We're here to support our Italian residents

At Oxa Care, we recognise how important language, food, faith, and family are to the Italian community. That’s why our Italian aged care homes in Melbourne offer bilingual support, traditional Mediterranean meals, and opportunities to take part in Catholic traditions and community celebrations. The Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing highlights that culturally inclusive care builds comfort and trust for older Australians, and we embed these principles into everyday life so residents feel truly at home.

Everyday comforts inspired by Italian culture

Bilingual staff who speak Italian

Our caring team includes Italian-speaking staff who greet residents in their native language, ensuring conversations feel natural and respectful. This helps residents feel truly understood and connected every day.

Traditional Italian meals

From fresh pasta and risotto to warming minestrone, our menus celebrate the flavours of Italy. Meals are shared in a homely setting, offering comfort, nutrition, and a taste of tradition.

Faith-based and spiritual support

Catholic practices are embraced with opportunities for Mass, rosary prayers, and visits from local priests. Religious feast days are marked with respect and joy, keeping spiritual life central to care.

Cultural celebrations and rituals

Residents enjoy special occasions such as Ferragosto and Christmas with live music, themed meals, and decorations that reflect Italian heritage and community pride.

Familiar music and entertainment

Italian songs, films, and TV shows provide comfort and connection, sparking happy memories and lifting spirits. From classic opera to modern cinema, entertainment is tailored to what feels most familiar.

Heartfelt communication to make you feel at home

At Oxa Care, every conversation matters. Whether it's sharing a morning espresso, discussing a care plan, or reminiscing about village life in Italy, we foster genuine connection, always in the language and tone that feels natural to you.

Gathering stories, delivering care

We start by learning how you prefer to be addressed, whether Signora, Nonna, or by your first name, and stick to what makes you feel at ease. Those details become part of your care plan so every staff member can connect meaningfully from day one.

Helpful updates for families

We know families value clear, respectful communication. That’s why we offer updates in Italian or English, in ways that suit your loved ones. This could be a quick call, a chat over coffee, or a thoughtful note. 

A day in the life at OxaCare

At Oxa Care, daily routines are flexible and designed around each resident’s needs, from personal care and meals to social activities and rest. Italian residents can take part in cultural programs, faith practices, and family visits that make everyday life structured yet familiar.

01

Morning

Morning

A warm start with familiar comforts

Mornings at Oxa Care begin gently, with residents enjoying breakfast together and catching up over Italian newspapers or TV. Whether it’s greeting friends in their first language, joining light activities, or preparing for the day at their own pace, every detail reflects the rhythms and traditions valued in Italian households.

02

Midday

Midday

Connecting through culture and activity

Late mornings at Oxa Care bring residents together through familiar Italian pastimes, like bocce, briscola or scopa card games, and gardening. Cooking demonstrations, music from Italian singers of their youth, and time outdoors in the courtyard create moments of joy and connection that keep culture alive every day.

03

Afternoon

Afternoon

Time for reflection and calming entertainment

Afternoons at Oxa Care often blend calm reflection with lighthearted enjoyment. Residents may take part in Catholic devotions or rosary groups, watch Italian films or TV from their youth, or join in memory games and trivia that spark laughter and shared stories.

04

Evening

Evening

Dinner the Italian way - together

Evenings at Oxa Care are about gathering around the table and sharing home-style meals in a warm, family-style setting. With familiar Italian flavours and conversation flowing easily, dinner becomes more than a meal. It’s a moment of connection and belonging to close the day.

Oxa Care residents exercising with resistance bands

Hear from our residents and family members

Mum moved into OxaCare a few months ago and it already feels like home. The staff greet her in Italian, they cook meals she actually enjoys, and they involve us in everything. It’s the little things—like playing her favourite music—that show how much they care.”

Maria Bellini

Family Member

Let's talk about residential care that feels like family

Every Italian family knows the importance of being surrounded by people who understand your traditions, language, and values. At Oxa Care, our coordinators take the time to listen to your story and show you how we can make the transition into aged care supportive, personal, and true to Italian culture. Reach out today to start the conversation. We’d love to welcome you into our community.

Oxa Care's luxurious foyer

Honouring Italian traditions

At Oxa Care, we know that cultural traditions aren’t just events on the calendar - they’re part of identity, memory, and community. That’s why we celebrate the moments that matter most to Italian residents, from national holidays to local feast days. 

