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
The process of creating art can be therapeutic for people of all ages. For the elderly, art therapy can help to reduce anxiety, promote cognitive function, and improve overall quality of life. At our Melbourne aged care facilities, we offer a variety of art therapy programs to meet the needs of our residents.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have.
Art therapy is one of the most effective among the many lifestyle programs designed to support seniors. Art therapy can help seniors to express themselves, connect with others, and find a sense of purpose. Art therapy provides a much-needed outlet for creativity and self-expression for many seniors. It can also help to boost cognitive function and reduce stress levels. In addition, art therapy can promote social connectedness and provide a sense of community.
More individual support with fewer beds
We operate on core family values
Honesty in all that we do
We educate all of our care teams
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.
Art therapy is increasingly used in aged care facilities to improve mental health and well-being. Each of our Melbourne facilities has a number of different art programs at different costs. Please reach out to us to get a more accurate understanding of the costs associated with our art programs in each of our homes.
At our aged care facilities, we offer various art therapy classes designed to support older adults in their creative journey. Our skilled and experienced staff provide guidance and assistance with whatever project our clients work on, whether it’s a painting, sculpture, or collage. We believe that everyone can create something beautiful, and we feel privileged to be able to support our clients as they explore their creativity.
Our facilities are designed to promote independence and social interaction, and our staff are trained to provide the highest level of care.
● 24-hour staffing with qualified care teams
● Care services to suit all needs and preferences
● Allied health services
● Meals cooked on-site and designed by dietitians
● Laundry cleaned on-site
We offer a wide range of activities and amenities, and our residents can take advantage of them to live happy, healthy lives.
● Meditation and relaxation
● Cultural and spiritual wellbeing
● Social, emotional, and pastoral support
● Memory and reminiscence programs
● Mobility, wellness and sensory programs
● Seated Tai Chi and walking groups
● Physiotherapy exercise classes
● Community giving, volunteering and fundraising
● Meal preparation and baking
● Music, movies, and travel exploration
● Pet and animal visits
Our residents love to give back to their community through various activities we facilitate.
● We work with charities such as Beyond Blue and Cancer Council Australia
● Each home supports a charity in the local region
● Residents can choose how to volunteer, such as baking, knitting and fundraising
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.
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.
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art-making to explore emotions, relieve stress, and improve self-esteem. Art therapists are trained mental health professionals who use art-making to help people heal from psychological difficulties.
While there is no cure for dementia, treatments available can help improve the quality of life for those suffering from the condition. One such treatment is art therapy, which has been shown to provide a number of benefits for dementia patients.
Art therapy can help stimulate the mind and ease anxiety while providing a creative outlet for self-expression. In addition, art therapy sessions can provide an opportunity for social interaction and connection with others. While the exact mechanism by which art therapy helps to improve the symptoms of dementia is not fully understood, it is clear that this activity can positively impact a patient's physical and mental well-being.
Fine motor skills are the coordination of small muscle movements, such as fingers, typically to perform tasks like writing or picking up small objects. For the elderly, fine motor skills can often deteriorate due to age-related conditions such as arthritis or Parkinson’s disease. Art therapy can be an effective way to help improve these skills.
Residents can strengthen their muscles and improve their dexterity through activities like painting or sculpture. In addition, art therapy can also help to alleviate cognitive decline by providing a creative outlet for expression. As a result, art therapy can be a beneficial way to help maintain the fine motor skills of the elderly.
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.
