<PAGE>   1
 
================================================================================
 
                                 UNITED STATES
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                   FORM 10-Q
 
(MARK ONE)
 
      [X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
            EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
                 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1997.
 
                                       OR
 
      [ ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
            EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
          FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM             TO             .
 
                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-27374
 
                         UNISON HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
                  DELAWARE                                       86-0684011
       (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                        (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
       INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                        IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
 
                   8800 NORTH GAINEY CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 245
                              SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258
                    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                                 (602) 423-1954
              (REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
 
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days:  Yes  [X]  No  [ ]
 
     The number of shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share,
outstanding on July 1, 1997: 6,422,096
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
                         UNISON HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
 
                                     INDEX
 
                         PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       PAGE NO.
                                                                                       --------
<S>       <C>                                                                          <C>
ITEM 1.   Financial Statements:
          Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996...        3
          Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March
          31, 1997 and 1996........................................................        4
          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March
          31, 1997 and 1996........................................................        5
          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................        6
ITEM 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
          of Operations............................................................        8
                                  PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.   Legal Proceedings........................................................       14
ITEM 2.   Changes in Securities....................................................       15
ITEM 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.........................................       15
          Signatures...............................................................       16
</TABLE>
 
     NOTE: Items 3 through 5 of Part II are omitted because they are not
           applicable.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   3
 
                         UNISON HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   MARCH 31,       DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      1997             1996
                                                                  ------------     ------------
                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                               <C>              <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.....................................  $  7,371,000     $ 17,409,000
  Accounts receivable, net......................................    29,563,000       28,608,000
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.....................     6,192,000        5,885,000
                                                                  ------------     ------------
          Total current assets..................................    43,126,000       51,902,000
Lease operating rights and other intangible assets, net.........   114,222,000      113,781,000
Property and equipment, net.....................................    31,329,000       30,830,000
Goodwill, net...................................................    28,990,000       28,431,000
Security deposits and other assets..............................     6,459,000        5,977,000
                                                                  ------------     ------------
                                                                  $224,126,000     $230,921,000
                                                                  ============     ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable..............................................  $ 13,414,000     $ 10,505,000
  Accrued expenses..............................................    21,885,000       21,437,000
  Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt, including
     amounts due to related parties.............................    25,155,000       33,915,000
                                                                  ------------     ------------
          Total current liabilities.............................    60,454,000       65,857,000
Notes payable and long-term debt, including amounts due to
  related parties, less current portion.........................   126,866,000      123,223,000
Deferred taxes..................................................    22,811,000       24,791,000
Leasehold liability, net........................................     4,387,000        4,434,000
Other liabilities...............................................       513,000          927,000
                                                                  ------------     ------------
          Total liabilities.....................................   215,031,000      219,232,000
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock, $.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized;
     6,422,096 and 6,078,498 shares issued and outstanding at
     March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996.......................         5,000            5,000
  Additional paid-in capital....................................    36,211,000       34,723,000
  Accumulated deficit...........................................   (27,121,000)     (23,039,000)
                                                                  ------------     ------------
     Net stockholders' equity...................................     9,095,000       11,689,000
                                                                  ------------     ------------
                                                                  $224,126,000     $230,921,000
                                                                  ============     ============
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   4
 
                         UNISON HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                   THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 AND 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1997            1996
                                                                    -----------     -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>
Revenues:
  Net patient revenues............................................  $53,692,000     $33,998,000
  Other operating revenues........................................    2,043,000         762,000
                                                                    -----------     -----------
          Total operating revenues................................   55,735,000      34,760,000
Expenses:
  Wages and related...............................................   29,578,000      16,759,000
  Other operating.................................................   20,939,000      12,530,000
  Rent............................................................    4,253,000       3,441,000
  Interest........................................................    4,658,000         634,000
  Depreciation and amortization...................................    2,369,000         535,000
                                                                    -----------     -----------
          Total expenses..........................................   61,797,000      33,899,000
                                                                    -----------     -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes.................................   (6,062,000)        861,000
Income tax expense (benefit)......................................   (1,980,000)        318,000
                                                                    -----------     -----------
Net income (loss).................................................  $(4,082,000)    $   543,000
                                                                    ===========     ===========
Net income (loss) per share.......................................  $     (0.66)    $      0.12
Common shares used in per share calculation.......................    6,214,199       4,596,218
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   5
 
