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Aged Care Optometry

Quality optometry care for aged care residents with eye conditions

As we begin to age, it’s common for eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration to affect our quality of life. That’s why at MACG, we prioritise ocular health for all of our residents with our comprehensive optometry program.

We’re here to help.

We’re happy to answer any questions you have.

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Residential aged care

We believe eye care management is incredibly important

At MACG, we understand that as elderly people age, their vision needs may change. That's why we offer comprehensive on-site eye examinations, using state-of-the-art equipment for early detection of common eye conditions.

Our optometrists make convenient on-site visits so elderly residents don’t have to travel for treatment. Each resident will undergo a regular review of their eye care plan to ensure their ocular health is being managed correctly.

Our eye care services

  • Poor vision management
  • Early detection eye tests
  • Macular Degeneration care
  • Glaucoma care
  • Cataract care

Our homes have fewer beds and a warmer environment

We value family relationships and connections

We operate on honesty and transparency

Our care teams receive ongoing education

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.

Aged care optometry costs

The cost of aged care optometry services can vary depending on a number of factors. The type of home, the location, and the scope of services all play a role in determining the price. 

Medicare usually covers basic eye exams and vision screening. However, if more extensive testing is needed, such as for glaucoma or cataracts, prices will increase accordingly. In addition, the cost of eyeglasses or contact lenses can also add to the overall expense. 

Fortunately, many insurance plans offer coverage for nursing home optometry care, and several government assistance programs, like Medicaid and Medicare, can help defray the cost for those who qualify. As a result, it is important to consult with your insurance provider, aged care home and optometrist to determine what options are available to you.

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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

Proper vision care improves your quality of life

The human eye is a delicate and complex organ, and as we age, our eyesight can deteriorate. This can significantly impact our quality of life, making it difficult to read, write, or even recognise faces. For nursing home residents, maintaining healthy eyesight is especially important. 

Optometry services can help ensure that our residents are able to see clearly and communicate effectively. Additionally, optometry can help to detect and manage any underlying eye conditions. By providing comprehensive eye care services, our care home plays an essential role in maintaining the health and well-being of our aged care residents, giving family members peace of mind.

Learn more

Why optometry is important

  • Early detection and treatment
  • Ensuring residents can see
  • Updating eyeglasses and corrective lenses

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Quality of life in aged care

Our homes provide an environment where residents can be happy and healthy. Our homes are designed to meet the needs of our residents, and our staff is dedicated to providing the highest level of care. We believe that by working together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our residents.

Providing home comfort

Every one of our homes is a warm, inviting community that offers high-quality services and courteous, qualified employees. Our homes provide a pleasant environment to enjoy your life to the utmost because of the sense of camaraderie and warmth they offer.

  • 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

Living an active lifestyle

Along with our eye care services, we provide wellbeing programs to encourage activity and healthy lifestyles for all our residents, from meditation to animal visits, sensory programs and more.

  • 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

Community connection and engagement

Our residents are more than happy to continue contributing to their local communities after so many years of expertise. Our residential aged care homes are involved in various charity and community organisations, providing our residents with a new purpose and significant involvement with the general public.

  • 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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9 aged care homes across Victoria

Our aged care homes

Hear from our residents about residential aged care

Frequently asked questions

Is optometry free?

Australian permanent residents are eligible for Medicare-subsidised eye tests provided by optometrists. If the optometrist bulk bills the government on your behalf, you won't have to pay anything for the eye test. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, Medicare will also cover a portion of the cost of your lenses, but you may have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses.

What diseases can be detected in an eye exam?

An eye exam can provide a window into your overall health, and many common diseases can be detected through changes in your eyesight. For example, diabetes is often first diagnosed after a routine eye exam reveals high blood sugar levels. High cholesterol can also lead to fatty deposits in the eye's blood vessels, which can be detected during an exam. 

In addition, several types of cancer, including melanoma and lymphoma, can cause changes in the appearance of the eye that may be spotted during an exam. While most changes are benign, it is important to have any new symptoms checked out by a qualified medical professional. 

What do optometrists test for during an eye test?

During an eye exam, an optometrist will conduct a comprehensive examination of the health of your eyes. First, they will check your visual acuity to see how clearly you can see. Next, they will check your eye muscles to see if they are working correctly. They will also test your pupils to see how they respond to light. Finally, they will check the health of your eyes by examining your retina and optic nerve. By testing all of these things, the optometrist can determine if you need glasses or contact lenses and whether or not you have any underlying eye conditions.

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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