THE COMFORT LIFE REPORT:Berwick House
Lifestyle options:
Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term Care
Guest stays available, Respite care available, Convalescent care, Palliative care available
Cost (from):
$5,725 (retirement), $7,800 (long-term care)
Suites:
137 suites (1-bed, 2-bed, Studio)
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Our Perspective
How we see Berwick House
Berwick House in the Gordon Head area of Victoria is an award-winning, established community that brought the company’s original vision to fruition. Management has a reputation for hard work, dedication, and deep empathy. New renovations launched in 2022 give this residence a revitalized look and feel.
It's a beautiful mid-rise building and a vibrant community that includes lively outings and shared holiday celebrations, just a few examples of activities you can join in. Nearby attractions are part and parcel of life here, with outings to places like Swan Lake, Victoria Butterfly Gardens, and Butchart Gardens, as well as local pubs and shops. These shared activities make life in this community enjoyable.
This is upscale senior living that lets you leave behind housework, yard work … any kind of work. Suites are spacious, looking out over Shelbourne Street or the building’s quiet inner courtyard and gardens. There’s a full continuum of care, including assisted living up to long-term care, making it ideal for couples with varying care needs. Chris and Gordon Denford, the family-minded visionaries behind Berwick House, set out to create communities they would be proud to live in themselves. A personal sense of accountability is a hallmark of life at Berwick House, trickling down to all staff, who treat residents like their own family.
We asked residents and their families about life at Berwick House.
Access verified Reviews here
Community’s Perspective
How Berwick House sees itself
Who are you as a community?
Berwick House, the first Berwick Retirement Community, set a new standard in Victoria when it opened in 1989. Nestled in the desirable Gordon Head neighbourhood, it has been extensively updated and offers comfort, security and our usual standard of affordable luxury. Just steps away from a mall, cinema and other conveniences, you’ll find everything you need for an independent and active lifestyle. Contact us today for a personal visit.
- Ownership: Private. A member of Berwick Retirement Communities
What do you do differently or uniquely well?
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 beautifully designed lounges 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.
What supports do you offer residents as they adjust to life there?
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.”
How are residents supported if their needs change?
At Berwick House, residents can continue living independently while arranging additional support if their needs change. Assisted living services and private home-care providers can be coordinated to help with daily activities while residents remain in familiar surroundings. If a resident eventually requires 24-hour nursing care, the resident and/or family should contact Island Health or a local private pay facility for assessment and placement in long-term care.
Under what conditions would you advise someone against choosing your community?
Someone who needs extended care can pursue placement in our Brio Care unit. If they require memory care, they should pursue an alternative setting more aligned with their needs. should Berwick House is ideal for seniors who appreciate a well-established community with a warm community and opportunities to build lasting relationships. Our community works best for residents who value personal connections, attentive service, and a sense of belonging.
What might residents find surprising about your community?
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.
How will your community change in the next five years?
Berwick House will continue building on the qualities residents value most—strong community life, attentive service, and programs that support wellbeing and independence. Our focus will always remain on enhancing the resident experience and preserving the welcoming atmosphere and long-standing community character that have come to define life at Berwick House.
What five facts about your community should people know?
- Berwick House was the first Berwick to be built. Opened in 1989.
- One of our current GM’s got married at Berwick House, the CRM officiated.
- Our current Executive Chef started as a dishwasher at 14.
- Our Active Living Manager started in 1991 and is one of the longest standing employees of Berwick.
- Our unique design features common sitting areas (3) on the 2nd-4th floors allowing for quiet relaxing enjoyment.
Insider Perspectives
Interview videos
What people with insider's knowledge of Berwick House shared with Comfort Life.
Watch our interview with Norma Sills to learn about the unique experience offered by Berwick House.
Verified reviews of Berwick House
What residents and their loved ones say about Berwick House in reviews.
