Independent Living Units

Catholic Homes provides affordable and comfortable accommodation in 345 independent living units at 21 locations throughout Metropolitan Melbourne and at Bacchus Marsh.

All units are located close to shopping facilities, public transport and other community amenities and the local parish church.

The majority of units include a living room, kitchen, single bedroom and bathroom. There are a small number of two-bedroom units allocated to couples, as well as some self-contained bed-sitters.

All units have been well maintained and include floor and window furnishings, built-in robes, gas heating or a split A/C system. Most ground floor units have a small garden or enclosed courtyard.

Who Can Apply?

These units are available to single people and couples of any faith background, gender or ethnicity who meet the following requirements:

• 55 years of age or more
• Recipient of a full or part pension
• Total realisable assets do not exceed the allowable assets for the homeowners' threshold, as determined by Centrelink.
• Retired (working maximum of 15 hours per week).

As there is no on-site care provided, applicants must be able to manage independently at home, with community supports.

Initial and Ongoing Costs

In most cases, entry to the units will require a one-off Ingoing Contribution and a monthly rental charge. The amount of the Ingoing Contribution payable is determined using an Assets Test and applies to all units except the bed-sitters located in Richmond.

Rental charges vary depending on the size and location of the unit and whether or not an Ingoing Contribution has been paid. The rental charges currently range from around $82 to $142 per week, and they are increased on 1 July each year in line with movements in the Melbourne Consumer Price Index.

Life Tenancy

Catholic Homes enters into a Resident Agreement with residents prior to entry. This provides a life tenancy and covers the conditions of occupancy, in accordance with the requirements of the Retirement Villages Act 1985.

Independent Living Unit Brochure

Locations and Descriptions of Independent Living Units

Financial Information about Independent Living Units

Independent Living Unit Application Form