                         UNISON HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                   THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 AND 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1997            1996
                                                                   ------------     -----------
<S>                                                                <C>              <C>
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (including
  changes in all operating assets and liabilities)...............  $     71,000     $(6,257,000)
                                                                   ------------     ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements...............      (950,000)       (866,000)
  Increase in intangible assets..................................      (151,000)       (861,000)
  Increase in lease deposits and other assets....................      (482,000)        (50,000)
  Acquisitions, net of cash acquired.............................      (592,000)       (932,000)
                                                                   ------------     ------------
     Net cash used in investing activities.......................    (2,175,000)     (2,709,000)
                                                                   ------------     ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net increase in borrowings under revolving lines of credit.....     6,019,000       6,841,000
  Proceeds from long-term borrowings.............................            --       3,809,000
  Payments on long-term borrowings...............................   (13,048,000)     (6,583,000)
  Bank overdrafts................................................      (494,000)             --
  Other items....................................................      (411,000)             --
                                                                   ------------     ------------
     Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.........    (7,934,000)      4,067,000
                                                                   ------------     ------------
Net decrease in cash.............................................   (10,038,000)     (4,899,000)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period.................    17,409,000       6,169,000
                                                                   ------------     ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.......................  $  7,371,000     $ 1,270,000
                                                                   ============     ============
Supplemental disclosures:
Cash paid for:
  Interest.......................................................  $  2,208,000     $   172,000
  Income taxes...................................................        40,000           5,000
Acquisition of leased facilities:
  Increase in assets.............................................       900,000       5,031,000
  Liabilities assumed and incurred...............................       308,000       4,031,000
Conversion of debenture into shares of common stock..............       800,000       1,714,000
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   6
 
                         UNISON HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. The unaudited financial information furnished herein, in the opinion of
   management, reflects all adjustments which are necessary to state fairly the
   financial position, cash flows and results of operations of Unison HealthCare
   Corporation and its subsidiaries ("Unison" or the "Company") as of and for
   the periods indicated. The Company's financial statements should be read in
   conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and
   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
   Operations for the year ended December 31, 1996. Footnote and other
   disclosures which would substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in
   Unison's most recent annual report on Form 10-K have been omitted. Operating
   results for the three months ended March 31, 1997 are not necessarily
   indicative of the results which may be expected for the year ended December
   31, 1997.
 
   In October 1996, Unison completed a merger with two clinical laboratory
   companies, American Professional Holding, Inc. and Memphis Clinical
   Laboratory, Inc. (together, "Ampro") (the "Ampro Acquisition"). The Ampro
   Acquisition has been accounted for as a pooling of interests. Accordingly,
   the consolidated financial statements of Unison for the three months ended
   March 31, 1996 have been restated to include the accounts of Ampro.
 
   Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1996 first quarter financial
   statements to conform to the current year presentation.
 
2. Other operating revenues include management fees from third parties amounting
   to $140,000 and $330,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996,
   respectively. The provision for doubtful accounts receivable is included in
   other operating expenses. Provisions totaled $261,000 and $211,000 for the
   three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The allowance for
   doubtful accounts totaled $3,611,000 at March 31, 1997 and $3,776,000 at
   December 31, 1996.
 
3. In January 1997, with proceeds from the sale in October 1996 of $100,000,000
   of Senior Notes Due 2006 (the "Senior Notes"), Unison repaid (i) the
   $8,000,000 subordinated note (the "Subordinated Note") payable to the former
   shareholders of BritWill HealthCare Company ("BritWill"), (ii) $1,750,000 of
   the contingent obligation due to the former BritWill shareholders (the
   "Additional Payment Obligation"), (iii) $2,000,000 of the convertible notes
   and debentures payable to the former owners of Sunbelt Therapy (the "Sunbelt
   Notes") and (iv) other debt obligations in the aggregate amount of
   approximately $2,883,000. The remaining balance of the Sunbelt Notes in the
   aggregate amount of $800,000 was converted into 105,196 shares of Unison
   Common Stock.
 
   The stated interest rate on the Senior Notes is subject to temporary increase
   if the Senior Notes (or Exchange Notes with the same terms) are not
   registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
   within specified time periods. As of March 31, 1997, the interest rate was
   13.0% and as of July 1, 1997 the interest rate was 13.25%. The interest rate
   is subject to further increases of 0.25% on September 12, 1997 and every 90
   days thereafter (up to a maximum rate of 14.25%) until such registration
   becomes effective.
 
   The terms of certain of Unison's indebtedness and lease obligations require
   the Company to meet certain financial and reporting covenants including
   current ratio and cash flow and maintenance of specified levels of net worth.
   At March 31, 1997, Unison was not in compliance with certain of these
   covenants. At March 31, 1997, Unison was obligated to Omega Healthcare
   Investors, Inc. ("Omega") as a tenant under three master lease agreements
   covering 14 facilities having an aggregate minimum rent of approximately
   $34,900,000 (subject to increase) during the remainder of their initial
   terms. The master leases require the Company to maintain specified cash flow
   to rent ratios, cash flow to debt service ratios, minimum cash, current
   ratios and tangible net worth ratios (each as defined). Unison also leases
   six facilities located in Texas from BritWill Texas (the "BritWill Texas
   Leases") for an initial term that expires in December 2005. The BritWill
   Texas Leases contain cross default provisions with the Omega leases by which
   if Unison is in default under any Omega indebtedness or lease obligation, the
   Company is also in default under the
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   7
 
                         UNISON HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
   BritWill Texas Leases. Unison was not in compliance with these covenants at
   March 31, 1997. Omega has waived all existing covenant violations through
   April 11, 1997. The Company continues to be out of compliance with these
   covenants after this date and, accordingly, is negotiating with Omega to
   restructure the aforementioned covenants. There can be no assurance that such
   restructuring will be accomplished, or if accomplished, that the
   restructuring will result in more favorable terms to Unison and its
   stockholders.
 
