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
Our diversional therapy program is designed to help seniors find suitable recreational activities that will boost their physical, emotional and mental well-being. Focused on personal care and self-esteem, we run various diversional therapy activities to enhance the quality of life through development, participation, and decision-making. Our programs are flexible and tailored to meet the needs of each resident.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have.
Diversional therapy and using mental, social, physical, and cognitive activities and engaging in a leisure-based lifestyle can amount to impressive benefits for aged care residents. For example, diversional therapy can improve cardiovascular and mental health, prevent dementia, and help create more social connections. It can also empower aged care residents to make their own choices and decisions and participate in activities that suit their own needs.
Individual support to ensure residents enjoy a home-like environment
Our programs are designed with core family values in mind
We provide complete honesty and transparency
Our team engages in ongoing training and development
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.
We ensure that our diversional therapy in aged care facilities is accessible to everyone. Therefore, we take care of all the planning, equipment, and venues needed to supply our residents with the best leisure and recreational activities. Our diversional therapists will provide a safe and supportive environment while you engage in creative activities to boost your mental health and emotional well-being. Contact us today to learn more.
When it comes to emotional well-being and personal satisfaction in the aged care sector, our team provide high-quality diversional therapy activities for our residents. Our experienced and compassionate staff are determined to assist seniors by promoting physical well-being and creating various leisure activities they will enjoy participating in.
At MACG, you’ll be provided with a diversional therapist who will support your wellness needs and tailor activities best suited to you.
Our aged homes are equipped with everything you need to live comfortably.
Choose from a range of leisure and lifestyle activities designed to keep you engaged and healthy.
Volunteer with family and friends at local community events - our team will help facilitate everything you need to contribute.
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.
Diversional therapy is known as supporting seniors in aged care with leisure and recreational programs designed to improve and encourage wellness. These activities will support, challenge and enhance psychological, social, physical, and mental health. Examples of some common diversional therapy activities used in aged care include music therapy, art lessons, puzzles, pet visits, exercise and more.
Diversional therapy is highly beneficial for seniors struggling with ageing or a chronic illness. Engaging in recreational activities can positively influence the brain and body and support a better quality of life. These leisure activities allow seniors to make their own decisions, pick up new hobbies, and connect with their wider community. Speak to MACG’s lifestyle coordinator about the many benefits of diversional therapy.
The idea behind diversional therapy is that it will encourage your brain to focus on an activity - helping to keep your attention off any pain you may be feeling. Therefore, focusing on a physical or mental activity will keep your brain feeling sharp and will allow elderly people to test their own abilities, live their best lives, and continue their daily living as they see fit.
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.
If you have any questions about us or our residential aged care homes, we would love to help.
