Apply for Services
Click here to view 5 steps to Entry into Residential Aged Care (Australian Government - Department of Health and Ageing)
All information is documented in the Introduction to UCH. Click here to download (126 kb).
View Fees and Charges
Residential care facilities (Hostels and Nursing Homes)
When people can no longer live independently, even with support, they may be able to move into a Residential Care Facility. Before applying for a place you must first be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) who will decide whether or not you need this level of care. Your doctor can arrange for an assessment by the ACAT. The ACAT is a team usually composed of a doctor, nurse and social worker. One or two members of the team will interview you, perhaps even visiting you at home to do this, to help you decide what level of care and type of facility best suits your needs. If necessary the ACAT will be able to recommend a particuslar facility or a number of facilities which are particularly suitable. If your need is urgent they may contact facilities on your behalf to find out if there are vacancies. However, it is your responsibility to make contact with the facilities to look at the accommodation offered and discuss the services and costs involved before making the final decision.
Click here to see our sites contact information. Click here to download Who Are We Brochure. (126 kb).
Asset and income tests
Applicants must provide evidence of their pensioner status and assets in order for UCH to assess fees correctly in compliance with the Aged Care Act. We prefer people to use the UCH Application Form enclosed with this brochure, but we will accept the Commonwealth standard Application for Entry to Aged Care Homes if you have already filled one out. If you submit the Commonwealth form we require that you sign the Statutory Declaration at Item (ii) on page 8 of that form. UCH may also ask for further evidence in support of your declaration.
If you own a home it will be included in the asset valuation unless your spouse or a dependent child is living there, or a carer who is in receipt of an Income Support Payment has lived there continuously for the last two years, or close family member who is in receipt of a Income Support Payment has lived there continuously for the last 5 years, and will continue to live there.
Click here to see our sites contact information. Click here to download Who Are We Brochure. (126 kb).
In home care
UCH also operates programs to provide ‘hostel like’ care and nursing care to people who choose to continue to live in their own homes. These programs are subsidised by the Commonwealth and clients again need to be assessed as requiring this kind of care by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) before receiving care.
Click here to see our sites contact information. Click here to download Who Are We Brochure. (126 kb).
Financial advice
Moving into a retirement village is a big financial investment. If you are moving to a Residential Care Facility the various options for payment of Accommodation Bonds and Accommodation Charges may have widely differing effects on the level of pension you will be paid, the amount of tax you may be liable for, and the amount of Income Assessed Fee you will be required to pay. In particular money held as an Accommodation Bond is not counted as an income earning asset when pension entitlements are calculated and some people choose to pay larger that normal Bonds, or to pay a Bond instead of Accommodation Charges.
UCH is also a registered Public Benevolent Institution therefore donations are tax deductible and deposits to our Capital Development Fund are deemed not to earn income by the ATO, Centrelink or DVA. Phone or call in to one of our centres for a brochure and application form for the UCH Capital Development Fund.
However, while UCH’ staff can give you information about the costs involved in moving into the accommodation, we are unable to provide investment advice or advice on the impact of the various options on your pension or tax liability. You should seek independent advice on these matters. Sources of such information include:
Centrelink: by phoning 131021 you can make an appointment to meet with one of Centrelink's Financial Information Service (FIS) officers. FIS is an expert information service available to anyone in the community and assists people to make informed decisions about investment and financial issues for their current and future financial needs. FIS officers are not financial planners. They do not give or sell advice or purchase investment products, and FIS officers do not make calculations or decision about your pension. FIS is independent free and confidential.
Department of Veterans Affairs: Eligible veterans, war widows and their dependants can obtain a wide range of advice, support and referral information by phoning 133 254 or 1800 555 254 (toll free for country callers).
Financial Planning Association: phone 1800 626 393 to obtain a copy of booklet explaining how to choose a financial planner and a list of their members, who are all qualified financial planners who agree to abide by the FPA Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct. Most members will meet with you to discuss your requirements free of charge. However, the development of a full financial plan will cost around $300, which is tax deductible. The financial planner also receives a commission on any investments placed on your behalf.
Office of Seniors Interests: phone 9328 9155 or 1800 199 087 (toll free for country callers) for further information on sources of a wide range of advice on financial and related matters.
Click here to see our sites contact information. Click here to download Who Are We Brochure. (126 kb).
