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 understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. We believe an aged person's mental health is the foundation of an active and comfortable life in our care homes.
We offer a variety of wellness programs and activities designed to promote emotional well-being, individual therapy, and medication management. So if you're looking for a residential aged care home that puts your mental health first, you've come to the right place.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have.
As we age, our mental health can decline just as our physical health does. This is especially true if we live alone, as a loss of independence can quickly lead to social isolation. Mental health treatment is therefore crucial for this vulnerable group.
At MACG, we go above and beyond to provide the proper support and health service to ensure our residents’ minds remain happy and healthy. We ensure that we’re present and alert to the signs of mental illnesses typically present in an older person. Our carers support our residents with regular assessment and treatment of various mental health conditions.
Smaller homes with more individual care
Valuing family and community
Operating on transparency and honesty
Ensuring our carers receive the support they need
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.
Mental health maintenance is important for the elderly for a range of reasons. Firstly, the elderly population is at a higher risk than other age groups regarding mental health problems. The elderly often experience social isolation, leading to a decline in mental and physical health. Providing mental health services in aged care can help ensure that our elderly population stays healthy and connected.
Proper mental health care can help improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression, address other mental illnesses, and improve our residents' overall quality of life. It can also help to prevent or delay the onset of dementia. In short, mental health issues are important to address in aged care and should not be overlooked.
We provide a range of mental health care services to our elderly residents including individual and group therapy, psychoeducation, and crisis intervention. The cost of these services varies and can often be charged at a daily rate for specialist mental health care services.
This rate covers the cost of services provided during the day, including therapy, medication, and other necessary care. To find out more about the specific costs and services that may be relevant to you or your resident, please reach out to us.
Creating a sense of community is essential to us at MACG. We want our residents to feel like they belong and do everything we can to foster a warm and welcoming environment. Our homes are designed with common areas that encourage socialisation, and our staff is always available to provide assistance or simply chat. We also offer a variety of amenities and activities, so there's something for everyone to enjoy.
It's no secret that leading an active lifestyle is key to maintaining good health as we age. But did you know that being active can also help improve your mental well-being? According to recent studies, staying active and engaged can help reduce the risk of depression and memory loss and enhance sleep quality. That's why we offer a wide range of lifestyle programs and activities at our residential aged care homes.
Each of our residents pays respect back to their communities by staying connected and engaged with volunteering programs and fundraisers. We are proud to be able to provide our residents with opportunities to make a difference, and we are always looking for new ways to get involved.
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.
As we age, it's normal to experience changes in our emotional and mental health. We may feel isolated, have trouble sleeping, or struggle with anxiety or depression. However, several services are available to support older people's emotional and mental health in aged care homes. These services include counselling, support groups, activities, hobbies and medication management. These are just a few services available to support older people's emotional and mental health in our care homes.
One of the main factors that impact the mental health of older Australians is social isolation. Loneliness can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety and can also interfere with sleep.
Another factor that can affect mental health is a chronic illness. Dealing with a chronic disease can be stressful and lead to feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
In addition, financial insecurity can also take a toll on mental health. Older adults struggling to make ends meet may experience anxiety and stress.
Finally, loss and grief can also be significant factors in declining mental health. The death of a loved one, whether it be a spouse, friend, or pet, can lead to feelings of grief and loneliness. All of these factors can contribute to mental health problems in aged persons.
As we age, it's natural for our bodies to go through changes. We may start to feel aches and pains that we never had before, and we may find that we can't do the things we used to be able to do. It's also common for older adults to experience loneliness and isolation.
All of these changes can be difficult to adjust to, and they can lead to depression. A lot of research has looked at the link between ageing and depression, and the findings are mixed. Some studies have found a correlation between the two, while others have not. The answer may be different for everyone. Either way, we ensure that we’re addressing any signs of depression in our care homes, as suicide prevention starts with recognising the warning signs.
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.
