Description:

Regis Karingal Manor - Fawkner

Rich culture is a cornerstone of life at Regis Karingal Manor. This recently extended and refurbished residence is a lively snapshot of the cultural colour of the overall community in Fawkner and the surrounding suburbs of Melbourne's north.

The essence of our cultural flavour comes from our predominance of Italian-speaking residents. They inject a vibrancy which permeates every aspect of life, from the diversity of activities and excursions to the enthusiastic smiles on the faces of residents and staff.

Italian flavour means fabulous lasagnes, pastas and treats shared by adoring family visitors, many of whom call in twice a week. It also means a heady mix of romantic language echoing around the halls and colourful community activities like our Italian singing every Tuesday.

This dynamic environment is encouraged by our many Italian-speaking staff members who love chatting with residents and are occasionally asked to translate for them during their regular medical checkups.

But flavour at Karingal Manor goes far beyond Italian. Everyone loves the food here and we take great pride in catering to diverse tastes through our regular meal survey. The result is hearty fare which satisfies residents of every cultural background, from Greeks, Poles and Egyptians to Anglo-Australians.

They adore tucking into staples like sausages and mashed potatoes, starting the day with healthy breakfasts and indulging in our Thursday treat of fish and chips which we get fresh from our favourite fish shop.

Karingal Manor's lifestyle encourages everyone to mix together, enjoying each other's company through activities like bowling, movies, quizzes and an exercise program designed to be as much about fun as fitness. Pop in during one of our bending competitions and you'll see just how much fun!

On a practical note, we are close to bus stops, the Fawkner railway station, a local church and have a small shopping area nearby where residents can chat with proprietors while they shop. Access to the city is straight down Sydney Road.

There are celebrations galore too. We share birthdays and anniversaries, traditions like Christmas and the Melbourne Cup and a host of Italian festivities. The latter are a pageant of extended family gatherings which often evolve into big parties where all residents and staff are welcome. Many family members form such close-knit bonds that they even visit the friends of their own residents.

No wonder the overwhelming sentiment of first-time visitors, including officials, is that Karingal is a happy and homely place.

Karingal Manor residents are also able to take advantage of the following services on offer:

* on-site hairdressing and beauty therapy
* volunteer program
* experienced in-house chef and catering staff
* special dietary requirements met

Residents receive all the benefits of the Regis Group's living care model of responsive support provided by leading professionals and tailored to individual medical, cultural and religious preferences.

Regis Karingal Manor at a glance

Care Types Offered: High Care, Respite Care
No of Beds: 88
Rooms: Single with en suite, double
Transport: Walking distance to public transport
Parking: On-site and street parking
Visiting hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week