Baptcare Karana Kew Community
A leafy green community in Kew
Need support?
Call for a friendly chat:
Call 13 22 78
Baptcare Karana Community
Residential aged care
55 Walpole Street Kew VIC 3101
Get directionsHelen Rebello
Residential Care Services Manager
Just a stone’s throw from beautiful Yarra Bend Park in the leafy green streets of Kew, Karana is a warm and inclusive community in Melbourne’s inner northeast.
We’re very comfortable in these peaceful, tree-lined streets, with beautiful gardens that are a source of pride for many who call Karana home. While the area is calm and relaxed, you’re never far from the gentle hum of life in inner Melbourne, with a wide selection of cafes and shops right on our doorstep on High Street.
Nearby—should you go for a stroll—you’ll find lots of gorgeous parks. Eglinton Reserve has a particularly good playground for visiting little ones. Speaking of which, we have strong links in the community with regular visits from cheerful kindergarten and high school students.
Karana Community is also co-located with Baptcare’s well-renowned and highly regarded Karana Retirement Living apartments.
Living well together
We’re a thriving community here at Karana
While Karana is a very cosy and close-knit community, we’re all about living well as unique individuals. Our idea of exceptional care? Whatever gives you meaning and purpose. We’ll listen to your story and the things you love and support you to make them happen. If you like a cuppa before starting your day, or a walk around the block, let’s do it. It’s the little things—as much as the big things—that make Karana feel like home.
There’s also a strong feeling of family. Some of our volunteers have had loved ones living at Karana and stay on to support the community. Family members often ask if they can volunteer, too. We’re very social and independent, with residents heading out into the community for concerts and events and catch ups with friends. You can always relax and enjoy one of the many activities we have on site, or simply sit back with Mona, our resident cat (who’s also known as the boss around here!)
Live well, your way
Living well looks different for everybody. Whatever you love to do—whatever makes your day and makes life meaningful—we’re here to make it happen.
Some of the hobbies and activities we support residents with include:
- Patricia is an ex-schoolteacher, and she loves to help out by editing and proofreading the weekly newsletter we produce for residents. Thanks for the eagle eye and grammar tips, Patricia!
- Shirley loves gardening and spends a lot of time carefully tending to her veggie garden. We’re never short of parsley or basil with Shirley around, and she’s got plenty of gardening knowledge to share if you ever need any tips.
- Nancy realised our visiting chaplain works with people experiencing homelessness and wanted to support their work. So, she’s knitting a blanket she can donate to someone and help keep them warm.
- Jean loves cats—particularly Mona, our resident pet mascot and unofficial boss—so we keep her well stocked with cat treats to feed Mona ‘sparingly’. The two are inseparable: Mona rides on Jean’s walker and they spend plenty of time together.
What's important to you?
These are some examples, but living well looks different for every person. It’s all about taking the time to understand your preferences, hobbies and passions. We’d love to chat through your favourite things to do when you visit us for a tour.
What’s on the menu
There’s always something fresh and delicious on offer at Karana, with a choice of tasty, healthy meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And family and friends are always welcome to join too: all you need to do is book ahead.
Fresh, seasonal menus
Our chefs prepare all food on site using delicious seasonal ingredients. Our menu is designed by reputable chefs in partnership with qualified dietitians, with special meals.
A range of delicious options every day
Choice is important in every aspect of life at Karana. Food is no exception. You’ll have the choice of two hot options for lunch and dinner, and sometimes three. There are fresh sandwiches and salads available for lunch and dinner, and bowls of fresh seasonal fruit you can enjoy throughout the day, every day.
Personalised dietary preferences
We have regular food focus meetings with residents to help decide the types of meals we offer. While our base menu is approved by a specialised dietitian, we adjust the menu based on your feedback, preferences and individual dietary needs.
What’s on location
Pet visits and an aquarium
Kiosk run by volunteers
Spiritual Care
Gardens and BBQ area
Beautiful library
Beauty salon
A place to call your own
At Karana, you’ll have options for single or double rooms, for couples, with or without an ensuite. Many of our rooms have beautiful views out over the gardens. We pride ourselves on providing a cosy atmosphere, but we encourage you to make your room feel like home. Many residents choose to personalise their space with favourite paintings, photographs, or furniture. Your room will also feature:
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- electronic high/low bed
- ensuite bathroom with built-in shower chair, high-quality fittings and non-slip floor for comfort and safety
- bedside table and comfy chairs for visitors
- built-in wardrobe
- air-conditioning and cooling
- smart TV.
Wi-fi and telephone services are available for an additional cost.
The best way to get a feel for our rooms is to visit. We’d love to have you for a tour and answer any of your questions.
Healthcare and wellbeing services to support you
On-site GP visits
In addition to 24/7 nursing care, our regular General Practitioner visits the home regularly. Our locum service is available after hours to ensure you can receive prompt medical attention if needed.
Podiatry and foot care
For foot health, a podiatrist visits on a regular basis to ensure you receive the care you need.
Optometry
Optometrists visit Karana on a regular basis for comprehensive eye care and vision support.
Dental services
We provide on-site access to dental services under Medicare, to ensure you can maintain or improve your oral healthcare.
Hearing specialists
To support your hearing wellbeing, we offer visits from hearing specialists under the Medicare service.
Weekly hairdresser visits
We have access to a weekly hairdresser on-site. Because when you look your best, you’ll feel your best!
Support for complex care
We specialise in complex services for people requiring end of life care, in partnership with a palliative care team.
Nutritional care
A dietitian helps to plan your menu, and takes all cultural, religious and dietary requirements into consideration.
Speech therapy
Our visiting speech pathologists can support you through assessment, treatment and management of speech, language, and swallowing challenges.
Counselling
Adjusting to changes in your life can be challenging. We’re here to listen and provide supportive reassurance through counselling services.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists can help you maintain or improve your mobility, strength and overall physical function, to help you go about your day with more confidence and comfort.
Pet therapy
It’s always nice to have furry friends nearby, and we often welcome them on site for pats and attention. Interacting with animals can provide emotional, social, and physical benefits.
Brochures and information
Looking for something else?
If you have any questions—about Baptcare Karana in Kew specifically, or about Residential Aged Care in general—we’re always here and happy to help. Call our friendly and experienced team on 13 22 78.
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Drop in for a visit at Baptcare Karana in Kew
If you have any questions about life at Baptcare Karana, the process of preparing for a move, visiting us for a tour or anything else, please let us know. We’ll be in contact with you shortly.
Helen Rebello
Residential Care Services Manager
Need support?
Call for a friendly chat:
Call 13 22 78
Baptcare Karana Community
55 Walpole Street Kew VIC 3101
Get directions