UnitingCare: Stop hitting the elderly with exploitative monthly fees

Confirmed victory

This petition made change with 7,444 supporters!

The issue

UnitingCare lured my mother into reading, “understanding” and signing a 9 page contract charging her for community services regardless of whether she uses them!

My mother loved going to UnitingCare’s community program, which charged seniors a small fee if they went to a social outing, lunch or cooking class. But now they're hitting the elderly with a crushing monthly fee – regardless of whether they attend or how much they can afford. 

So even if they're ill and can't go, they still have to pay!

My mother is devastated. She can’t afford the crippling monthly bill so now she’s isolated, lonely and misses her friends – and there are so many others like her.

It's downright exploitative and unfair. UnitingCare get most of their funding from the government, they’re the largest aged care provider in NSW and made $6 million last year – and they're still milking extra fees like this from the elderly.

UnitingCare are meant to protect and provide for our aging and frail citizens – but instead they’re ripping them off! Let’s tell UnitingCare to stop slugging seniors with this unfair monthly fee.

avatar of the starter
Advocates for Social & Human Justice ASHJPetition starterVaccine Realist , Social Justice Advocate and Warrior, Citizen Journo; Legal Researcher and JP

The Decision Makers

Peter Worland
Peter Worland
Executive Director of UCA
Responded
Dear Craig, We are sorry to hear that your mother has not been able to attend our Healthy Living For Seniors Program, which we understand your mother loved. It’s a great program that provides transport for members, coordinates activities and often includes a hot meal for lunch. We get great feedback from the members that attend, and it is heartening to hear that your mother has enjoyed it too. To increase the access that community members have to the program, we introduced a monthly contribution plan that is clearly defined and maximises benefits for participants. A typical single outing in the Hunter previously cost around $17.00. The new monthly charge of $40.74 in the Hunter means members can now enjoy as many outings a month as they like. This program is substantially funded by the Australian Government and is designed so members can attend on a regular basis. Monthly billing has not increased the amount of membership fees collected by UnitingCare. Monthly billing does, however, make regular participation more affordable, contributions simpler and also aligns with the expectations of the Department of Social Services. We always endeavour to make our programs as enjoyable and accessible as possible, and we hope that our members and the community continue to enjoy the great benefits that the program provides. Peter Worland Executive Director UnitingCare NSW.ACT
Reverend Gordon Ramsay
Reverend Gordon Ramsay
Chairman of UCA
COTA National Policy Council
COTA National Policy Council

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