A COMFORT LIFE REPORT:
Sherwood House vs. Berwick On The Lake

SHERWOOD HOUSE

Sherwood House is ideal for active and independent adults who want to live in a happy, social community with others. If you live in the area or have kids and grandkids nearby, be sure to look at Sherwood House. It's a remarkable find, if you want a truly amazing Vancouver Island location with spectacular scenery!

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.

SHERWOOD HOUSE

The staff is so warm and friendly! Everybody here just seems to bend over backwards to assist in any way possible.... Our activity director has brain games and teaches people how to play billiards and cards if they want. We have movies, a walking group.

The staff get to know the residents. They get to know their stories and their lives. There’s a real family [feeling] to it. From the managers to the housekeeping staff to the dining room staff. Everybody there has been, in my experience, consistently caring and kind, and they’ll go out of the way to help. I feel relaxed, knowing that [my dad] is in good care.

Since our family member moved in (begrudgingly from their private home) — we have never had an issue at Sherwood House, and I am fussy. The family member is happy they chose to live in Sherwood House and are very content — and that is a top priority. Staff have been professional and responsive in all facets of service and including safety and security. Sherwood House is a relatively small complex, which I believe enables them to offer more personalized care and interactions with clients and provide excellent communication with family members. Concerning Covid precautions and protocol, they have been exemplary in their communication and nimbleness to respond accordingly. Update 2024: It's been 7 years now and things are still good!

I love it here at Sherwood House. I have no regrets at all for moving here. Everyone is really nice and treats you really good. I certainly say you should move in here!

A little more than a year ago, my step-father passed away and my husband and I began the difficult process of helping my mother adjust to a new life. The most challenging part of this journey was helping my mother realize that her home was now too large and remote for her to continue to live there safely. My husband and I were determined to find accommodation for my mother that was safe, friendly and allowed her the independence she so keenly wanted to preserve. It only took us a couple of minutes during our first tour of Sherwood House to realize we had found that place. Managers Bev and Roz Wilson are attentive, understanding and professional: it was clear they had helped many families make this transition and we felt in great hands. We had a few tours, including lunches and dinners in the dining room with the other residents, all of whom were welcoming and happy, and with every visit my mother felt more comfortable. Now a year and a half later, I can say that our first impressions were spot on. All the staff, from the front desk, to the kitchen, to the cleaners, are kind and caring. My mother, homemaker and cook extraordinaire, tells everyone how nice and clean the building is, how delicious the food tastes, and how everyone is so very helpful. A year and a half ago, we worried that she'd never say that about anywhere. Today, although she's begun repeating herself a little more often, every time we hear those words, we are so very glad.

Laura Griffin, management

Melanie Higgs, daughter of resident

Gaye Benson, resident

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)

SHERWOOD HOUSE

Welcome to Sherwood House, a place where you can hang your hat and call your own. From tasty home-cooked meals to five-star plated celebrations, fun-filled activities, weekly housekeeping & linen service, indoor scooter parking, 24/7 emergency response–all this in a secured environment we’ve got you covered! Your well-being is our priority. We are sure you’ll be delighted with the surroundings and personalized life style Sherwood House has to offer. We are pet friendly!

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.

SHERWOOD HOUSE

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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.

SHERWOOD HOUSE

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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.”

SHERWOOD HOUSE

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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.

SHERWOOD HOUSE

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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.

SHERWOOD HOUSE

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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.

SHERWOOD HOUSE

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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.

SHERWOOD HOUSE

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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.