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
At MACG, we're committed to ensuring our residents enjoy the best possible quality of life. We offer a range of exercise classes tailored to different age groups and abilities, which residents can socialise and stay active in. Socialising and staying active are key to a healthy and happy lifestyle - no matter your age, we strive to make these activities accessible to everyone.
We're happy to help you with any questions you have.
The classes at MACG aim to provide a supportive and stimulating environment that encourages our residents to live their best lives. Classes are run by experienced and qualified instructors who create a fun and supportive environment for all participants. We have a class to suit everyone, from yoga to strength and balance.
MACG is dedicated to ensuring each resident's needs are met, whether social, physical or emotional. Our welcoming and home-like residential aged care environment ensure everyone feels relaxed while socialising and staying active.
Fewer beds create a warm, homely environment.
Relationships and family values are at our core.
We value honesty and work with complete transparency.
Our care teams receive ongoing development and training.
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.
We believe that socialising, staying active and being a part of a supportive community is essential for a happy and healthy life. Our classes allow our short and long-term residents to do just that.
Most of our classes in our exercise program are included in the Daily Accommodation Rate and offered free of charge, while some of our more specialised classes cost a small fee. We offer a range of payment options to suit everyone, and our friendly staff are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
Our regular exercise classes are a great way for residents to socialise and stay active. We offer a range of classes, including yoga, strength training and balance, and passive exercise. We also offer specialised classes for those with particular needs, such as those with dementia.
Physical activity is important for everyone, but it's particularly necessary for older Australians, as it can help to improve and prevent chronic health conditions and other health problems. Our classes provide residents with an opportunity to socialise, stay active and enjoy the many health benefits that come with exercise.
We strive to create a sense of family, community and warmth, so our residents feel at home at MACG. We offer high-quality facilities with friendly staff, and each resident receives specialised care in a warm and friendly environment.
● 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
Whether you're looking for a place to socialise, stay active or simply relax, we have the perfect activity. Wide range of lifestyle programs and physical activities to choose from; you can continue to do the things you love. We also love to see our residents develop a new skill or delve into a new area of interest!
● 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
● Community giving, volunteering and fundraising
● Meal preparation and baking
● Music, movies, and travel exploration
● Pet and animal visits
Residents are given plenty of opportunities to stay connected with and give back to the community. Many of our residents share a real passion for volunteering, and with a wealth of experience behind them, there’s no end to the opportunities to get involved.
MACG is involved in several charities and community groups which help our wonderful residents to feel a sense of purpose and meaningful engagement. With connections to Beyond Blue and Cancer Council Australia, as well as many local op-shops and fundraising committees, residents can choose to be involved in a wide range of activities.
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.
It's recommended that older Australians exercise for at least 30 minutes on most, if not all, days of the week. Regular exercise has many benefits, including assisting in everyday tasks, staying independent, keeping at a healthy weight and maintaining mobility.
However, it's important to start slowly and build up gradually if you're not used to exercising regularly. You may need to begin with just 10 minutes of exercise daily and gradually increase this as you become more fit.
If you have existing medical conditions, your fitness instructor can tailor an exercise program to meet your individual needs.
Active exercise is any exercise that gets your heart rate up and makes you breathe more heavily. Some examples of active exercises include walking, jogging, swimming, dancing and biking.
Passive exercise is any type of exercise that doesn't require you to use any major muscle groups. This type of exercise is often recommended for older Australians as it's less likely to cause injuries. Some examples of passive exercises include Tai Chi and chair-based exercises.
To perform exercises in a chair, you'll need a comfortable chair that doesn't have arms. Your starting position for most exercises will be sitting up tall with your feet flat on the floor.
Chair exercises generally involve moving your arms, legs, and sometimes your head and trunk. These movements may be small and slow or larger and faster, depending on your fitness level and the type of exercise. It's important to start slowly and increase the intensity gradually as you become more fit.
Here are some examples of chair-based exercises that you can do:
If you have any questions or concerns about starting an exercise program, please speak to your doctor before starting.
The best exercise for older adults is the one they enjoy and can stick to. It's important to find an enjoyable activity, as this will make it easier to commit to it long-term.
The programs offered at MACG are designed with care by our qualified staff, who receive specific training in older adults exercise. We offer a variety of class types and exercises that cater to our resident's interests and fitness levels. These include:
Many of our classes are free for residents, with some of our more specialised classes costing a small fee. We offer a range of payment options to suit everyone, and our friendly staff are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
The four key components of exercises for aged care residents are cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, balance and flexibility.
Some exercises that can benefit older Australians include walking, swimming, Tai Chi and yoga. It's important to find an activity you enjoy, as this will make it more likely that you'll stick to it in the long term.
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.
