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
We have same room accommodation options for couples wanting to share a double room in a Melbourne residential aged care facility. We’re a leading aged care provider that offers palliative care and respite care services across Victoria.
Let us answer any question you have.
We have nine aged care home facilities across Melbourne with varying room types to suit residents of all needs. Many couples choose to opt for a companion room to stay close together in the same home. Whether one partner requires more personal care or each couple has different care needs, we have registered nurses on call to provide exceptional care.
Qualified team of support professionals
Honest and open communication
A foundation of family values
Fewer beds with more individual support
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.
Whether you’re an elderly couple on a single pension or both receive an age pension, there are a number of benefits that can assist couples in paying for aged care accommodation.
The amount you will need to pay for accommodation will depend on many factors. To determine whether you are eligible for government funding, you will need to take an income and assets assessment or a means assessment to determine your assessable assets and any other assets you may have.
If you feel you may struggle to afford the cost of aged care fees, you can consult with a financial adviser for support.
All of our retirement homes in Victoria are state-of-the-art and fully equipped with qualified staff and registered nurses. We can provide individualised aged care services whether a resident is suffering from dementia, a motor impairing condition or illness.
When you enter one of our retirement facilities, you’re entering a warm and welcoming community equipped with the services you need. Each carer is qualified to support their residents' live-in care, ensuring the best quality of life.
At MACG, we understand the importance of maintaining and living a healthy and active lifestyle. That’s why we keep our residents engaged with numerous activities for both the adventurous extrovert and the more laidback person.
Many of our residents like to stay active and give back to the community by volunteering at local organisations and charities. Whether this is baking, fundraising, sorting items for op shops or knitting crafts, our residents can give back to the community in many different ways.
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.
Each of our retirement facilities has different staff ratios depending on factors pertinent to that facility. We follow all Victorian Government mandates concerning staff ratios to ensure the best care for our residents. You’re more than welcome to ask us any questions about staff ratios by getting in touch with our team.
We understand that what’s most important to a lot of families is that their elderly parents stay living together. Being separated can be distressing, especially for patients suffering from dementia or other memory loss conditions.
We take the safety and security of our residents very seriously. We’re always aware of who is entering our care homes through entries and exit keypads and with CCTV cameras in common areas. We also have call bell systems throughout every home that residents can contact staff on. For an added layer of security, we also have sensor mats and door sensors.
If you have any concerns, please talk to a carer at one of our homes today to discuss any safety concerns you feel may arise with your family member.
The accommodation cost in a retirement village depends on a range of factors including things like the type of live-in care requirements, a resident's income and assets, means testing, and any additional home care costs. You can learn more about nursing home fees here or reach out to us. We maintain transparency with all costs which will be discussed with you during the pre-admission meeting.
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.