   On October 31, 1996, Unison acquired Signature Health Care Corporation and
   affiliated companies (collectively, "Signature") (the "Signature
   Acquisition"). In connection with the Signature Acquisition, Unison assumed a
   10.5% mortgage loan (the "Mortgage Note") collateralized by property and
   equipment of six of the Signature facilities. The Mortgage Note requires
   Unison to maintain a consolidated net worth of at least $39,000,000 and a
   minimum current ratio (current assets to current liabilities) consolidated
   for the six properties of at least 1.45 to 1 and a debt service coverage
   ratio (as defined) for the four preceding quarters consolidated for the six
   properties of at least 1.5 to 1. While the minimum current ratio and debt
   service ratios consolidated for the six properties were in compliance with
   the debt covenants, Unison's consolidated net worth was $9,095,000 as of
   March 31 1997, and, accordingly, the Company was not in compliance with the
   net worth covenant. Unison did not receive a waiver of this covenant
   violation and, accordingly, classified the entire obligation of $18,587,000
   as current. In addition, the Company has not met the financial reporting
   requirements of the Mortgage Note.
 
4. Effective January 1, 1997, Unison, through its Sunbelt Therapy subsidiary,
   purchased the assets of a rehabilitation therapy services company located in
   Mississippi. Consideration for the purchase was comprised of cash amounting
   to $600,000 and a $300,000 promissory note. The note bears interest at 10.0%,
   payable quarterly, and the principal balance is due January 2, 2002.
 
5. Unison and certain of its current and former directors and officers are named
   as defendants in several purported class action complaints seeking
   unspecified damages following Unison's announcement in March 1997 that the
   Company expected to restate its financial statements for the nine-month
   period ended September 30, 1996. See Part II, Item 1, "Legal Proceedings".
   The Company denies the material allegations in these complaints and intends
   to defend the actions vigorously. Management believes that the costs of the
   ultimate disposition of these matters, if any, will be substantially covered
   by insurance and, therefore, will not have a material adverse effect upon
   Unison.
 
6. In accordance with an adjustment provision of the Signature merger agreements
   relating to stockholders' equity, in March 1997 the former shareholders of
   Signature received additional consideration of $2,511,000, paid in the form
   of convertible promissory notes ($1,827,000) and 238,052 shares of Unison
   Common Stock.
 
7. On April 21, 1997, Unison obtained a $2,950,000 loan for general working
   capital purposes from affiliates of two of its directors, David A. Kremser
   and Bruce H. Whitehead. The loan bears interest at prime plus 2.0% and is due
   on the earlier of 30 days notice or August 1, 1997. The loan (and other
   Company indebtedness to Messrs. Kremser and Whitehead and their affiliates)
   is secured by a pledge of certain accounts receivable and the stock of
   certain Unison subsidiaries.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   8
 
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report, including without
limitation statements containing the words "believes", "anticipates", "intends",
"expects" and words of similar import, may be forward-looking statements within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"). While the Company believes that the assumptions
underlying these statements are reasonable, such assumptions (and thus the
statements based upon them) could prove to be inaccurate. Important factors
which could cause results to vary include limitations on the Company's access to
debt or equity financing in light of recent losses and cash flow shortfalls,
adverse uninsured determinations in existing or future litigation or regulatory
proceedings, health care statutory or regulatory changes which disfavor the
types of care delivered by the Company and a reversal of the current limitations
in the supply of long-term care facilities. Important factors which could cause
results to vary also include the factors discussed in "Item 1 -- Business" and
"Item 7 -- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Risks and Uncertainties" in Unison's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, as well as factors discussed
elsewhere in this report or in any document incorporated herein by reference.
 
     The following material should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements of the Company and the related notes thereto. All
references in this discussion and analysis to years are to fiscal years of the
Company ended December 31 of such year.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     In the first quarter of 1997, Unison recorded a net loss of $4,082,000 or
$0.66 per share compared to net income of $543,000 or $0.12 per share in the
prior year quarter. Loss before income taxes amounted to $6,062,000 in the 1997
first quarter compared to pretax income of $861,000 in the prior year quarter.
The loss in 1997 is primarily attributable to: (i) fixed costs (rent, interest,
depreciation and amortization) increasing to 20.2% of total revenues for the
first quarter of 1997 compared to 13.3% for the 1996 period as a result of
financing and acquisition activities subsequent to March 31, 1996; (ii)
corporate overhead costs (excluding corporate fixed costs) amounted to 7.9% of
total revenues for the first quarter of 1997 compared to 6.4% for the 1996
period due in part to the completion of the accounting and information system
conversion and relocation to new office space; (iii) losses from nursing home
operations resulting from controllable expenses (primarily staffing and supply
costs) exceeding budgets; and (iv) a $600,000 one-time charge to increase
reserves for certain contingencies. These increases in expenses were offset in
part by increased earnings from the Company's therapy, pharmacy and laboratory
subsidiaries. For the nursing home operations, earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, amortization, rent and allocated overhead amounted to 13.3% of
revenues for the 1997 first quarter compared to 21.1% in the prior year period.
 
