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Emergency Respite Aged Care

Providing you with the assistance you need

Emergency respite care provides a temporary solution for caregivers needing a break during an emergency. Respite care offers safe, supervised care for seniors with chronic illnesses or disabilities, allowing caregivers to attend to personal business and emergencies. In addition, normal respite care can give caregivers a chance to recharge and come back refreshed and ready to provide the best possible care for their loved ones.

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We’re happy to answer any questions you have.

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Why emergency planning is important

As a caregiver, you play an important role in the life of your loved one. You provide essential care and assistance and are a vital support source. However, caregiving can be demanding, and it is essential to take care of yourself. One way to do this is emergency respite care. 

Respite care provides temporary relief from the demands of caregiving, allowing you to take a break, recharge, and return to your role with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Emergency respite care can help ensure your loved one will always have access to the care and support they need, even if something should happen to you. Creating an emergency management plan ensures that your loved one will always be cared for, no matter what.

What should be in your emergency management plans:

  • Have contact information of family and friends ready
  • Create a clear list of medical conditions and medication 
  • Research a list of respite care homes as backup solutions

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We believe in honesty and transparency

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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 homes can charge, currently set at $63.57 a day or $23,203.05 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 $45.92 and $183.67.

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.

The cost of emergency respite care

The cost of emergency respite care can vary depending on the length of stay and the required aged care quality. In general, the cost of respite care in Melbourne is quite reasonable, especially compared to long-term care. For those who are looking for an affordable option for their loved ones, contact our team. 

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Our Homes
Room Type
Refundable Deposit ($)
Daily Accommodation Rate ($)
Boronia Residential Aged Care
Companion room
320,000
73.47
Boronia Residential Aged Care
Premium deluxe
$340,000
77.69
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

Residential aged care providers you can trust

We understand that moving into a residential aged care home can be a big decision in an emergency situation, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our qualified and experienced staff are on hand 24 hours a day to assist with all your needs. We also have a dedicated health professional team available to support and advise. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved ones.

Learn more

How we can help you:

  • Support services
  • Day respite
  • Ongoing care

News from our aged care homes

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Life in aged care

With warm environments, numerous lifestyle activities and community engagement programs, we endeavour to make transitioning into an aged care home as easy as possible.

Comfortable homes

We provide high-quality services to ensure our residents are comfortable in our care 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

● Respite care

Palliative care

Staying young at heart

The best way to maintain health and happiness as we age is to keep active. Our aged care homes offer residents a range of lifestyle activities to choose from.

● 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

Community engagement

Our residents love giving back to their local community through our many initiatives. 

● 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

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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Have a look around your local MACG aged care home

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

What is emergency respite care?

Emergency respite care can provide temporary relief when a caregiver needs a break. This type of care allows a primary caregiver to have time for themselves, knowing that their loved one is in safe hands. Respite care can be provided in various settings, including in-home, adult daycare centres, or aged care homes. It can be scheduled in advance or arranged on short notice in an emergency. Emergency respite care can be a lifesaver for caregivers feeling overwhelmed or stressed. If you are a caregiver in need of a break, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

How to arrange emergency respite care?

There are a few different ways to arrange emergency respite care. One option is to contact a home health agency. These agencies can provide trained caregivers who can come to your home on short notice and give the care your loved one needs. 

Another option is to contact an aged care home like MACG. Our homes have staff members who are available to provide respite care on an as-needed basis. If you have insurance, you can also get coverage for respite care through your insurance provider. No matter how you arrange it, emergency respite care can be a lifesaver when you're overwhelmed by caring for a sick loved one.

What does emergency respite care include?

The level of respite care will vary depending on the caregiver's needs and the individual receiving care. Still, it can include everything from personal care and hygiene assistance to meals and transportation. Regardless of the situation, emergency respite care can provide much-needed relief for caregivers while ensuring that their loved ones continue to receive the high level of care they need and deserve.

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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Call  (03) 9428 2800

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See your local MACG home and get a feel for the community.

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