(Provided by Gilbert Guide's on-site reviewer)

The retro brick building that houses Berkeley Springs Manor occupies a small portion of Shattuck Avenue, one of Berkeley's major thoroughfares. The city's vibrant downtown is just minutes away. Ongoing renovations to the facility began in 2003 and have resulted in attractive details such as the new crown moldings and gleaming white frames around residents' doors. Their expansive rooms boast new furnishings, including blond wood nightstands with matching headboards. All rooms share bathrooms. Our guide, the administrator, informed us that carpet and furnishings throughout the common areas would be replaced soon, although it did not appear necessary. The renovations are done over time, rather than all at once, to avoid disturbing residents.

Residents have around-the-clock access to an enclosed courtyard at the heart of the facility. Four beautiful trees with tiny red flowers shade the patio furnishings. Although the activity calendar isn't as packed as some that we've seen, residents greatly enjoy the offerings, which include listening to volunteers play the piano and read aloud. Residents watched television from a row of comfortable chairs in the living room during our visit. Staff members often accompany residents as they traverse the wide hallways, which are somewhat dim.

The dining room décor, which includes linen-draped tables, evokes an intimate café. Many residents use wheelchairs, so the small space can be crowded during mealtimes. The lunch menu includes protein-rich offerings such as hamburgers, parmesan chicken, meatloaf, roast pork, fish and glazed ham. Fruit, rather than dessert, usually follows dinner.