Baptcare Strathalan Community

Baptcare – Strathalan Community – Macleod, Victoria

Baptcare Strathalan Community is a residential aged care facility located at 50 Braid Hill Road, Macleod, Victoria, 3085, on the leafy fringes of Melbourne’s north-eastern green belt 1 4. It is part of Baptcare, a not-for-profit organization with a history in aged care dating back to 1945 when the original homestead on the site was established for this purpose 4. The facility aims to provide a genuine, supportive community with a relaxed pace 1.

Key Features and Services:

Setting and Community:
- The facility is set within large and spacious grounds, which include the stately Strathalan Homestead. This homestead functions as a wellness hub serving the broader Macleod community with healthcare services like podiatry, physiotherapy, and dental treatment 1.
- It is co-located with Baptcare’s Strathalan Retirement Living apartments and villas, and residents from both communities interact socially 1 3. This co-location offers the potential for continuity of care if needs change for those in retirement living 3.
- The Rosanna parklands, with walking trails and a playground, are just beyond the grounds 1.
- Nearby Lower Plenty Road offers boutique cafes, grocers, and restaurants 1.
Accommodation:
- All rooms are single with private ensuites, designed for one person, and are spacious with large windows for natural light and fresh air 1.
- Rooms feature an electronic high/low bed, ensuite bathroom with built-in shower chair and non-slip floor, bedside table, visitor chairs, built-in wardrobe, air-conditioning/cooling, and a smart TV 1.
- Residents are encouraged to personalize their rooms with possessions like photos and artworks 1.
- Wi-fi and telephone services are available for an additional cost 1.
- The facility has 124 beds 4.
Care Services:
- 24/7 nursing care is provided 1.
- On-site GP visits are regular, with a locum service available after hours 1.
- Specialist complex care services, including end-of-life care in partnership with a palliative care team, are offered 1.
- A memory support unit is available 1.
- Allied health services include:
  - Podiatry (regular visits) 1
  - Optometry (regular visits) 1
  - Dental services (on-site under Medicare) 1
  - Hearing specialists (visits under Medicare) 1
  - Speech therapy (visiting speech pathologists) 1
  - Physiotherapy 1
  - Counselling 1
Lifestyle and Amenities:
- The lifestyle program focuses on individual preferences, hobbies, and passions to support residents in living with meaning and purpose 1.
- Activities include performances (e.g., an Elvis entertainer), interaction with therapy animals (cats), trips to Bunnings for gardening enthusiasts, and opportunities for residents to contribute in meaningful ways (e.g., helping make beds) 1.
- On-site amenities include:
  - Lush gardens 1
  - Beauty salon (weekly hairdresser visits) 1
  - Music room 1
  - Onsite café 1
Dining:
- Fresh, seasonal meals are prepared on-site by chefs in partnership with qualified dietitians 1.
- A choice of two (sometimes three) hot options for lunch and dinner is offered, along with fresh sandwiches, salads, and seasonal fruit 1.
- Menus are adjusted based on resident feedback from regular food focus meetings and individual dietary needs and cultural preferences 1.
- Family and friends are welcome to join for meals with advance booking 1.
Staffing and Management:
- The Residential Care Services Manager is Deepti Kaushal 1.
Costs and Funding:
- Room costs vary, with examples of Refundable Accommodation Deposits (RADs) ranging from $450,000 to $700,000, or equivalent Daily Accommodation Payments (DAPs) 4. The specific room types listed are:
  - Wattle Rooms (19m²): $450,000 RAD or $103.32 DAP
  - Huon Rooms (19m²): $550,000 RAD or $126.27 DAP
  - Little Yarra (19m²): $550,000 RAD or $126.27 DAP
  - Eucalypt Rooms (19m²): $700,000 RAD or $160.71 DAP 4.
Quality and Accreditation:
- Following a site audit conducted from September 26-28, 2022, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission re-accredited the service on November 3, 2022. The accreditation period expires on January 28, 2026 2.
- An assessment contact was also conducted on February 16, 2023 2.
- Previous audits (e.g., 2019) indicated the service met all expected outcomes of the Accreditation Standards 2.

Points for Consideration:
Baptcare Strathalan Community emphasizes a community feel, integrated with retirement living options and a public wellness hub. Its location offers both natural surroundings and proximity to local amenities. Prospective residents should inquire about current availability, specific room costs based on their circumstances, and how the co-located services might benefit them.

Baptcare Strathalan Community

Baptcare – Strathalan Community – Macleod, Victoria

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