     As described in Unison's Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company
experienced substantial losses for the year ended December 31, 1996. In 1996,
Unison pursued an aggressive expansion program and increased its corporate
overhead in the expectation that the number and size of acquisitions might
continue to grow. Unison's financial reporting and management information
systems were not adequate for the larger and more complex needs of the Company,
making monitoring and control over costs more difficult. In March 1997, Unison's
Board of Directors took initial steps to redirect the financial course of the
Company. Unison has substantially curtailed its acquisition program and in April
1997 accepted the resignations of several of its principal financial officers,
including its CEO and CFO. The Company is working to reduce costs wherever
possible without adversely impacting the quality of care and ancillary services
it provides. The number of corporate office personnel has been reduced by
approximately 35%, from 142 on December 31, 1996 to 92 on May 15, 1997. Cost
cutting and revenue enhancement initiatives are also underway at the nursing
homes and ancillary services companies. In addition, Unison has completed the
conversion to new accounting information systems.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   9
 
     The following table summarizes selected operating statistics.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        AT MARCH 31,
                                                                       ---------------
                                                                       1997      1996
                                                                       -----     -----
        <S>                                                            <C>       <C>
        Leased and Owned Facilities:
          Number of facilities.......................................     56        42
          Number of licensed beds:
             Long-term care..........................................  4,780     3,884
             Assisted and independent living.........................    315       114
        Managed Facilities:
          Number of facilities.......................................      2         6
          Number of licensed beds....................................    160       670
        Institutional Pharmacies:
          Number of outlets..........................................      2         2
          Nonaffiliated facilities served............................     53        27
        Medical reference laboratories:
          Number of laboratories.....................................      3         3
          Nonaffiliated facilities served............................    275       270
        Nonaffiliated therapy locations..............................     59        20
</TABLE>
 
     On March 1, 1997, Unison subleased to an unrelated third party four nursing
facilities in Texas which were previously held for disposition.
 
     The following table identifies the Company's sources of net operating
revenues.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        THREE MONTHS
                                                                            ENDED
                                                                          MARCH 31,
                                                                       ---------------
                                                                       1997      1996
                                                                       -----     -----
        <S>                                                            <C>       <C>
        Percentage of total revenues:
          Long term care.............................................   76.8%     86.9%
          Therapy contracts..........................................   14.5       3.7
          Pharmacies.................................................    4.9       3.2
          Laboratory services........................................    3.0       5.1
          Medicare Part B billing and supply.........................    0.8       1.1
                                                                       -----     -----
                  Total..............................................  100.0%    100.0%
                                                                       =====     =====
</TABLE>
 
     Unison's revenues fluctuate from facility to facility based on various
factors, including total capacity, occupancy rates, reimbursement methodologies
and rates among the payor categories, payor mix and the scope and utilization of
the Company's ancillary services. Medicare patients generate the highest revenue
per patient day, although profitability is not always increased due to the
additional costs associated with the higher level of care required by such
patients. In general, private pay sources are more profitable to the Company
than governmental reimbursement sources. Unison generally derives a higher
profit margin from ancillary services than from basic nursing services.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   10
 
     Data for nursing center operations with respect to sources of net patient
revenues and patient mix by payor type are set forth below (long-term care
only).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        THREE MONTHS
                                                                            ENDED
                                                                          MARCH 31,
                                                                       ---------------
                                                                       1997      1996
                                                                       -----     -----
        <S>                                                            <C>       <C>
        Medicare.....................................................   31.9%     29.8%
        Private and other............................................   16.3      16.3
                                                                       -----     -----
             Quality mix.............................................   48.2      46.1
        Medicaid.....................................................   51.8      53.9
                                                                       -----     -----
                  Total..............................................  100.0%    100.0%
                                                                       =====     =====
</TABLE>
 
     Total operating revenues increased $20,975,000 or 60.3% to $55,735,000 in
the 1997 first quarter from $34,760,000 in the comparable 1996 quarter. The
increase is due to revenues from patient services which increased from
$33,998,000 in the 1996 first quarter to $53,692,000 in the current period.
Patient days increased from 278,540, or 76.7% average occupancy in the 1996
period, to 383,526, or 79.9% average occupancy, in 1997. The increase in patient
days and net patient service revenues is primarily attributable to (i) the
increase in the number of facilities operated which increased revenues by
approximately $12,704,000 and patient days by approximately 99,425; (ii) the
acquisition of institutional pharmacies and therapy companies, and progress in
providing ancillary products and services to patients of Unison facilities and
unrelated facilities which increased revenues by approximately $6,763,000; and
(iii) an increase in Unison's quality mix to 48.2% in the 1997 first quarter
compared to 46.1% in the prior year quarter. Other operating revenues increased
to $2,043,000 in the 1997 first quarter from $762,000 in the prior year quarter
due primarily to ancillary company management fees of $1,619,000, offset by a
decrease in managed facilities from six at March 31, 1996 to two at March 31,
1997.
 
