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
When you think of nursing home food, you’ll usually think of boring, bland dishes that are repeated nightly and lack flavour. At MACG, we’re changing the way people think about aged care food and introducing a nursing home food menu that is not only delicious but contains all the vital nutrients needed for our elderly residents to thrive.
Our priority is to deliver residents nutritious meals that keep them healthy and cater to all dietary requirements. The food served in our residential aged care homes is designed by chefs and made with love.
We can answer any questions about resident meals or our aged care services.
At MACG, we offer our residents many types of food in aged care. This includes classic favourites such as a Sunday roast and new wholesome meals like slow-cooked beef cheeks or herb-crusted salmon. We understand the importance of tailoring our menu to meet dietary needs and allowing residents to tell us what they most enjoy eating.
While we aim to improve nutrition, we want our residents to have their say. Therefore, we encourage input and feedback about our aged care food menu and constantly update our meals to reflect foods of different cultures, a variety of snacks, and flavourful food you won’t get bored of.
Individual support to ensure residents enjoy a home-like environment
Our programs are designed with core family values in mind
Our services run on complete honesty and transparency
Our team is constantly training and developing
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.
At MACG, we ensure that our aged care services are accessible for all. This includes supplying food that is high-quality, delicious, and always changing. We believe that maintaining a healthy diet is key to keeping elderly residents thriving. Therefore, our residential aged care homes provide great value for money and cover all meal times. Contact us today for more information.
Our innovative approach to food served in our aged care homes stems from our qualified team of chefs and their dedication towards creating nutritious and delicious food for all residents. Our chefs have developed a nursing home food menu that is culturally diverse, bursting with flavour, and includes something that everyone will love.
At MACG, we work with all aged care residents to accommodate for their food needs. This includes creating individualised meal plans if required and ensuring the food is compatible with any medication being taken.
Our aged homes are comfortable and equipped with everything our residents need.
We offer various leisure and lifestyle activities designed to keep residents healthy.
Our team assists residents with volunteering at local community events and giving back to a cause that means something to them.
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.
A balanced and varied diet is essential for aged care residents. This is because eating food with the proper nutrients and sustenance is beneficial for health reasons. For example, a meal plan for a diabetic or someone suffering from dietary requirements must include the appropriate food to keep them healthy. It can also help combat a range of illnesses. Our nursing home meals are designed to keep residents interested in their diets and enjoy their food.
We understand that not all aged care residents can eat the same types of food. Some may have dietary restrictions, foods that do not mix well with medication, or they simply have preferences that they want catered to. In all these cases, our team of qualified chefs will create meal plans for residents and handle all food needs. This includes taking extra care with hygiene when preparing food, dividing food into small portions to make it easier when serving elderly residents, and transporting food safely.
While we provide all meals to our residents, including breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and dessert, there are no restrictions on obtaining food from family members. We understand that there are times when family recipes or special snacks are needed, and therefore, we encourage family members to bring our residents the occasional treat or hearty meal.
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.
If you have any questions about us or our residential aged care homes, we would love to help.
