I became, in my own mind, part of this family. And they've looked after me with all my needs and it's made me very happy.
– Geoffrey
Our experienced team can provide around the clock care for residents with cognitive and physical limitations. We create a customised care plan for residents requiring 24-hour care to ensure they’re living fulfilled and healthier lives.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have.
In every aged care facility, it’s important to have a trained team of care workers on board to assist with even the most complex care. Our care solutions include a registered nurse ready to provide around the clock individual support to each resident to ensure they live comfortably and receive the specialised care they need.
Educated care teams with ongoing development
We’re transparent and honest in everything we do
Homes with fewer beds and more individual support
We value family, relationships and community
Here is your guide to understanding aged care home fees.
In every aged care home, a basic daily fee is paid on top of your accommodation cost. This fee covers your basic living needs, including meals, laundry and cleaning, and utility costs like power and telecommunications.
The Australian Government sets a maximum basic daily fee that aged care facilities can charge, currently set at $54.69 a day or $19,961.85 per year.
Services Australia sets this fee at 85% of a single Age Pension. The basic daily fee is the same for everyone (even if they don’t receive an Age Pension) and is increased twice a year, March 20th and September 20th, to match the rising cost of living.
Once you submit an Income and Asset Assessment through Centrelink, you will not only be assessed on whether you are eligible for any subsidies but you’ll also be assessed on whether the means-tested care fee is applicable.
If you have to pay the income-tested care fee, it means the government has determined you need to pay extra towards your day-to-day care, but only if you can afford it. Whether this fee applies to you is dependent on your financial situation and if you have a higher level of assets or income. The means-tested care fee will be between $0 and $259.26 per day.
It can take the government some time to calculate the amount you may need to pay for the means-tested care fee. Therefore, you and the aged care home you choose will be notified by letter when the price has been calculated, and payment will be backdated to the date you entered into care.
All aged care providers can charge fees for your accommodation to cover the home's maintenance costs and amenities. Each nursing home sets this daily accommodation price, and it is advertised clearly in the accommodation cost. At MACG, our daily accommodation rate ranges between $27.62 and $88.55.
Many factors influence aged care accommodation costs, including the room size and type, facilities available and property prices. The Income and Asset Assessment will determine whether the Australian Government will subsidise this fee or fully pay for your accommodation costs based on your income earnings and assets.
Many aged care homes in Melbourne offer additional services, similar to a hotel experience. Some common additional services include beauty and hairdressing, satellite television, internet, gyms, pools, workshops and alcohol.
Some aged care homes may allow you to pick and choose the services you want, so you only pay for what you use, whereas others may have an additional package.
These service fees are set by the aged care provider and aren’t subsidised by the government. Therefore, it’s best to consider these as out-of-pocket costs you will need to cover.
Many aged care homes provide extra services that allow residents to upgrade their stay. Things that may be part of an extra service package include extended menus and drink options, higher quality linens and room furnishings.
Extra services usually come in a bundle and can either apply to specific room types or an entire retirement village. These extra services are not government subsidised.
The government provides a few aged care subsidy programs to assist residents who struggle to afford aged care support. The main program you can apply for is Financial Hardship Assistance. If you are eligible, the Australian Government will assist in paying some or all of your aged care fees (this includes respite care). Find out if you are eligible for Financial Hardship Assistance.
At MACG, we pride ourselves on providing 24-hour quality care to ensure our residents are getting the support they need and to afford families peace of mind. Our 24-hour caregiver services require specially trained staff who receive ongoing training and certification to maintain the highest level of exceptional service.
Your loved one will receive a personalised care plan whether that includes wound management or personal care dementia services etc. The cost of these care services will be dependent on a range of factors relating to the financial status of the individual client. All costs will be discussed during your pre-admission meeting.
At MACG, we genuinely care about the nursing care our residents receive. Under Victorian law, there are no current aged care staff ratios set for private aged care homes.
However, for state-run aged care homes, there must be a minimum of one registered nurse for every seven residents in the morning. In the afternoon this changes to one nurse for every eight residents and in the evening only one nurse is required for every fifteen residents.
Although this is the base standard under Victoria's aged care laws for public institutions, each of our private care facilities has different staff ratios that exceed these standards to ensure maximum support and care for our residents.
Each of our nursing homes is filled with qualified and friendly staff, ready to assist you when needed. We create warm and friendly relationships with residents to ensure total peace of mind and excellent support.