     Wages and related expense increased $12,819,000 or 76.5% from $16,759,000
in the 1996 first quarter to $29,578,000 in the current quarter. As a percentage
of revenues, this was an increase from 48.2% in 1996 to 53.1% in 1997. The
dollar increase is due primarily to the increase in the number of facilities
operated and an increase in corporate overhead due to Unison's acquisition
program during 1996 and its accounting and information system conversions. The
percentage increase is due primarily to the acquisition of therapy companies
(which have an inherently higher percentage of salaries to revenues than
long-term care providers) and an increase in corporate and regional overhead.
 
     Other operating expenses increased $8,409,000 or 67.1% from $12,530,000 in
the 1996 first quarter to $20,939,000 in the 1997 first quarter due primarily to
an increase in the number of facilities operated as well as increases in
corporate overhead. Other operating expenses as a percentage of revenues was
37.6% in the 1997 first quarter compared to 36.0% in the 1996 period.
 
     Rent expense increased $812,000 or 23.6% from $3,441,000 in the 1996 first
quarter to $4,253,000 in the 1997 period. Rent expense decreased as a percentage
of revenues from 9.9% in the 1996 first quarter to 7.6% in the current quarter.
The dollar increase is due primarily to the increase in the number of leased
facilities operated. The percentage decrease is due to a higher percentage of
owned facilities to total facilities in 1997 than in 1996.
 
     Interest expense amounted to $4,658,000 in the current quarter compared to
$634,000 in the 1996 first quarter. The increase is primarily the result of debt
incurred and assumed in connection with acquisitions, including the $100,000,000
Senior Notes issued on October 31, 1996, as well as increases in borrowings for
working capital. See "-- Liquidity and Capital Resources." Interest expense as a
percentage of revenues increased from 1.8% in the 1996 first quarter to 8.4% in
the current period.
 
     Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1,834,000 from $535,000 in
the first quarter of 1996 to $2,369,000 in the 1997 first quarter. It increased
as a percentage of revenues from 1.5% in the 1996 first quarter to 4.3% in the
1997 first quarter. The increase is due primarily to the increase in goodwill
and lease operating rights associated with acquisitions and an increase in fixed
assets resulting from capital expenditures
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   11
 
and ownership interests in six facilities acquired from Signature Health Care
Corporation and affiliates ("Signature") on October 31, 1996.
 
     Unison recorded an income tax credit for the first quarter of 1997
amounting to $1,980,000 or 32.7% of the pretax loss of $6,062,000. The effective
tax rate is lower than the statutory federal income tax rate due primarily to
(i) amortization of intangible assets and other expenses which are not
deductible for tax; (ii) taxable income of certain subsidiaries which are not
consolidated for tax purposes; and (iii) the valuation allowance established
against deferred tax assets. Unison recorded a tax provision in the 1996 first
quarter of $318,000, or 36.9% of pretax income.
 
     In March 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS 128"). SFAS
128 changes the manner in which earnings per common share ("EPS") are calculated
and presented. Under SFAS 128, two EPS amounts are required: (i) basic EPS and
(ii) diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common
stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares actually
outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS represents the per share allocation
of income attributable to common stockholders based on the weighted average
number of common shares actually outstanding plus dilutive potential common
shares outstanding such as options, warrants and convertible securities. Unison
will be required to implement SFAS 128 as of December 31, 1997. Had the Company
implemented SFAS 128 on January 1, 1996, it would have reported basic and
diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 1996 of $0.13 and $0.12,
respectively. Loss per share for the 1997 first quarter would remain unchanged
at $0.66 for both the basic and diluted calculations, as the Company's options,
warrants and convertible notes are antidilutive.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     At March 31, 1997, Unison had $7,371,000 in cash and cash equivalents
compared to $17,409,000 at December 31, 1996. The Company had a working capital
deficit of $17,328,000 at March 31, 1997 compared to a working capital deficit
at December 31, 1996 amounting to $13,955,000. Current maturities of notes and
debt at March 31, 1997 amounted to $25,155,000, of which $19,188,000 is
classified as a current liability because Unison is not in compliance with
certain financial covenants. However, although the financial covenant violations
have not been cured, management has no reason to believe that this debt will be
accelerated and required to be paid off in the coming year.
 
     Cash provided by operations in the 1997 first quarter amounted to $71,000.
In the 1996 first quarter, cash used in operations amounted to $6,257,000, due
primarily to an increase in accounts receivable.
 
     Net cash used in investing activities amounted to $2,175,000 in the 1997
first quarter compared to $2,709,000 in the prior year quarter. In the first
quarter of 1997 and 1996, capital expenditures amounted to $950,000 and
$866,000, respectively. Expenditures for acquisitions, net of cash acquired,
amounted to $592,000 in the 1997 first quarter compared to $932,000 in the prior
year quarter. Aggregate expenditures for other assets amounted to $633,000 in
the current quarter and $911,000 in the prior year period.
 
