For aged care with a strong community focus
Baptcare Northaven Community is a close-knit residential aged care community in the heart of Kerang that has been a home for older people in the local area since the 1970s. With a committed volunteer network and ties to many community groups, Northaven has a strong connection to the local community. Our beautiful gardens and courtyards are a standout feature, and many of our residents who are keen gardeners love to get involved and tend to their own garden areas. At Northaven, our residents’ friends and families are an important and valued part of our extended community, and we welcome visitors to spend time in our lovely shared spaces or join in with activities when they visit.
Talk to us today about how we can can support your loved one whether you are considering respite or permanent care.
Life at Baptcare Northaven Community residential aged care
An engaged and social community
Baptcare Northaven Community is driven by the strong community values of the local area. Not only does Northaven give older people the opportunity to stay in the region, we also support and encourage our residents to maintain their connection with the community through participation in various activities and events in the area. Conveniently located on the corner of Shadforth and tree-lined Wattle Street, our residents can easily visit the town’s shops and parks, and stay socially connected and independent. We see Northaven as an important part of the Kerang community, and we connect with local groups and organisations to help provide a full life for our residents.
Designed for comfort
Northaven is a light and spacious building with lovely outdoor areas. The building was originally a hospital, which has been updated to ensure that residents have many different places to spend their time, in addition to their spacious private rooms. Our courtyard BBQ area is a popular spot for family occasions in the warmer months, and fireplaces in the lounge areas ensure that there is always a cosy spot during winter. For quieter times, there are comfortable seats overlooking the outdoor landscape, which are a perfect place for reading or reflection.
Innovation in aged care
At Northaven, we have adopted the use of several aged care innovations for the benefit of our residents. One example is our memory support unit. This is a small and special 10-bed unit with a ‘homely feel’, designed to cater to the specific needs of residents living with dementia. The design of the unit makes people with dementia feel more at home, and residents are encouraged to take part in everyday tasks (e.g. washing and other chores), which helps them cope with memory loss and promotes their independence. We also offer residents brain trainer exercises, via iPads, to help maintain active minds and encourage learning. Rooms are equipped with additional features that help to make residents more comfortable and independent, such as Hi-Lo beds.
A place where you can feel at home
At Northaven, we cater for all levels of care requirements (low to high). The community has 56 rooms, 10 of which are in the memory support unit. Rooms are light-filled and spacious with pleasant views, and all have easy access to our lovely garden areas. With a number of large, comfortable shared areas, both indoors and outside, residents have many places to enjoy time with other residents or friends and family.
Our community also features a hairdressing salon, chapel and laundry services.
Room types
The rooms at Northaven can be private and sole-occupied, or shared by couples. See the pricing snapshot for full details.
Residents’ suites are their own personal space. We invite residents to decorate their room with photographs, paintings or their favourite quilt.
All rooms are bright and comfortable, featuring:
- Private, ensuite bathroom
- High-quality furniture and fittings
- Lockable storage
- Neutral palettes and tasteful décor
- Garden or courtyard views.
Couples accommodation
We try our best to accommodate couples by offering shared or adjacent rooms whenever possible.
Pet accommodation
Residents are welcome to have their pets live with them at Northaven. Pets are also very welcome to visit at any time.
Care tailored to your specific needs
Northaven is a residential aged care community that excels in providing support to those requiring a higher level of care. With registered nurses on-site at all times, Northaven is accredited to provide all levels of residential aged care including permanent, respite and palliative care. Each resident will have a personalised care plan, which will be developed together with the resident and their family.
Nursing care
Our qualified and experienced staff provide exceptional care and support. All our staff are carefully selected and trained to ensure that our residents receive the best possible care.
Medical care
Beyond 24/7 nursing care, other health services available on-site at Northaven include:
- Foot care and podiatry
- Physiotherapy
- Speech therapy
- Diversional therapy
- GP visits.
Northaven has shared services with the local hospital to ensure that residents have continuity of care, and there are GPs and specialists on call for acute clinical issues.
Nutritional care
You will be offered a varied choice of tasty, healthy meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All food is prepared fresh every day by chefs on-site. Meal options come at no additional cost to our residents. A dietitian helps to plan the menu and takes into consideration all cultural, religious and dietary requirements. Relatives and friends are welcome to join you for meals with advance booking.
Pastoral care
Pastoral care is an important part of life at all Baptcare communities, including Northaven. Our chaplains are available to listen to residents and their families and journey alongside them, whatever their background or situation. We offer emotional and spiritual support, honouring each person’s unique spirituality and how they find meaning and purpose. Our chaplains also assist with prayer, worship, sacraments and other spiritual practices, including regular devotional and church services where appropriate.
Pastoral care
Pastoral care is an important part of life at all Baptcare communities, including Northaven. Our chaplains are available to listen to residents and their families and journey alongside them, whatever their background or situation. We offer emotional and spiritual support, honouring each person’s unique spirituality and how they find meaning and purpose. Our chaplains also assist with prayer, worship, sacraments and other spiritual practices, including regular devotional and church services where appropriate.
Social and recreational support
Our lifestyle program offers a wide range of activities and events to choose from every day. Residents can participate in activities that interest them, at times that suit them. There are daily exercises to keep people active and healthy. And to promote active minds, we host a variety of games such as cards and bingo. We often screen movies and regularly organise bus outings for day trips to local attractions. These activities bring our residents together regularly, which contributes to the strong sense of community at Northaven.