We believe the difference between our homes and others is our commitment to maintaining healthy minds and hearts. Our large range of lifestyle programs means residents can keep doing the things they love and lead fulfilled lives.
Our residents love being active in their local communities, so we’ve developed programs where our residential aged care homes connect with local charities and community groups. Volunteering keeps our residents engaged and gives them a sense of purpose and connection.
The Income and Asset Assessment is a means test set by the Australian Government to decide if you are eligible for a Commonwealth subsidy for part or all of your aged care home fees.
In this means test, your income and assets are evaluated. What is considered ‘income’ includes but is not limited to financial investments, age, disability or service pensions, income support payments, bonds, shares, your superannuation, family trusts and super funds.
Assets include properties you own (including your own home), investment properties, private or partnered businesses, and more. You will be asked a range of questions regarding your income and assets to determine your eligibility for subsidies.
You can complete the Income and Assets Assessment online through My Aged Care.
The assessment is broken down into three steps and is fairly quick to complete. The same form is used for all support types, whether you’re looking for short or long-term care or support in the home.
To complete the assessment, you will need your Medicare card. You can also organise for a representative to complete the application on your behalf.
The online assessment should not take longer than 20 minutes of your time. However, after submitting the assessment, you will receive a call to arrange a complete evaluation and review of your application.
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There are three different ways you can pay your aged care fees:
MACG’s preferred method of payment is via direct debit. Therefore, a direct debit form will be provided to you during the pre-admissions meeting.
Monthly statements are issued to permanent residents (or their representatives) at the beginning of the month and detail the debit amount. This direct debit is processed on the 15th of every month (bar public holidays or weekends in which the payment will be taken the following business day).
If you have any questions about the admissions process, cost of care, or would like to book a tour, please contact our Admissions Team.
We have 9 residential aged care homes across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Each one offers a unique and warm environment to make you feel at home.
Boronia
Our residents enjoy a warm, homelike atmosphere at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges.
Carrum Downs
Our residents live happy and fulfilled lives, and we help each person to achieve their best lifestyle.
Narre Warren
Read a good book in front of the warm fireplaces or explore the peaceful, landscaped gardens.
Narre Warren South
Our residents enjoy the beautiful gardens and a range of on-site facilities, including the chicken coop.
Ashwood
In the leafy suburb of Ashwood you will find Grand Cedar Aged Care. See for yourself what makes it special.
Coburg
Residents here appreciate the homelike atmosphere and enjoy the sun in the beautiful outdoor spaces.
Hughesdale
A warm and welcoming environment featuring old-world charm along with modern facilities.
Parkdale
This coastal home features views of Port Philip Bay and courtyards for our residents to enjoy.
Traralgon
Residents cherish the intimate relationships they have with the care team and the wider community.
We understand the emotional strain the entire family can feel having to move your loved one into an aged care facility. As a leading care provider, we take the responsibility for our residents’ safety very seriously.
We perform regular environmental audits and risk assessments to ensure our facilities are safe and secure. We also have keypad entry and exits in all homes as well as CCTV in common areas. Residents can contact staff using the call bell systems throughout the facility. We also have sensor mats and door sensors for extra security.
Family members are more than welcome to speak with their resident’s care worker to discuss specific care services or safety concerns.
Our team are committed to providing exceptional care for all our residents and this includes having the correct qualifications to provide 24-hour care. We ensure all of our nursing care team holds full qualifications and registrations. We also ensure our entire catering and housekeeping staff hold relevant industry certifications. We believe that training and development are crucial to providing exceptional support which is why we are committed to the ongoing education of our staff.
Each of our homes has different staffing ratios dependent on the number of residents and beds occupied at the current time. We ensure our ratios are monitored on an ongoing basis and if changes occur we make the necessary adjustments to staff schedules. If you’d like to enquire about a specific home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
If you find you’re unable to afford residential aged care costs, there are a number of avenues you can explore for assistance. If your Income and Asset Assessment determines you can’t afford aged care services, the Australian Government can provide subsidies for aged care support.
You may be eligible for Financial Hardship Assistance to partially or fully cover the basic daily fee, means-tested care fee and accommodation costs. Each case is assessed individually and depends on the type of care you need.
You can also consult with a Financial Information Services (FIS) representative. The FIS is an entirely free Australian Government program that helps you make informed decisions about your finances.
If you require assistance or more information, please contact any of the departments below.
You may also wish to gain specialist advice from an Aged Care Financial Planner to restructure your finances to your best advantage when entering care.
See your local MACG home and get a feel for the community.
