Strathalan Community

Life at Baptcare Strathalan Community residential aged care

Where everyone belongs

Our proud history, one dating back to 1945, is deeply rooted in community. Thoughtfully designed communal spaces and a diverse activities program (e.g. weekly exercises, music therapy, knitting circle, movies, bus outings and walking group) ensure that residents feel part of a supportive and inclusive environment. A secured walking path showcases our beautiful courtyard, while the co-located café is available to enjoy by all residents and visitors.

Attention to detail

Strathalan was fully redeveloped in 2016, with a focus on creating contemporary, comfortable living spaces while respectfully preserving the site’s historical character. Rooms and communal areas are spacious and filled with an abundance of natural light. Landscaped courtyards are directly connected to the main building, providing easy access for residents. Intimate dining rooms feature plush carpeting to minimise noise and the risk of slipping, while lounge rooms are fitted with stylish gas heater fireplaces to provide a cosy area during winter. For a quieter change of scenery, there are also more private seating areas located throughout the site. Our sheltered winter garden provides a stunning retreat that is available year-round, no matter what the weather. Coffee lovers can take comfort in knowing that a decent cappuccino is never far away – two coffee bars are available for resident use.

State of the art

Following the redevelopment, Strathalan now features the latest in aged care living. Concealed ceiling hoists and Hi-Lo beds with warm timber accents make it easier for residents with mobility issues to move in and out of bed – all without detracting from the overall appearance of the room. Ensuites are also fitted with a nurse call button for peace of mind. And because we know the importance of staying connected, every room has its own smart TV (WiFi and Foxtel available on request).

A place where you can feel at home

Our modern, recently redeveloped three-storey building features 124 private rooms and we cater for all levels of care requirements (low to high). The layout of our facility encourages residents’ use of communal areas to enjoy meals and socialise with others. Floors are divided into two wings by a nurse station – each wing has its own dedicated dining and lounge areas so that residents (particularly those who are less mobile) do not have to travel far. A bathroom is also conveniently situated near each dining room.

As well as standard cleaning services, we have on-site laundry and catering services. Residents can also enjoy use of our on-site hairdressing salon (appointments made directly with the hairdresser), mobile kiosk and chapel.

Room types

Each Strathalan suite is private – so when you’re ready for a break from the hustle and bustle of life, you can retreat to your own space. And to make sure that our home is your home, we invite you to style your room as you please. Three different room types are available – see pricing snapshot for full details.

Strathalan rooms are bright and spacious, featuring:

• A private ensuite bathroom with nurse call button
• High-quality furniture and fittings
• A flat-screen smart TV
• A concealed ceiling hoist
• Comfortable Hi-Lo beds
• Individually controlled air-conditioning and hydronic heating
• Built-in wardrobes with lockable storage
• Picture rails and built-in display shelving
• Neutral palettes and tasteful décor
• Pleasant garden, mountain or street views.

Pet accommodation

While pets cannot stay with residents, they are very welcome to visit with family or friends. Residents also become quickly acquainted with our friendly pet parrot.

Care tailored to your specific needs

Strathalan is accredited to provide all levels of residential aged care (low to high), as well as more flexible respite care and end-of-life (palliative) care. Where possible this enables ‘ageing-in-place’, whereby residents can stay at Strathalan even if their health changes or their needs increase. Upon arrival, the staff at Strathalan make it their priority to fully understand each resident’s individual requirements so they can tailor the care they provide accordingly.

Nursing care

Qualified and experienced staff provide the highest quality of nursing-led care, with registered nurses on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To provide the best of care to our residents, we maintain an impressive ratio of one carer for six residents. This care is further supplemented with a registered nurse stationed on each floor during morning shifts. Team members are assigned to a specific group of residents to enable continuity of care and ensure staff represent a constant, familiar presence in our residents’ lives.

Medical care

Beyond 24/7 nursing care, other health services available on-site at Strathalan include:

• Foot care and podiatry
• Physiotherapy
• Speech therapy
• Diversional therapy
• GP home visits.

The Director of Nursing attends to all acute clinical care issues, ensuring prompt consultation with the appropriate healthcare professional and community health services, if required.

Nutritional care

Meals are freshly prepared on-site every day by our chef and his catering team. The menu is planned in consultation with a dietitian, rotates on a four-weekly cycle and offers multiple options – for instance, residents can always select from two choices for the main course. Specific dietary requirements can be catered for (e.g. by offering diabetic-friendly or gluten-free alternatives).

Read more about our quality care

Keep up with your favourite pastimes

Our care philosophy centres around the wellbeing and happiness of residents – this includes helping residents partake in their hobbies and feel like they are part of the Strathalan Community. A broad range of social and therapeutic activities encourage active minds and active bodies, while ensuring that there is something for everyone. Examples include exercises, games, concerts and movies, bus outings and more specialised interest groups, such as knitting circle and musical activities.

Stay involved with the local community

Strathalan has played an important part of the Macleod community since 1945 when it first opened. Residents are encouraged to engage with the local community through our lifestyle program – for example, they can enjoy scenic bus outings accompanied by morning or afternoon tea. Our strong community connection also extends to younger generations, with students from Our Lady of Mercy College and other local schools regularly volunteering and performing at Strathalan.

Room to host family and friends

Visitors are welcome at Strathalan and we warmly invite family and friends to use our shared spaces and take part in activities when they are here. Our courtyards and gardens (including the winter garden) are all available for use, as well as our lounges and smaller sitting areas. A kitchenette area is available so that visitors can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with their loved one.

For more snapshots of daily life at Strathalan, follow Baptcare’s Facebook page.