When you find the right care home, you know. The worry lifts and what felt impossible becomes clear. This is life at Berkley.
Our award-winning homes have been listed multiple times as a top 20 care home by carehome.co.uk, as well as being winners and finalists in the Care Awards 2020. Why? We focus on what makes life worth living. Morning tea on the terrace. Laughter over cocktails. Residents tending gardens they planted themselves. This is what outstanding care looks like.
Kevin, son of resident
Families tell us their loved ones are happier at Berkley. More social, more themselves than they’ve been in years. We provide the care and environment that helps people live well.
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…your name being called for dinner.
Who doesn`t love that sound of cutlery and glassware being laid? Or that warmth drifting from the kitchen that tells you something great is nearly ready?
Then you hear your name, called by someone who knows exactly where you`ll be waiting. In an armchair by the window, or maybe mid-crossword. And you arrive in the dining room to find your seat is already saved because everyone knows you love the little table overlooking the garden.
That`s not service. That`s home.
"Hello everyone, I`m Fynn the bear, the furry Steiff friend gifted to every new resident who`s staying with us permanently.
People always ask what I do all day. Fair question. Here`s a glimpse. Don`t be fooled – being this well-loved is hard work."
Love from Fynn, the bear who cares.
Are care homes only for those at the end of their lives?
Far from it. People often live at Berkley for years, not months.
They take up new hobbies they never had time for before. Form friendships that actually last. Rediscover interests they`d put aside. Try things they always meant to but never got around to.
This isn`t about winding down. It`s about having the time, space and support to actually live well.
Care homes aren`t waiting rooms. They`re places where life continues, often more fully than it did before.
January at Berkley. Naturally, everyone’s talking about what they`re going to try this year.
Pablo Picasso said: `Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life` and we couldn`t agree more. It`s a fantastic thing to begin, at any age. Whether watercolour, oils, pencil or collage, our residents relish the feel of that flow state where all you`re doing is all you`re thinking about.
Our activities team love this energy too. And not just for our daily art classes. Fancy trying yoga? Photography? Some of our green-fingered residents want to try growing vegetables this spring... although radishes are proving a bit of a discussion point. There’s even talk of a book club focusing on the classics people always meant to read.
The thing about resolutions here? You’ve got the time to actually keep them. And friends to keep you honest when February arrives.
What are you starting this year?
January mornings at Berkley homes begin with silver outlines.
The railings by the terrace glimmer; delicate spider webs hang in the hedges and plants, our gardens are feathered with frost. Through conservatory windows, our residents watch it melt as the low winter sun breaks through the clouds.
The scene doesn`t tend to last long, but on the right mornings, sheltered inside, talking with friends and family, with a hot cup of tea in hand, it`s a lovely way to start the day.
Drop in one morning to see for yourself.
After the Christmas indulgences, our chefs are back to crafting interesting, ever-changing menus. Like this: beautiful fish, perfectly cooked, with plenty of vegetables.
Not that they ever really stopped thinking about nutrition. But January means lighter plates: sea bass with winter greens, salmon with roasted root vegetables, Dover sole simply grilled with lemon.
The thing about great home cooking? It`s knowing that healthy food doesn`t mean uninspired food. Our chefs understand this instinctively, and they always serve up fresh ingredients, treated well, seasoned properly.
Dishes that look after our residents as well as we do.
Visit the homes you're considering and trust your instincts about whether it feels welcoming. Look for places where residents seem comfortable and staff have time to chat. Each of our 12 homes has its own character. Book a tour to see which one feels right for your family.
Yes, we do our utmost to cater for couples. Depending on the specific home, you may be able to share a room or have separate rooms if preferred. Our staff coordinate care plans for both partners and offer activities designed for couples.
Care funding can be complex, involving personal savings, property, pensions and potential council support. We help families understand the options available. Read our complete guide to care funding for detailed information about costs and financial assistance.
