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
As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to injury and illness. This is why it is important to have access to quality physiotherapy services to address physical health problems and mobility. At MACG, we provide physiotherapy services at all of our residential aged care facilities.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have.
Physiotherapy can help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent falls. It can also help to reduce the risk of pressure injuries and improve the quality of life for aged care residents. Therefore, choosing a facility that employs qualified and experienced physiotherapists and offers a range of services tailored to the needs of aged care residents is vitally important. With the right physiotherapy services, aged care residents can enjoy a significantly better quality of life.
Fewer beds with more individual support
Family values and connections at our core
Honesty and transparency in all we do
Education and training for 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.
The cost of aged care physio can vary depending on several factors, including the setting in which care is provided, the types of services required, and the number of hours of care needed. In general, however, the cost of a physiotherapy service for the elderly tends to be lower than the cost for other types of health services. This is partly because physiotherapy is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans. Therefore, our aged care residents can receive free or low-cost physio services at our care homes.
We take the mobility of our aged care residents seriously, which is why we offer full physio services in our care homes. Instead of going to a general practitioner to address chronic pain and mobility treatment issues, a qualified physiotherapist can provide on-site support to a resident in the comfort and privacy of their own home.
While a regular physiotherapist will have manual handling training and comply with accreditation standards, our physiotherapists receive staff education specifically on treating seniors. You won’t have to worry about long appointment waits or filling out forms with contact details because this is all done in-house for our residents seeking these services.
With high-quality facilities and friendly staff, our homes provide a welcoming environment for all. We strive to create a sense of community and warmth, so our residents feel at home.
● 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 have a range of homes that offer a variety of lifestyle programs and activities, so you can continue doing the things you've always enjoyed. So whether you're looking for a place to socialise, stay active, or simply relax, we have the perfect activity.
● 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 have a wealth of experience and knowledge to offer, and they enjoy being able to give back to their local communities. We are always looking for new ways to get our residents involved through volunteering, fundraising, or simply providing support and advice.
● 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.
For the elderly, physiotherapy can help to improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent falls. In addition, physiotherapy can also help to improve the wellbeing of people living with dementia.
A physiotherapist will develop an individualised treatment plan based on the client's specific needs. This may involve exercises to improve strength and balance, hands-on therapy to reduce pain, and education on how to prevent injuries.
By providing comprehensive care, a physiotherapist can help the elderly maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.
A physiotherapist is an important palliative care team member and primarily focuses on quality of life. This means maximising a person's independence and mobility, managing pain and fatigue, and helping them maintain their strengthonce palliative fitness is not required.
Physiotherapists can also advise on coping with the symptoms of a terminal illness, such as shortness of breath. As part of a multidisciplinary team, physiotherapists play a vital role in providing palliative care tailored to each resident’s individual needs, from high to low level care.
Physiotherapy is a type of physical therapy that uses exercises and stretching to improve range of motion and relieve pain. It can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, joint pain, arthritis, headaches, and injuries.
Physiotherapy can also help to improve balance and coordination and to increase strength and flexibility. In addition, physiotherapy can prevent injuries by helping to improve posture and maintain proper body alignment. When combined with other services and treatments, such as massage or acupuncture, physiotherapy can effectively manage pain and improve overall health.
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.
