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
One out of every four people who suffer from a stroke will require some form of aged care afterwards. Aged care is a broad term that refers to the various services and support available to older people. While some stroke patients may be able to live independently, others may need assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating. In addition, aged care can provide support for social and recreational activities and help manage chronic health conditions.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have.
Providing excellent stroke care is vital in aged care because the older someone is, the more likely they are to have an acute stroke. In fact, according to the National Stroke Foundation, people over the age of 65 are four times more likely to have a stroke than younger adults.
Many reasons for this increased risk include age-related changes to the blood vessels and brain. Therefore, aged care facilities must have specially trained staff who can provide high-quality respite or palliative stroke care. This care includes assessing patients for risk factors, providing early intervention and rehabilitation, and supporting caregivers. By ensuring that stroke care is a priority in aged care, we can help improve older Australians' lives.
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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.
In many cases, stroke survivors require long-term care, which can be costly. Aged care homes are one option for stroke survivors who need ongoing care and support. However, the cost of care in an aged care home can vary depending on the level of support required and the location of the care home. Given the high cost of stroke care, it is important to consider all options before deciding where to receive stroke rehabilitation.
Reach out to our aged care assessment team to discuss the costs related to stroke care.
In our aged care homes, we aim to provide the necessary support to enable residents to reach their full potential. We work closely with the resident, their family and other health professionals. We tailor our approach to each individual, considering their unique needs and preferences. We aim to help residents regain as much independence as possible and participate in activities they enjoy.
We provide all the support services our residents need to be comfortable in our nursing homes.
● 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
Staying active and engaged keeps our residents healthy and happy in our care homes.
● Meditation and relaxation
● Cultural and spiritual well-being
● 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 getting out in the local community and participating in charity programs.
● 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.
In aged care, stroke care involves a team of specialists who work together to provide comprehensive support for stroke survivors. This team may include doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. Together, they will develop a care plan that meets the individual needs of the stroke survivor.
We provide support for all types of stroke survivors. We have various resources available to help you recover and live your best life. We offer support groups, individual counseling, and educational materials. We also have a 24/7 helpline to call for support or advice. Our goal is to help you through every step of your recovery journey. We know that strokes can be debilitating and life-changing, but we also know that recovery is possible. With our help, you can regain your independence and lead a fulfilling life.
If the stroke survivor is under age 65, it’s worth contacting the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to get advice and learn more about care options for your family member. The Stroke Foundation can also help you with more information about stroke rehabilitation and care.
Stroke is a leading cause of disability in older adults, and those who survive a stroke often require long-term care. In an aged care facility, the supervision of a stroke patient is typically a team effort involving nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other health professionals. Each team member's specific roles and responsibilities will vary depending on the individual patient's needs. For example, nurses may provide around-the-clock care and assistance with activities of daily living, while physiotherapists may focus on helping patients regain movement and function. Regardless of their specific roles, all team members work together to ensure that stroke patients receive the best care.
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.
