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
As we begin to age, it’s common for eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration to affect our quality of life. That’s why at MACG, we prioritise ocular health for all of our residents with our comprehensive optometry program.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have.
At MACG, we understand that as elderly people age, their vision needs may change. That's why we offer comprehensive on-site eye examinations, using state-of-the-art equipment for early detection of common eye conditions.
Our optometrists make convenient on-site visits so elderly residents don’t have to travel for treatment. Each resident will undergo a regular review of their eye care plan to ensure their ocular health is being managed correctly.
Our homes have fewer beds and a warmer environment
We value family relationships and connections
We operate on honesty and transparency
Our care teams receive ongoing education
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 cost of aged care optometry services can vary depending on a number of factors. The type of home, the location, and the scope of services all play a role in determining the price.
Medicare usually covers basic eye exams and vision screening. However, if more extensive testing is needed, such as for glaucoma or cataracts, prices will increase accordingly. In addition, the cost of eyeglasses or contact lenses can also add to the overall expense.
Fortunately, many insurance plans offer coverage for nursing home optometry care, and several government assistance programs, like Medicaid and Medicare, can help defray the cost for those who qualify. As a result, it is important to consult with your insurance provider, aged care home and optometrist to determine what options are available to you.
The human eye is a delicate and complex organ, and as we age, our eyesight can deteriorate. This can significantly impact our quality of life, making it difficult to read, write, or even recognise faces. For nursing home residents, maintaining healthy eyesight is especially important.
Optometry services can help ensure that our residents are able to see clearly and communicate effectively. Additionally, optometry can help to detect and manage any underlying eye conditions. By providing comprehensive eye care services, our care home plays an essential role in maintaining the health and well-being of our aged care residents, giving family members peace of mind.
Every one of our homes is a warm, inviting community that offers high-quality services and courteous, qualified employees. Our homes provide a pleasant environment to enjoy your life to the utmost because of the sense of camaraderie and warmth they offer.
Along with our eye care services, we provide wellbeing programs to encourage activity and healthy lifestyles for all our residents, from meditation to animal visits, sensory programs and more.
Our residents are more than happy to continue contributing to their local communities after so many years of expertise. Our residential aged care homes are involved in various charity and community organisations, providing our residents with a new purpose and significant involvement with the general public.
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.
Australian permanent residents are eligible for Medicare-subsidised eye tests provided by optometrists. If the optometrist bulk bills the government on your behalf, you won't have to pay anything for the eye test. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, Medicare will also cover a portion of the cost of your lenses, but you may have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses.
An eye exam can provide a window into your overall health, and many common diseases can be detected through changes in your eyesight. For example, diabetes is often first diagnosed after a routine eye exam reveals high blood sugar levels. High cholesterol can also lead to fatty deposits in the eye's blood vessels, which can be detected during an exam.
In addition, several types of cancer, including melanoma and lymphoma, can cause changes in the appearance of the eye that may be spotted during an exam. While most changes are benign, it is important to have any new symptoms checked out by a qualified medical professional.
During an eye exam, an optometrist will conduct a comprehensive examination of the health of your eyes. First, they will check your visual acuity to see how clearly you can see. Next, they will check your eye muscles to see if they are working correctly. They will also test your pupils to see how they respond to light. Finally, they will check the health of your eyes by examining your retina and optic nerve. By testing all of these things, the optometrist can determine if you need glasses or contact lenses and whether or not you have any underlying eye conditions.
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.
