Quality care in a welcoming community
In 1945, the original homestead at Baptcare Strathalan Community was built to provide aged care services to Macleod and its surrounds. This marked the beginning of our not-for-profit organisation, which was borne out of a desire to care for people and local communities – a tradition that we’re proud to say still continues.
Leafy surrounds set the scene for the warm and inviting Strathalan Community, which was recently redeveloped in 2016 to the highest of standards while still maintaining its rich sense of history. Residents enjoy bright and sunny, modern rooms complemented by attractive, flowing communal spaces such as the spacious lounge areas, landscaped courtyards and a beautiful winter garden that can be enjoyed in all weather conditions. With our caring and experienced nurse-led team, we can accommodate all levels of care requirements.
Talk to us today about how we can support your loved one whether you are considering respite or permanent care.
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 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, Strathalan 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 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
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.
Keep up with your favourite pastimes
Our team of lifestyle staff have created a stimulating program of activities and experiences to choose from. Activities can be tailored to meet your individual interests, cultural background, and social, emotional and physical abilities. You can maintain your hobbies and interests by joining in with any of our diverse social events, church services, library visits and films. Along with a range of cultural celebrations and special guests, we celebrate significant birthdays and dates.
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
Above all, Strathalan is your home, so your friends and family are always welcome here. You can choose to spend time with them in our beautiful shared areas, or we also have private function rooms that you can book for special occasions..
Pastoral care
Pastoral care is an important part of life at all Baptcare communities, including Strathalan. 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.
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
13 BAPTCARE
13 22 78
Residential aged care
50 Braidhill Road
Macleod VIC 3085
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 Strathalan?
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 Strathalan?
Our highly experienced, nursing-led team at Strathalan 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 Strathalan?
Baptcare Strathalan 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.
Is Strathalan 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 Strathalan?
Baptcare Strathalan is located in Macleod, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, 14 km north-east from the CBD, within the Cities of Banyule and Darebin local government areas.
Macleod Village shops provide local grocery and retail stores. The Macleod Village Green across the street includes an outdoor gym circuit, an expansive grassed area for ball games, picnics and other recreational activities, rotunda and playground.
Macleod railway station is located on the Hurstbridge line. It serves the north-eastern Melbourne suburb of Macleod.
The Austin Hospital is a public teaching hospital in Melbourne's north-eastern suburb of Heidelberg, and is administered by Austin Health.
Macleod is bordered on the north by Watsonia, on the east by Yallambie and Viewbank, on the south by Rosanna, and on the west by Bundoora.
How can I apply for a place at Strathalan?
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.
