A Vibrant Social Life, Even In a Pandemic

If you're not over 65, I'm sorry, you're out of luck! It's older adults that have the opportunity to make a positive change in pandemic times.

The pandemic has caused some to be isolated at home — something that can negatively a fect people in multiple ways, sometimes feeling cut o f and not wanting to venture out into an ever changing world.

Change is scary. Leaving the comforts of your home is a big change. Many older adults seem to wait until they have to move which creates more stress in a challenging time. O ten prompted by a fall or medical issue, seniors are suddenly forced to adjust their living situation. Berwick Retirement Communities encourages people to make the change while they can make the most of a vibrant life and reap the bene ts of living within a safe and secure community. Even during the current pandemic, life is vibrant at Berwick Royal Oak. A resident commented, “If you're living on your own in your house, here we've got our friends all around us…I feel safe, and healthy, and happy… It's been quite amazing.” Berwick Retirement Communities are locally owned and operated which has created greater ease evoking positive change on an individual community basis. Naturally Berwick follows all Island Health and provincial guidelines while also working diligently to keep up social aspects of their community.

Fitness classes in the Zoom Room are physically distanced and all equipment and surfaces are sanitized between classes. These include many types of classes like chair yoga and better balance. The Active Living team also leads computer classes like photography for iPad and plans safe outings to shop or hike at Elk Lake. Card games are back on the recreation calendar with players always wearing masks and sanitizing hands, of course. Whether it's poker, bridge, euchre or cribbage, there is safe play in the Jolly Joker activity room.

With lexibility at mealtime, there are several options. Berwick Royal Oak has its own quintessential English Pub. The Shield and Dragon features wood beamed ceilings, a cozy replace, a pool table and a wine cellar. The Bistro o fers a selection of dining o ferings to be enjoyed in The Bistro or take- out to suites. During warmer seasons, residents can dine al fresco amongst tranquil gardens. Otherwise, the bright, two level Dining Room awaits where one can join their dining cohort in a spacious area which is surrounded by two story glass. Berwick Royal Oak is open to visitors of residents. Following provincial and Island Health guidelines, visits are booked ahead of time and safety protocols are in place. The Berwick team has worked within mandated safety rules and regulations while still o fering its best life for residents. Sta f work to keep their personal bubbles small and, as per usual, keep the safety and wellbeing of residents a priority.

Berwick resident, Betty, says, “With all the Covid-19 pandemic going on, being at Berwick has helped me feel calm, more kind, and really feel at home. I love it here because I feel safe. I feel wanted. I love the people… It's very, very special.”

Because it's fully independent living at Berwick Royal Oak, residents are free to come and go as they please. Naturally masks, distancing, and sanitizing are encouraged whether inside or outside of the community.

Berwick Royal Oak o fers lexible, upscale and a fordable senior living options in a caring community where residents live life to the fullest.