S K, family member
"I came last week for dinner with my uncle and was very surprised by the 5 star service. I expected flavorless food and a sleepy atmosphere but it was lively! Every dinner service has a soup course, multiple options for entrees, and dessert. Alcohol is offered as well. The food came very fast. Our waitress was very attentive, she even remembered all of our names. The staff is young and energetic, when you come into the dining room everyone says hello and when you leave everyone says have a good n..."Trevor Shaw, family member
"I can’t say enough about the kind nursing and restaurant staff looking after my Dad in their BRIO unit which provides the 24-hour care that is needed at Berwick House - Shelbourne in Victoria, BC, Canada. Natalie, Jessie, Miki, and Jenna, just to name a few of the care attendants who have been amazing. Catherine, RCA, helping coordinate things and the weekend and night nurse staff. Special mention to Spencer and Anna and to the twin sisters, Molly and Jill (who also smile with their eyes) in t..."John Brum, family member
"Great care. Five stars."Lifestyle
Lifestyle options
Independent Living (definition)
Cost from $5,725
At Berwick House, we are constantly looking to redefine what active aging means for our residents. We respect your independence and will always provide the highest standard of professional service, delivered in a warm and friendly manner, to ensure you feel right at home. Our Independent Living offers an escape from the day-to-day chores of running a home, preparing meals and keeping up with housekeeping. Our extended recreational sports and extensive health and wellness programs provide endless opportunties to engage as little or as much as you choose. Take up a new sport, channel your inner artist, build new friendships or discover a new passion. When you choose Berwick by the Sea, your all-inclusive seaside lifestyle includes your suite complete with heat, hydro, air-conditioning and classic cable TV and Internet. You will enjoy three delicious chef-prepared meals and snacks daily, weekly housekeeping and linen service to keep your home sparkling, full access to our active living programs, access to our transportation services including the Berwick Bus and Berwick Around Town (BAT) car, and our 24/7 emergency pendant monitoring ensures that you have security and support around the clock if you need it.
Includes
- Meals (3x/day)
- Daily tidy
- Housekeeping (1x/week)
Independent Living at Berwick House falls within the higher monthly costs for retirement communities in British Columbia
Assisted Living (definition)
Cost from $5,725
Enhanced Living Services are here to help when you need some extra support to maintain your independence. We will work with you to schedule additional services, as and when you need them, to ensure that you remain independent and able to enjoy life to the fullest.
Includes
- Meals (3x/day)
- Daily tidy
- Housekeeping (1x/week)
- Medication administration (Extra fee)
- Resident Reminders (Extra fee)
Assistance with
- Bathing (Extra fee)
- Dressing (Extra fee)
Assisted Living at Berwick House falls within the higher monthly costs for retirement communities in British Columbia
Long-term Care (definition)
Cost from $7,800
Licensed Care in our Brio Care Suites is available at Berwick House to ensure you have access to a 24/7 supportive care option. Our team of licensed skilled nurses and registered care aids will offer care and comfort to each resident.
Includes
- Designated dining area
- Designated floor
- Meals (3x/day)
- Daily tidy
- Housekeeping (1x/week)
- Incontinence care
- Medication administration
- Resident Reminders
Assistance with
- Bathing (2x/week)
- Dressing
- Feeding
- Transfers
Long-term Care at Berwick House falls within the average monthly costs for retirement communities in British Columbia
Suites
- Type: 1-bed
- Ownership: Rent
- Cost: $5,725
- Size: 533sq/ft
- Companion fee: +$900
- Details:
- Cable TV in room (included)
- Call Bell System
- Kitchenette
- Patio/Balcony
- Personal phone number in room (included)
- Safe
- Contact:
- Type: 1-bed
- Ownership: Rent
- Cost: $7,500
- Size: 737sq/ft
- Companion fee: N/A
- Details: not provided
- Contact:
- Type: 2-bed
- Ownership: Rent
- Cost: $8,000
- Size: 761sq/ft
- Companion fee: +$900
- Details:
- Cable TV in room (included)
- Call Bell System
- Kitchenette
- Patio/Balcony
- Personal phone number in room (included)
- Safe
- Contact:
- Type: Studio
- Ownership: Rent
- Cost: $8,150
- Size: 243sq/ft
- Companion fee: N/A
- Details:
- Cable TV in room (included)
- Call Bell System
- Personal phone number in room (included)
- Safe
- Contact:
Dining
We never underestimate the importance of delicious meals created with fresh, local ingredients, beautifully prepared and served. Our Red Seal chefs create menus that will not only tempt your taste buds and delight your senses but are also designed to provide optimum nutrition. At Berwick, we believe in supporting our local bakers and farmers to ensure that our meals are prepared with the highest quality local ingredients available. Our five different lunch and dinner meal options include flavourful homemade soups, fresh-baked bread, artfully seasoned entrées, delectable desserts and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are designed to provide lots of choices for all tastes. We know that you may prefer to eat a little differently each day to accommodate your schedule of activities and daily fluctuations to your appetite. That is why you will find no assigned seating at Berwick House. Whether you choose to enjoy our full table service in the elegant dining room or informal self-serve in the bistro with its own unique menu, our flexible meal options are designed to accommodate you. Host a family affair or special occasion in our beautifully appointed private dining room. We never underestimate the importance of food service and dining options; that is The Berwick Way.
Meal service : Bar, Bistro: (daytime), Table service, Tray service in suite (included)
Seating type : Open seating
Special diets : Ethnic, Gluten Free, Low sodium, Vegetarian
Amenities & Services
Residence Amenities & Services
The amenities at Berwick House have been designed with you in mind. We have created unique rooms and spaces for you to enjoy alone or with friends. Whether you are seeking some peace and quiet or an energetic activity to put a smile on your face, our common areas are yours to enjoy.
