The Birches

Location

Foster Street

Hamilton VIC 3300

Beds: 45

State Government

Service Provider: Western District Health Service

Aged Care Quality Reports

RAD to DAP Conversion

Are you thinking about The Birches for your loved one?

Whether you’re looking for respite care or a permanent placement at The Birches – or perhaps exploring aged care options around Hamilton – we’re here to make the process smoother and far less stressful for you and your family.

We understand how overwhelming the transition to aged care can feel. Families often tell us it’s one of the hardest decisions they’ve had to make, and that’s why having the right support and guidance is so important.

With our experience and in-depth knowledge of The Birches and other local aged care homes in Hamilton, we can help you avoid common mistakes for you to be confident in the choices you make.

How We Help Families

• Clear guidance on applications and admissions – We’ll help you accurately complete and lodge all the necessary paperwork, including important Centrelink forms like the SA457, SA485 and SS313.
• Financial peace of mind – We’ll explain aged care fees in plain English and negotiate RADs and other service charges to secure the best financial outcome for your family.
• Honest, unbiased advice – We’ll outline the strengths and weaknesses of The Birches and other nearby Hamilton homes, using our proven checklist to guide your decision. We receive no payments from aged care homes.
• Finding the right fit – Together, we’ll match your loved one’s needs, preferences, and timing with the most appropriate and available aged care options.
• Organising facility tours – We’ll arrange visits to The Birches (and other homes if you wish), giving you the opportunity to see everything firsthand.
• Vacancy updates – Thanks to our trusted relationships and regular communication with local aged care admission coordinators, you’ll be among the first to hear about available rooms.
• Ongoing support – We don’t stop once the placement is made. We’ll continue to advocate for your loved one and provide guidance during the settling-in period and advocacy going forward.

With our help, you will feel reassured that you’ve explored every option and made the right decision for your loved one at The Birches or another aged care home in Hamilton.

Placement Services

Family Information Session

Shortlisting Care Homes

Centrelink Forms (SA465, SA457, SA485)

Accommodation Fee (RAD) Negotiation

Complete Aged Care Placement

Urgent Respite Care Placement

Advocacy Service

Smoking & Aged Care

We recently received a request from a Discharge Coordinator at a Metropolitan Hospital to find residential care placement for a smoker. Many aged care homes are now reducing the beds available for smokers. We have prepared the following information for families who may also be facing this challenge.
Smoking & Aged Care - Read More ...

---

New Aged Care Act

The new Aged Care Act is now in force, and financial changes have been implemented to make sure that people who have the financial means contribute more towards the cost of their care and accommodation.

We know that changes like this can sometimes feel confusing or worrying, so here’s a simple summary of what’s new and how it might affect you or your loved one:

• Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD): Aged care homes will now be able to deduct 2% per year (calculated monthly) from any RAD that’s been paid, for up to five years. So for example, if the aged care home sets the RAD to $750,000; the aged care home will retain $15,000 each year from the lump sum RAD. The aged care home will be able to deduct up to $75,000 from the RAD, if the resident stays for more than 5 years.
• Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP): The DAP will still be worked out using the MPIR (the interest rate when you enter care), but from now on, that rate will be reviewed twice a year.
• Non-clinical care fee: A new means-tested fee will help cover the cost of everyday personal care — things like showering, dressing, meal assistance, and mobility support.
• Hotel supplement: This payment, which currently helps aged care homes cover services like catering, cleaning, and laundry, will also become means-tested, with residents contributing according to their financial situation.
• If your loved one was already living as a permanent resident in aged care before 1 November 2025, they’ll be grandfathered under the past rules.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to discuss your options or get a better understanding of what these changes mean for your family.

We are always happy to help and can make the process feel a lot less stressful.

Enquire Now