Smiling Italian woman holding a cookbook alongside a chef and children during a cooking activity.

Festive events

Each year, our homes come alive with Italian celebrations such as Festa della Repubblica, Ferragosto, and All Saints’ Day, alongside cherished Catholic holidays. These gatherings are filled with music, laughter, and reflection, helping residents stay closely connected to their roots.

Smiling elderly Italian woman in a pink floral dress receiving support from a caregiver

Strengthening Italian community ties

Our doors are always open to the Italian community. From local clubs and social groups to parish priests and volunteers, we welcome everyone who helps keep culture and faith alive for our residents. Whether it’s Mass celebrated in Italian or school children performing traditional songs, these connections bring a true sense of belonging.

Smiling Italian woman with chefs serving food in a kitchen

Food, music and moments that matter

No Italian gathering is complete without food, music, and beautiful touches of tradition. Residents enjoy the comfort of homemade favourites, whether lasagna, biscotti, or a plate of fresh pasta, paired with the lively sounds of Italian songs that spark memories and joy.

Aged care that includes the whole family

We invite Italian families to be partners in daily life and decision-making. This approach reflects ELDAC's guidance on partnering with families in aged care, suggesting that early, ongoing and honest conversations with the entire family lead to better outcomes. 

We encourage families to:

  • Visit frequently - Flexible visiting hours and welcoming spaces encourage regular time together.
  • Participate in care planning - We'd like families to collaborate with our team to create care goals. 
  • Celebrate special moments - From birthdays to cultural Italian festivals, we encourage shared celebrations with loved ones.
 Smiling Italian man dancing with a caregiver in a community dining hall.

A home that feels deeply Italian

Step inside Oxa Care and you’ll notice the difference straight away. The aroma of fresh coffee, the sound of Italian voices sharing stories, the joy of music that brings people together. Here, culture isn’t an occasional celebration; it’s the everyday heartbeat of our home.

Strong Italian resident community

Many of our residents come from Italian backgrounds, creating a warm, familiar environment where shared traditions, stories, and language bring people together.

Connections beyond our doors

Close ties to nearby Catholic parishes and Italian cultural hubs mean residents can stay connected to the faith, festivals, and neighbourhoods they’ve always known.

Care shaped by tradition

We honour family roles, traditions, and spiritual needs in our care approach, guided by resources like Ausmed’s Cultural Awareness in Aged Care to ensure respect for heritage is at the heart of everything we do.

Culture woven into daily life

Our team brings Italian customs into every interaction. Whether it’s speaking the language, sharing music, or enjoying spiritual and cultural celebrations that feel like home.

Happy resident sitting and smiling
Our process

Starting your care journey with Oxa Care

Choosing aged care is a big step, and we’re here to make the process simple and supportive for our Italian residents from the very beginning.

Come in for a visit

See the heart of our home for yourself. Explore private rooms, shared spaces, and meet our friendly team. A tour is the best way to get a feel for how welcoming life here can be.

Apply with ease

Once you’re ready to proceed, our team will guide you through the application form and paperwork so that nothing feels overwhelming.

Plan together

We’ll meet with you and your family to discuss your preferences, care needs, and daily routines. This pre-admission step helps us ensure a smooth transition.

Make yourself at home

On move-in day, we’ll be right there to help personalise your room and settle you in. Whether it’s arranging furniture, hanging family photos, or sharing a cup of coffee, we want you to feel comfortable from day one.

 A place where everyone belongs

At OxaCare, we celebrate the different cultures, faiths, and identities that make up our community, ensuring every resident feels respected and valued. Our team receives ongoing training in cultural awareness, so care is always delivered with understanding and compassion.

Why our Italian residents choose Oxa Care

OxaCare is ranked in the top 1.26% of Melbourne aged care facilities for resident experience, but the numbers only tell part of the story. Families trust us because of the everyday care, compassion, and respect they see in how we support their loved ones.

Frequently asked questions

Residential aged care can be a huge step for families and loved ones. Here are some of our most commonly asked questions about our aged care residential services, facilities, eligibility, and costs.

What are the different levels of aged care accommodation?

Can I still visit regularly if I don’t live nearby?

Do you provide language or interpreting support?

Is cultural or religious care taken into account?

How do RAD and DAP payments work in aged care?

Keep up with news and events

Stay informed and engaged with our vibrant community by reading the articles below.

03 8402 0809
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Our support team is available to answer any questions 24/7.

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