     Net cash used in financing activities amounted to $7,934,000 in the current
quarter compared to net cash provided by financing activities amounting to
$4,067,000 in the prior year quarter. At March 31, 1997, Unison had $152,021,000
in total debt (94.4% of total capitalization) compared to $157,138,000 at
December 31, 1996 (93.1% of total capitalization).
 
     In January 1997, Unison repaid with proceeds from the Senior Notes the
$8,000,000 Subordinated Note payable to the former BritWill shareholders and
$1,750,000 of the Additional Payment Obligation due to the former BritWill
shareholders. Thereafter, Unison's remaining obligation associated with the
acquisition of BritWill is the Additional Payment Obligation amounting to
$9,750,000. The Additional Payment Obligation is payable in monthly installments
of $99,000 to $166,000, which include interest at 12.0% to 14.0%, with a balloon
payment of $8,146,000 due August 9, 2000. Because these payments are contingent
upon revenue targets that, in light of recent acquisitions, are likely to be
achieved, the Additional Payment Obligation is recorded as long-term debt and an
increase in lease operating rights in the consolidated balance sheets at
December 31, 1996 and March 31, 1997. Although this accounting treatment does
not change the amount of
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   12
 
cash due to the former BritWill shareholders, Unison will record an increase in
amortization and interest expense in 1997 compared to 1996 in the aggregate
amount of approximately $1,600,000 ($400,000 for the 1997 first quarter). In the
event of a sale by Unison prior to August 9, 2000 of debt or equity securities
exceeding $10,000,000, the remaining balance of the Additional Payment
Obligation will be due in full.
 
     Also in January 1997, Unison repaid $2,000,000 of the Sunbelt Notes with
proceeds from the Senior Notes, and the remaining $800,000 principal amount was
converted into 105,196 shares of Unison Common Stock.
 
     In accordance with an adjustment provision of the Signature merger
agreements relating to stockholders' equity, in March 1997 the former
shareholders of Signature received additional consideration of $2,511,000, paid
in convertible promissory notes ($1,827,000) and 238,052 shares of Unison Common
Stock. See Item 2, "Changes in Securities".
 
     Unison finances its working capital needs out of its operating cash flows
and under a $10,000,000 revolving credit facility. Borrowings under this credit
facility amounted to $6,019,000 at March 31, 1997 with interest at the prime
rate plus 2.0% (10.5% at March 31, 1997). There were no outstanding borrowings
under this credit facility at December 31, 1996. In March 1997, Unison paid a
management fee (in lieu of a termination fee) of $500,000. The lender agreed
that the existing facility would remain in place at Unison's option until May
26, 1998. Unison is currently working with several lenders in an effort to
replace the existing credit facility and increase the availability of working
capital.
 
     On April 21, 1997, Unison obtained a $2,950,000 loan for general working
capital purposes from affiliates of two of its directors, Messrs. Kremser and
Whitehead. The loan bears interest at prime plus 2.0% and is due on the earlier
of 30 days notice or August 1, 1997. The loan (and other Company indebtedness to
Messrs. Kremser and Whitehead and their affiliates) is secured by a pledge of
certain other accounts receivable and the stock of certain Unison subsidiaries.
 
     The stated interest on the Senior Notes has temporarily increased from
12.25% to 13.0% at March 31, 1997 and it is subject to further increases at
90-day intervals (to a maximum of 14.25%) until a registration statement for the
Senior Notes (or for Exchange Notes on the same terms) is filed and becomes
effective with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Unison
delayed filing the required registration statement while it completed work on
its financial statements for 1996 but made the filing on July 3, 1997. The staff
of the Commission has indicated that it intends to review that filing.
Accordingly, further delays in completing the required registration, with
corresponding additional interest expense on the Senior Notes, are possible.
 
     The terms of certain of Unison's indebtedness and lease obligations require
the Company to meet certain financial and reporting covenants including current
ratio and cash flow and maintenance of specified levels of net worth. At March
31, 1997, Unison was not in compliance with certain of these covenants. At March
31, 1997, Unison was obligated to Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. ("Omega") as
a tenant under three master lease agreements covering 14 facilities having an
aggregate minimum rent of approximately $34,900,000 (subject to increase) during
the remainder of their initial terms. The master leases require the Company to
maintain specified cash flow to rent ratios, cash flow to debt service ratios,
minimum cash, current ratios and tangible net worth ratios (each as defined).
Unison also leases six facilities located in Texas from BritWill Texas (the
"BritWill Texas Leases") for an initial term that expires in December 2005. The
BritWill Texas Leases contain cross default provisions with the Omega leases by
which if Unison is in default under any Omega indebtedness or lease obligation,
the Company is also in default under the BritWill Texas Leases. Unison was not
in compliance with these covenants at March 31, 1997. Omega has waived all
existing covenant violations through April 11, 1997. The Company continues to be
out of compliance with these covenants after this date and, accordingly, is
negotiating with Omega to restructure the aforementioned covenants. There can be
no assurance that such restructuring will be accomplished, or if accomplished,
that the restructuring will result in more favorable terms to Unison and its
stockholders.
 