Arts and crafts
Billiards
Community Garden
Emergency call system (pendent)
Fitness Studio
Games Room
Hairdresser
Internet
Laundry machines
Library
Mail box
Movie theatre
Newspaper delivery available to suite
Onsite foot care
Parking (outdoor)
Patio/Courtyard/BBQ
Pet friendly
Pond/Lake
Private bus for outings, regular trips
Private dining room for family/friends
Recreation facilities onsite
Religious Services & Holiday Celebrations
Spa tub or shower room
Walking Path
Wellness Center
Wheelchair Accessible
Programs & Activities
Arts and Crafts
Assisted Walks/Trails
Bible Classes
Billiards/Pool Tables
Bingo
Bocce Ball
Brain Fitness
Card Games
Continued education
Day Trips
Excursions
Exercise Program
Gardening
Golf
Movie Nights
Parties
Religious & Holiday Services
Theatre
Volunteering
Weekly Shopping Trips & Excursions
Staff & Care
General Manager's Message
Tom Goluza
On behalf of our entire team at Berwick House, I invite you and your family to visit us in Gordon Head and to call on us for support and resources during this time of change. I am privileged to be part of the first Berwick community, that's been open for 33 years, and hope to make your visit enjoyable and meaningful. As advocates and counselors 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.”
Staff
| Medical and other support staff | |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | |
| Registered Practical Nurses | |
| Personal Support Workers | |
| Doctor | on call |
| Foot care specialist | visiting 1x/month |
| Physiotherapist | on call |
Number of care staff:
- Daytime:
- Weekends:
- Nights:
Care services
Care options available:
- Guest stays available (cost from $125)
- Respite care available (cost from $250)
- Convalescent care
- Palliative care available
Health Services:
- Catheter care(with special assistance)
- Ostomy care(with special assistance)
- Oxygen assistance(with special assistance)
- Physically challenged residents(with special assistance)
- Vitals monitoring(with special assistance)
News
Recent News
Why Now Is the Smart Time to Downsize: Retirement Living Insights from NextStep’s Melanie Murray
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Melanie Murray, founder of NextStep Advisory Solutions, to talk about what individuals and families should consider when thinking about downsizing... ... read more.
Why Now Is the Smart Time to Downsize: Retirement Living Insights from NextStep’s Melanie Murray
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Melanie Murray, founder of NextStep Advisory Solutions, to talk about what individuals and families should consider when thinking about downsizing... ... read more.
Environmental Wellness: Nurturing Health, Connection, and a Legacy for Generations to Come
When we talk about wellness for seniors, conversations often focus on physical health, social connection, or mental well-being. ... read more.
Berwick Qualicum Beach Is Honoured for Its Achievements in Active Aging
Berwick Qualicum Beach received the ICAA Best in Wellness award AND the ICAA Active Aging Spirit Award! We couldn’t be prouder of this small and mighty community. ... read more.
Berwick Roars For The BC Lions!
With the CFL’s BC Lions playing in Victoria, instead of their usual BC Place in Vancouver, this game was billed as Pacific Touchdown, it being the first time the team played on the island. ... read more.
What surprised me most about moving into a Berwick?
What has surprised you about moving into Berwick? What were your biggest fears and how did you overcome them? ... read more.
Accreditation & Associations
Neighbourhood
Neighbourhood
When you choose to live at Berwick House your home is in the heart of a beautiful neighbourhood. Access to banking, shops and services is just a short walk away and public transit at our front door provides convenient, regular access to the public library, Gordon Head Recreation Centre, University Heights Shopping Centre and neighbourhood parks and churches. Whether you decide to walk, ride or take advantage of our Berwick About Town (BAT) Mobile car service, you will be within easy reach of all the shops and services you want and enjoy.
Berwick House is located at 4062 Shelbourne Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8N 3E6.
What's nearby:
Gordon Head Recreation Centre
Lambrick Park Church
Tuscany Village
Mt. Douglas Park
LifeLabs Medical Laboratory Services
Greater Victoria Public Library - Nellie McClung Branch Royal Jubilee HospitalCompare Berwick House with nearby communities
| Compare with | Lifestyle options | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Berwick Royal Oak | Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term Care | Victoria, British Columbia |
| The Camelot | Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term Care | Victoria, British Columbia |
| Sherwood House | Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term Care | Duncan, British Columbia |
| The Wexford | Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term Care | Tsawwassen, British Columbia |
| Gilmore Gardens - Verve Senior Living | Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term Care | Richmond, British Columbia |
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