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
Many older adults who live in aged care homes have Parkinson's disease. Our aged care homes are essential in supporting these individuals and their families. Our specially trained Parkinson’s carers offer comprehensive care for residents with this disease. By working closely with residents and their families, we can help to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson disease.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have.
Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological condition that can cause tremors, muscle rigidity, and difficulty with balance and coordination. As the disease progresses, these symptoms can become more severe and debilitating.
For people with Parkinson’s, nursing homes can offer various services to help them manage their condition. These services may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. In addition, our aged care homes can provide medication management and assistance with daily activities such as bathing and dressing. By providing these services, we can help elderly patients with Parkinson’s to live independently for longer.
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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.
We understand that the cost of care for Parkinson’s Disease can cause concern for some family members. The cost of 24-hour care can be up to $100 per day per person. In addition, many people with Parkinson’s Disease require prescription medications, which can add to the overall cost of care.
As a result, the cost of care for Parkinson’s Disease can be a stressful financial burden for individuals and families. However, there are several financial assistance programs available to help offset the cost of care. Book a discussion with our team today, and we can help find an economical solution for your family member.
Our staff provide comprehensive 24-hour care that helps improve patients' quality of life. Our experienced team assists with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. We also provide medication management and therapy services to help patients maintain optimal health for as long as possible. In addition, we offer emotional support to families, providing education and resources to help them cope with the challenges of Parkinson's disease.
We provide our residents with around-the-clock care to ensure they’re safe and happy in our homes.
● 24-hour staffing with qualified care teams
● Care services to suit all needs and preferences
● Allied health services
● Healthy meals cooked on-site and designed by dietitians
● Laundry cleaned on-site
We organise various lifestyle activities that suit residents of all mobility levels and hobby types.
● 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 giving back to their local community through our 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.
Parkinson's Disease is a degenerative nervous system disorder affecting movement. It is caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps to control muscle movement.
The exact cause of cell death in Parkinson's is unknown, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Treatment for Parkinson's disease typically involves medication and therapy to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the disease's progression.
People with Parkinson's disease typically need more care as the disease progresses. In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, patients may only need occasional help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
As the disease progresses, patients may need more frequent assistance and may eventually require 24-hour care. The decision to provide 24-hour care for a Parkinson’s patient should be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the patient's doctor. In some cases, 24-hour care may be the best option for providing the level of support and supervision that a Parkinson's patient needs. In other cases, less intensive care arrangements may be sufficient. In all cases, the goal should be to provide the best care for the individual patient.
While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's, several treatments available can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. For residents in a nursing facility, this may involve a team approach involving nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and doctors.
The nursing staff will provide primary care and monitor the resident's condition daily. Physiotherapists can help to improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls, while occupational therapists can assist with activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing and eating. Finally, doctors can provide medication to help manage symptoms such as rigidity, tremors and problems with balance. By taking a multidisciplinary approach, we can ensure that nursing home residents receive the best possible 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.
