A COMFORT LIFE REPORT:
Sherwood House vs. Berwick Royal Oak

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 ROYAL OAK

Berwick is the name behind some of the most beautiful senior living buildings in British Columbia. Royal Oak, just outside of Victoria, is one more example of their finesse in turning senior living into a “Wow! experience.” From the stone construction exterior, to the multiplicity of dining options, to palatial suites, everything about this community speaks to Berwick’s emphasis on creating wonderful living experiences for our elders.

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 ROYAL OAK

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude to the entire team at Berwick Royal Oak Retirement Home for their exceptional support and kindness during my parents' transition from Berwick to long-term care. Moving elderly parents can be a challenging and emotional process, but the staff at Berwick Royal Oak made it as smooth and comfortable as possible. From the very beginning, every member of the team was incredibly helpful and compassionate. They truly went above and beyond to assist our family, who had traveled from out of town, by providing invaluable local resources for moving, downsizing, and other logistical needs. Their willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed and made a significant difference in easing our burden during this time. A special thank you is also due for the wonderful meal offered to us in the pub on our last day. It was a kind and thoughtful gesture that provided a much-needed moment of relaxation and comfort for our family. The dedication and care demonstrated by the staff at Berwick Royal Oak Retirement Home are truly commendable. We are incredibly grateful for their support and for making a difficult transition much more manageable. Thank you for everything.

My mom (Joan Power) ... is now currently in the Brio at Royal Oak Berwick. It's a very beautiful facility and incredible staff and care... Thank you to all the wonderful staff, aids and nurses at all three Berwick's she has been in. You all go above and beyond and you are very much appreciated

My Mother in law is here. Great place, staff and care!

Outstanding facilities, gardens, activities, menu, staff and management. Close to shopping malls, Commonwealth Place, public library, forest trails, bus south to downtown, or north to Ferry or Sydney.

Mom moved into her suite at Berwick Royal Oak in June 2021 and she loves living there. She had wanted to move for several years and finally did. She keeps telling me how content she is. The staff are outstanding she says, and I completely agree; the staff go above and beyond. Her suite has everything she needs and the community is bustling with activities and the food is very good. She was lucky to have friends already as residents when she moved in, and she has made many more in the last two months. I have peace of mind knowing she is safe, and mom has peace of mind as well. thank you Berwick Royal Oak!

Joseph Artibise, resident (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 ROYAL OAK

Berwick Royal Oak is a truly innovative resort-style retirement residence that has taken the always high Berwick standards to a whole new level of affordable luxury. Every aspect of this 4.5-acre oasis reflects the consistently high quality of amenities, services and care provided — from the gorgeously landscaped gardens to the exceptionally comfortable and beautifully designed suites.

SHERWOOD HOUSE

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BERWICK ROYAL OAK

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 ROYAL OAK

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 ROYAL OAK

At Berwick Royal Oak, seniors can continue living comfortably as their needs evolve thanks to the availability of both independent living and assisted living in our community. Services and personal supports can be arranged as needed so residents can remain in familiar surroundings while receiving additional assistance. The focus is on maintaining independence while ensuring help is available when it is required. If a resident eventually requires 24-hour nursing care, our Brio Care Unit may be a good setting for their evolving needs. Should they require memory care, the family should work with Island Health or a local private pay community for assessment and placement in long-term and memory care.

SHERWOOD HOUSE

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BERWICK ROYAL OAK

Berwick Royal Oak is designed for seniors who appreciate a full-service retirement lifestyle with amenities, dining, wellness programs, and opportunities to connect with others. Someone looking for a very basic residence with limited amenities or minimal community interaction may find another setting more aligned with their preferences.

SHERWOOD HOUSE

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BERWICK ROYAL OAK

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 ROYAL OAK

In the years ahead, Berwick Royal Oak will continue building on the qualities residents value most: attentive service, engaging wellness programs, and a welcoming community atmosphere. The focus will remain on enhancing the resident experience while preserving the independence, comfort, and strong sense of community that define daily life at the residence.

SHERWOOD HOUSE

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BERWICK ROYAL OAK

1) We are the largest of all 8 Berwick's!
2) We have a full stage and gorgeous theatre with 125 seats.
3) There are 4.5 acres of spectacular landscaped walking gardens with waterfalls, water walls, bridges and ponds.
4) We have a pub! The Shield & Dragon is a community gathering spot where you can dine for both lunch and dinner and you can invite friends and family to join you as well.
5) Our Active Living team is led by a professional musician who performs weekly in our café. The team is made up of a kind and talented group which includes a Registered Nurse, and those with certifications such as a Masters in Gerontology, a Certified Recreation Therapist, a Ph D in Kinesiology, and a Masters in Counselling Psychology candidate.