     In connection with the Signature Acquisition, Unison assumed a 10.5%
mortgage loan (the "Mortgage Note") collateralized by property and equipment of
six of the Signature facilities. The Mortgage Note
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   13
 
requires Unison to maintain a consolidated net worth of at least $39,000,000 and
a minimum current ratio (current assets to current liabilities) consolidated for
the six properties of at least 1.45 to 1 and a debt service coverage ratio (as
defined) for the four preceding quarters consolidated for the six properties of
at least 1.5 to 1. While the minimum current ratio and debt service ratios
consolidated for the six properties were in compliance with the debt covenants,
Unison's consolidated net worth was $9,095,000 as of March 31, 1997, and,
accordingly, the Company was not in compliance with the net worth covenant.
Unison has not received a waiver of this covenant violation and, accordingly,
classified the entire obligation of $18,587,000 as current. In addition, the
Company has not met the financial reporting requirements of the Mortgage Note.
 
     The Company is working to develop lending relationships that will use the
Company's available accounts receivable and other available assets to reduce
overall borrowing costs and supply additional working capital. The Company
believes that its cash flows from operations and its existing $10,000,000 line
of credit facility may be sufficient to meet its near-term cash flow and capital
requirements. However, these funds might not be adequate in the event of a
material reduction in revenues or increase in expenses. The Company is exploring
opportunities for a secured or unsecured term loan or for equity financings,
should that prove necessary or desirable. There can be no assurance that such
financings will be available or, if available, that the necessary funds will be
available on terms favorable to Unison and its stockholders.
 
     Unison and certain of its current and former directors and officers are
named as defendants in several purported class action complaints seeking
unspecified damages following Unison's announcement in March 1997 that the
Company expected to restate its financial statements for the nine-month period
ended September 30, 1996. See Part II, Item 1, "Legal Proceedings." The Company
denies the material allegations in these complaints and intends to defend the
actions vigorously. Management believes that the costs of the ultimate
disposition of these matters, if any, will be substantially covered by insurance
and, therefore, will not have a material adverse effect upon Unison.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   14
 
                          PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     Unison and certain of its current and former directors and officers are
named as defendants in several class action complaints seeking unspecified
damages following Unison's announcement in March 1997 that the Company expected
to restate its financial statements for the nine-month period ended September
30, 1996. To date, seven such claims have been filed in federal district court
in Phoenix, Arizona alleging violations of Sections 10 and 20 of the Exchange
Act and Rule 10b5 promulgated thereunder. While the purported class periods and
the named defendants vary, the broadest class period to date asserts that
between January 1, 1996 and March 11, 1997 (when Unison announced the need for a
restatement) the defendants knew, or were reckless in not knowing, that Unison's
results for the first three quarters of 1996 were materially overstated, and/or
misrepresented the capability of Unison's internal accounting system to reliably
record and reflect its financial condition. Two of these actions (Amothy Corp.
v. Unison HealthCare Corp. et al. and Falkenstein v. Unison HealthCare Corp. et
al.) also allege that the conduct allegedly giving rise to the alleged
violations of federal law also violated the defendants' state law fiduciary
duties as directors and officers. The individual defendants named in some or all
of these actions are Jerry M. Walker (the Company's former Chief Executive
Officer), Craig R. Clark (the Company's former Chief Financial Officer), Paul J.
Contris (the Company's former Vice President of Acquisitions), Phillip R.
Rollins (the Company's Chief Operating Officer) and Bruce H. Whitehead (Chairman
of the Board).
 
     In addition, an action has been filed in the Superior Court of the State of
California (County of Orange) against the Company and the aforesaid individuals,
as well as John T. Lynch, Jr. (a member of the Board of Directors), Trouver
Capital Partners, L.P. (a private investment banking firm of which Mr. Lynch is
a general partner), Cruttenden Roth, Inc. and Wheat First Butcher Singer (the
latter two entities are named individually and as representatives of a purported
defendant underwriter class). The Orange County action is purportedly filed on
behalf of all persons who acquired Unison stock in the Company's December 1995
initial public offering ("IPO"); it essentially alleges that in connection with
the IPO, the defendants made positive statements about the Company's prospects
for which there was no basis, that accounts receivable were overstated, and that
the Company's statement of financial position as of September 30, 1995 was not
fairly presented.
 
     Unison's bylaws require the Company to indemnify current and former
officers and directors to the extent permitted by Delaware law against such
liabilities and related expenses. The Company is also contractually obligated to
indemnify the underwriters against such liabilities and expenses. The Company
denies the material allegations in these complaints and intends to defend the
actions vigorously. Management believes that the costs of the ultimate
disposition of these matters, if any, will be substantially covered by
insurance. An adverse determination could have a material adverse effect upon
Unison.
 
