC.
• Our spacious suites have views of the North Shore Mountains and surrounding green space.
• Residents enjoy restaurant-style dining, social programs, and fitness activities.
• Services like housekeeping and transportation help make daily life easier.
• The community is known for its friendly atmosphere and active resident lifestyle.