The comfort of familiar routines
Our model of care at Northaven prioritises consistent daily routines that reassure residents and inspire confidence. However, we do encourage residents to try new activities and become actively involved in community life so they can maintain their interests and enjoy a full life.
More information
We invite you to see for yourself what life is like at Baptcare Northaven Community. Book a tour online by clicking here or call 13 BAPTCARE (13 22 78) to arrange a time to visit our community.
Find out more out diversional therapy and other Home Help care and support services
Your payment options
The costs of residential aged care are made up of different parts for the costs of day-to-day living, the care you receive and the accommodation you choose (including your room and shared spaces). Read more about the costs of residential aged care
Our location in Kerang
New enquiries
13 22 78
Direct number: 03 5450 8500
Residential aged care
84 - 86 Shadforth Street
Kerang VIC 3579
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any vacancies? How do you manage waiting lists?
We invite you to contact us to discuss current or potential future accommodation and if it matches your needs.
If you are interested but there isn’t a vacancy we’ll record your details on our waiting list and keep in touch about potential vacancies.
Potential residents, families and healthcare professionals are welcome to contact us to get an update on vacancies at any time.
We consider a number of factors to manage our waiting lists. People in urgent need are the highest priority. Other factors include someone’s readiness to enter an aged care home, and if the accommodation that becomes available suits their individual care needs.
If you are offered a room and are not ready at that time you can decline the room without it affecting your position on the waiting list.
Can I become a volunteer at Northhaven?
Volunteers enhance the lives of our residents every day by visiting them one-on-one and contributing to activities in both our lifestyle program and residential aged care communities. As a volunteer you can use your energy, skills and life experience to make a difference in the lives of people in your community.
What level of care can I expect at Northaven?
Our highly experienced, nursing-led team at Northhaven provide all levels of residential aged care, ranging from lower-level care through to more complex, high-level care requirements, including respite care.
Our residents and visitors enjoy bright, light and attractive shared spaces, with lots of great places to share a cup of coffee and a chat.
To help you or your loved one to maintain interests and enjoy time with others, we provide a rich and varied lifestyle and activities program, with options ranging from individual hobbies through to group activities and popular bus outings.
Our community is run by Baptcare, a not-for-profit organisation with more than 75 years of experience in caring for older people.
Who is eligible for a place at Northhaven?
Baptcare Northaven is a residential aged care community. This means it is for older people who need a higher level of care than what can be provided at home. We welcome everybody who requires residential aged care, including government- funded clients.
We strive to provide an inclusive community for all, no matter their beliefs, financial situation or background. For respite stays, both government-funded (i.e. for people who are ACAS-approved or on a Home Care Package) and self-funded places are available.
How can I apply for a place at Northhaven?
1. Apply for residential aged care through the My Aged Care website. Call 13 BAPTCARE (13 22 78) and we can guide you through the process.
2. My Aged Care will arrange an ACAS assessment visit to determine your care needs.
3. Appoint an authorised representative (Power of Attorney) if necessary.
4. Get an income and asset assessment. This will determine your aged care fees and whether you qualify for government funding.
5. Choose the Baptcare residential aged care community that’s right for you. You may wish to consider a respite stay to see if the community meets your needs.
6. Call 13 BAPTCARE (13 22 78) to arrange a tour of your chosen community and fill out an application form.
Is Northaven a social community?
Residents enjoy time with others through our social and therapeutic activities program. We offer a broad range of social activities, including music, art, entertainment and regular bus outings. As part of providing a homely environment for residents, we welcome visitors at any time of the day. We invite family and friends to use our shared spaces and be part of activities and mealtimes.
What are the costs of Residential Aged Care?
The costs of residential aged care are made up of different parts for the costs of day-to-day living, the care you receive and the accommodation you choose (including your room and shared spaces). Read more about the costs of residential aged care.
What’s in the local area of Northaven?
Baptcare Northaven is located in Kerang, a rural town on the Loddon River in northern Victoria. It is the commercial centre to an irrigation district based on livestock, horticulture, lucerne and grain. It is located 279 kilometres north-west of Melbourne on the Murray Valley Highway.
The Burke and Wills expedition passed through Kerang on their journey to cross Australia from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria on 2 September 1860.
Kerrang's symbol is a flying ibis. The area around Kerang is dotted with lagoons and lakes (including Lake Tutchewop) and is believed to have the most populous ibis rookeries in the world with an estimated 200,000 ibis using the area for breeding each year, along with many other waterbirds.
Kerang is located at the junction of the Loddon Valley and Murray Valley Highways. Air transport is provided by Kerang Airport.
The town is also on the Swan Hill railway line, served by V/Line trains from Kerang station to Melbourne, as well as coach services to Balranald.
Kerang District Health offers a range of services including hospital and theatre, general practice, aged care, allied health, wellbeing and community services.
Two ‘Great Day Out” country horse racing days on Boxing Day and Easter Saturday. An Easter art show and sporting events such as tennis and lawn bowls are hosted in town. A community market operates on the fourth Saturday of the month and a wide variety of events happen throughout the year. Annual events include the Kerang Show & Shine and Agricultural Show.
The Kerang commercial centre offers an attractive landscaped shopping centre that includes major supermarket chains, hotels and many specialty stores. Take some time to explore the many retail shops in the CBD with homewares, food & coffee, clothing and fashions, electrical, furniture and giftware.
Kerang neighbours Dingwall, Wandella, Fairley, Westby, Teal Point and Koroop.