     Certain of Unison's subsidiaries were defendants in a suit instituted on
June 19, 1996 in the Texas state district court of Shelby County, Texas, which
was transferred to Dallas County (Texas Star Therapy, Inc. vs. Emory Care
Center, et al., Case No. 96-07767-B) and in a related arbitration proceeding.
Texas Star sought $516,577 for unpaid therapy services provided by Texas Star
during 1995 plus interest, penalties, attorney fees and costs. On May 30, 1997,
the Company entered into a settlement agreement in the amount of $875,000,
payable in installments through November 15, 1997.
 
     Unison received a complaint filed on October 22, 1996 in the Texas state
district court by RehabWorks, Inc. ("RehabWorks"), a therapy services provider,
based on allegations that Unison beached a nonsolicitation covenant in a
contract with RehabWorks and tortiously interfered with RehabWorks' employment
relationship with several of its former employees. RehabWorks also claims that
Unison is past due with respect to payment of fees owed the therapy services
provider in the amount of approximately $1,031,000. The suit seeks to recover
such fees as well as damages of not less than $2,375,000, exemplary damages of
not less than $2,250,000, interest and attorneys' fees. Unison intends to defend
this lawsuit vigorously.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   15
 
ITEM 2.  CHANGES IN SECURITIES
 
     In accordance with an adjustment provision of the Signature merger
agreements relating to stockholders' equity, in March 1997 the former Signature
shareholders received additional consideration of $2,511,000, paid in
convertible promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $1,827,000 (the "Notes")
and 238,052 shares of Unison Common Stock with an aggregate market value as of
March 27, 1997 of $684,000. The Notes are convertible after June 30, 1997, in
whole or in part, into shares of Unison Common Stock at a conversion price of
$2.875 per share (the "Conversion Price"). The Conversion Price is subject to
adjustment if Unison issues Common Stock for a price per share (i) less than the
Conversion Price or (ii) less than the market price of the Common Stock at the
time of issuance. The Notes bear interest at the rate of 12.0% per annum and the
unpaid principal balance, plus accrued interest, is due on December 31, 1997.
 
ITEMS 3-5 ARE NOT APPLICABLE.
 
ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
     (a) Exhibits:
 
          See Exhibit Index following the Signatures page, which index is
     incorporated herein by reference.
 
     (b) Reports filed on Form 8-K:
 
     Unison filed the following reports on Form 8-K during the quarter ended
March 31, 1997:
 
          (1) Report dated March 11, 1997 including a news release describing an
     anticipated restatement of the Company's previously issued financial
     results for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. No financial
     statements were filed with the Form 8-K.
 
          (2) Report dated March 19, 1997 including a news release describing
     the nature and estimated impact of an anticipated restatement of the
     Company's previously issued financial results for the nine months ended
     September 30, 1996 and related matters.
 
          (3) Report dated March 24, 1997 describing the use of proceeds of
     Unison's $100,000,000 of 12.25% Senior Notes Due 2006.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   16
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
                                          UNISON HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
                                                    (Registrant)
 
                                          /s/ DAVID A. KREMSER
 
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          David A. Kremser
                                          Interim Chief Executive Officer
                                            and Chief Financial Officer
 
                                          /s/ WARREN K. JERREMS
 
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Warren K. Jerrems
                                          Vice President and Chief Accounting
                                          Officer
                                            (Principal Accounting Officer)
 
Date: July 16, 1997
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   17
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
-------
<C>       <S>
   2.1    Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger among Unison HealthCare Corporation, David
          A. Kremser and John D. Filkoski (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3.1 to the
          Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
   2.2    Amendment to Agreements and Plans of Merger among Unison HealthCare Corporation,
          Arkansas, Inc., Cornerstone Care, Inc., Douglas Manor, Inc., Safford Care, Inc.,
          David A. Kremser and John D. Filkoski (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.7.1 to
          the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
   4.1    Supplement No. 1 dated as of February 1, 1997 to Indenture dated as of October 31,
          1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3.1 to the Company's Annual Report on
          Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
  10.1    Promissory Note dated March 17, 1997 to David A. Kremser in partial payment of Equity
          Adjustment Amount (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.112.1 to the Company's
          Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
  10.2    Form of Promissory Notes dated March 17, 1997 to former Signature shareholders in
          partial payment of Equity Adjustment Amount (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
          10.112.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
          1996)
  10.3    Services Agreement dated as of March 31, 1997 between the Registrant and David A.
          Kremser (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.113 to the Company's Annual Report
          on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
  10.4    Indemnification Agreement dated as of March 31, 1997 between the Registrant and David
          A. Kremser (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.114 to the Company's Annual
          Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
  10.5    Tolling Agreement dated as of March 31, 1997 between the Registrant and David A.
          Kremser (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.115 to the Company's Annual Report
          on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
  10.6    Option Agreement dated as of March 31, 1997 between the Registrant and David A.
          Kremser (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.116 to the Company's Annual Report
          on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
  10.7    Form of sublease agreement dated as of March 1, 1997 between BritWill Investments-II,
          Inc. and Hasmark East Ltd., related to Four States Care Center, Green Acres, Heritage
          Oaks and Texarkana Nursing Center (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.120 to the
          Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
  11      Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings
  27      Financial Data Schedule (included only in the EDGAR filing)
</TABLE>
 
                                       17