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Aged Care Costs Melbourne

Everything you need to know about aged care costs in Victoria

Finding an aged care home that fits your personal needs, preferences, and budget can be challenging. That’s why our team is here to help you every step of the way. We offer complete transparency of associated costs, daily fees and government assistance.

Find out more about our aged care services in Melbourne

We’re happy to help you with any questions you have.

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Residential aged care

What Fees Might I Have to Pay?

There is a range of potential fees that you may be subject to when registering for an aged care home in Melbourne. These include things like the basic daily fee, the means-tested care fee and additional or extra service fees.

Care and Accommodation Costs

  • Basic daily care fee
  • Accommodation costs
  • Means care tested fee
  • Additional service fee

Other Costs

It’s always best to plan for the unexpected. Some other additional costs to factor into your budget include:

  • Satellite, cable TV
  • Phone and internet
  • On-site beautician, hairdresser
  • Outings and additional experiences

Aged Care Fees Explained

Here is your guide to understanding aged care home fees.

Maximum Basic Daily Fee

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.

Means Tested Care Fee

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.

Accommodation Costs

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.

Additional Service Fees

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.

Extra Service Fees

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.

Is There Government Support for Aged Care?

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.

Our Homes
Room Type
Refundable Deposit ($)
Daily Accommodation Rate ($)
Boronia Residential Aged Care
Companion room
320,000
73.47
Boronia Residential Aged Care
Premium single
450,000 - $500,000
103.32 - 114.79
Boronia Residential Aged Care
Standard single
375,000
86.10
Carrum Downs Aged Care
Companion room
300,000
68.88
Carrum Downs Aged Care
Premium single
400,000
91.84
Carrum Downs Aged Care
Standard single
350,000
80.36
Casey Aged Care
Companion room
320,000
73.47
Casey Aged Care
Premium single room
450,000
103.32
Casey Aged Care
Standard single room
350,000
80.36
Casey Aged Care
Studio suite
550,000
126.27
Casey Manor
Standard single room
400,000
91.84
Casey Manor
Premium single room
450,000
103.32
Grand Cedar Aged Care
Deluxe
650,000
149.23
Grand Cedar Aged Care
Premium
800,000
183.67
Grand Cedar Aged Care
Standard
450,000
103.32
Northern Gardens
Companion room
300,000
68.88
Northern Gardens
Premium single room
450,000
103.32
Northern Gardens
Standard single room
350,000
80.36
Oaklea Hall
One bedroom apartment
450,000
103.32
Oaklea Hall
Premium room
400,000
91.84
Oaklea Hall
Standard single
350,000
80.36
Oaklea Hall
Studio apartment
450,000
103.32
Parkdale Aged Care
Companion room
350,000
80.36
Parkdale Aged Care
Premium single / Sea view room
450,000 - $500,000
103.32 - 114.79
Parkdale Aged Care
Single room
400,000
91.84
Traralgon Aged Care
Companion room
250,000
57.40
Traralgon Aged Care
Premium Single
325,000
74.62
Traralgon Aged Care
Standard single
300,000
68.88

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Income and Asset Assessment

The Income and Asset Assessment determines how much you’ll pay for aged care services.

What is the Income and Asset Assessment?

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.

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What Gets Assessed in the Income and Asset Assessment?

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. 

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How to Organise the Income and Assets Assessment

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. 

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How Long Does the Income and Asset Assessment Take?

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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Aged Care Payment Options

There are three different ways you can pay your aged care fees:

  • A refundable accommodation deposit (RAD)
  • A daily accommodation payment (DAP)
  • A combination of both

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. 

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Frequently asked questions

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What If I Can’t Afford It?

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.

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Who Can I Reach Out to for Help?

If you require assistance or more information, please contact any of the departments below.

  • MACG Accounts Department – 9428 2800
  • Centrelink – 132 300 or www.centrelink.gov.au 
  • Department of Veterans Affairs – 133 254 or www.dva.gov.au 
  • Department of Social Services – 1300 653 227

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.

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