The Berkshire

Let me start at the top: Debra Savoy, the Director, is so wonderfully competent and caring. She communicates well, she puts out fires. Furthermore, when needed, she rolls up her sleeves: I was so surprised and grateful when I learned she accompanied my mother to a doctor’s appointment when other plans fell through.
The care staff are also caring and patient. There are many stimulating things to do. The residents also are interesting, and many are particularly kind to my mother.

The staff are genuinely kind. My Mom is happy, engaged in daily activities and safe. We couldn’t be more pleased.

My mother has been living at the Berkshire for over a year. Overall, I find it a very good community. The place is small, so the staff knows everyone. And the staff is kind, respectful and competent. There is good access to the outdoors: two safe gardens, a nice front porch and a garden dining option. As with any elder community, there are issues, but I find that when I go to the director or other lead staff with a concern, they listen to me and generally address it in a timely manner. Mom has made friends, she is involved in activities and is happy to live there.

I’m very disappointed with my experience or lack of experience with The Berkshire. Having two elderly parents in need of assisted living and having family living in Berkeley, The Berkshire seemed like a good place to begin my search for a high-​quality, safe place for my parents to reside. I live 500 miles north and was in town visiting for a few days so I called The Berkshire to setup a tour. Unfortunately it was the sales staffs day off, so I explained my short time frame and my desire to see the facility before I left town. The next day I didn’t receive a return call from my inquiry, so I called again and was told the sales staff was in a meeting and would return my call as soon as they were out of the meeting. Again no call.
I’m sorry, but if they can’t return a call when reminded, how can I feel comfortable they’ll be able to provide the kind of care I’d want for my parents? Images of someone sitting in bed for hours after pushing the «call button» run through my mind. The care might be great, but the sales staff hasn’t provided the opportunity for me to determine that.
I won’t be touring The Berkshire.

My mother lives at the Berkshire, and she is happy there. The staff are friendly and her room is clean. The food is rather starchy and there are sweet desserts, and she gained a lot of weight in the two years she lived there. The diet is probably similar to other assisted living places, but I wish the Berkshire would have healthier food overall.