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 aged care homes across Melbourne provide comfort and support for residents receiving cancer treatment. We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be physically and emotionally challenging. That's why we offer a wide range of services to help our residents through this difficult time.
We have experienced staff who can provide practical and emotional support and access to counselling services and complementary therapies. We also have a range of physical treatments, such as massage, that can help relieve some side effects of cancer treatments. Our goal is to ensure our residents receive the best care while living with or recovering from cancer.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have.
Here at MACG, we understand how difficult it can be to deal with cancer. That's why we offer a range of services to support our residents dealing with the disease. Our healthcare team of nurses and doctors provides expert care and a qualified team of staff who can provide emotional support. We also offer a range of amenities and activities to help cancer residents stay positive and connected, including daily exercise, meditation and social groups.
Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where residents can feel comfortable receiving treatments and interacting with other residents. We hope our efforts make the journey a little bit easier for our residents with cancer.
Fewer beds with more individual care
Supporting family relationships and connections
Operating under honesty and transparency
Educating our care teams to provide quality care
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 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.
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 $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.
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.
The risk of developing cancer increases with age, and older people are also more likely to die from this disease. Furthermore, cancer can more significantly impact the quality of life of older people than younger people. Cancer can lead to a decline in physical and mental function and cause social isolation. Therefore, residents in our aged care receive comprehensive cancer care and associated services.
Aged care homes like ours have an experienced medical team knowledgeable about cancer and its management. We also have access to adequate resources, including diagnostic equipment and treatment options. By providing high-quality care to residents with cancer, we can help improve the quality of life for our residents.
In Australia, the cost of cancer care is covered by a mix of public and private health insurance. However, cancer treatments can be costly depending on the care and services provided. Long-term and end-of-life care costs are uncomfortable to think about but can have a considerable financial impact on the resident and their family.
In our homes, we limit the number of beds available to preserve a sense of personal care. Providing the best possible experience for each resident is of the utmost importance.
In our community, we strive to provide a supportive and engaging environment for all our residents. To that end, we offer a range of lifestyle activities that can be tailored to each individual's abilities and interests. These include group outings, social events, arts and crafts classes, and fitness programs. Whatever your passions, you'll find something to enjoy in our community.
At MACG, we partner with local and national charities to help make a difference in the lives of others. By working with these incredible organisations, we can foster a sense of community and facilitate the building of new friendships.
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.
Some aged care homes provide various cancer care services, including cancer screenings, support groups, and cancer education. In addition, these care homes have staff members who are trained in cancer care. Aged care homes that offer cancer management services often have a wide range of amenities, such as private rooms, kitchenettes, and laundry facilities. This allows residents to have all of the comforts of home while receiving the best possible care.
Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on relieving the symptoms and stress of a severe illness. Palliative care can be helpful at any stage of severe disease. Still, it is often most beneficial when the goal of treatment has shifted from curing the condition to managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
In many cases, palliative care is started when it becomes clear that the illness can no longer be cured. However, it can also be helpful in the earlier stages of a severe illness like cancer, particularly if treatments have difficult side effects or the resident and their family struggle to cope with the diagnosis. Because each person’s experience with cancer is unique, there is no one “right” time to start palliative or hospice care. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the resident’s and family's individual needs.
The decision of whether or not to recommend chemotherapy for elderly residents is a complex one. On one hand, chemotherapy can be an effective cancer treatment and may extend a resident's life. Conversely, chemotherapy can be quite toxic and may not be worth subjecting an elderly resident to its side effects.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to recommend chemotherapy for an elderly resident should be made on a case-by-case basis after carefully considering the risks and benefits with the residents and their families. In some cases, chemotherapy may be the best option available, while in others, it may not be worth the risks.
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.
