If you are a senior veteran or a war widow/widower, there are a variety of aged care services available to you. Whether you require assistance at home, healthcare, counseling, or other forms of support, there are various types of care tailored to meet your specific needs and circumstances.
What assistance is available through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) website offers a variety of resources designed to assist veterans and their families in gaining a better understanding of the available services. These resources encompass a selection of books, which can be accessed online or obtained in hard copy, as well as a video and a series of webinars.
In addition, DVA offers services specifically tailored for individuals in possession of a Veteran God or White Card. These services include:
Veterans’ Home Care Program
The Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) Program offers a range of services to support veterans, including:
- domestic assistance,
- personal care,
- safety-related home,
- garden maintenance, lawn mowing,
- respite care (in-home, residential, and emergency)
To access these services, individuals must undergo an assessment. To schedule an assessment, please contact a VHC Assessment Agency at 1300 550 450. If you are not eligible for the VHC Program, there may be other programs or packages available to you.
We are committed to providing high-quality care and support to our veterans, ensuring they can live comfortably and safely in their own homes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.
Community Nursing Program
The Community Nursing Program offers essential nursing and personal care services in the comfort of your own home. These services include:
- medication management,
- wound care,
- hygiene assistance.
To access these services, you must first consult with a healthcare professional who can provide a referral to a DVA-approved community nursing provider. This referral can come from your general practitioner, a specialist, or a nurse practitioner with expertise in community nursing.
Alternatively, you may also be referred by a hospital doctor or discharge planner, but it is important to obtain ongoing referrals from your GP after seven days.
Additional services available for the veteran community
Services available for eligible veterans and war widows/widowers include a variety of options to support their well-being and health. These services encompass:
- aids, equipment, and modifications provided through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP)
- medical and allied health care
- the Coordinated Veterans Care (CVC) Program is available to assist in managing chronic conditions,
- travel assistance is offered for attending medical appointments and treatments
- mental health support and counseling, Open Arms– Veterans & Families Counselling (formerly VVCS) provides services
Various resources are also accessible on the DVA website, including books, videos, and webinars, to help veterans and their families learn more about available services.
Information about DVA services and entitlements can be obtained through the Veterans Access Network (VAN) by locating the nearest DVA office or calling 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
Furthermore, resources are available to assist individuals in their own homes or in aged care facilities, with specific aged care resources tailored to help service providers and advocates understand and support veteran wellbeing.
Assistance for veterans experiencing mental health issues
As a veteran with a service-related mental health condition recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), your healthcare provider may be eligible for additional funding to ensure you receive appropriate care tailored to your needs.
To learn more about the Veterans’ Supplement for residential care, or to inquire further, please contact DVA at 1800 838 372 (1800 VETERAN).
Assistance for POWs or VCs
If you are a former Prisoner of War (POW) or recipient of the Victoria Cross, you are eligible for additional support from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA):
- DVA will cover the basic daily fee for your care, eliminating the need for you to pay any income or means-tested care fees. DVA will coordinate this payment directly with your care provider.
- If you are residing in an aged care facility, you may be required to contribute towards the cost of your accommodation.
For more information on costs and fees associated with aged care homes, please refer to the relevant resources.
What types of assistance are available through My Aged Care?
Whether you need assistance at home or considering permanent residential care, My Aged Care offers support in accessing types of services of government-funded care. These services are available to all eligible Australians, although it is important to note that they are not funded by DVA, which may result in additional costs.
The first step in the process is to apply for an assessment. A qualified assessor will visit you at home to conduct a thorough assessment. This assessment is crucial in determining your eligibility for government-funded aged care services and identifying the services that best suit your needs.
Utilize the Find a Provider tool to locate specialized services in your area. Once you have been approved for services, you can begin your search for a suitable provider. The tool allows you to filter your results by selecting the Specializations menu on the left-hand side, making it easier to find local providers that cater specifically to senior veterans.
If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can contact My Aged Care at 1800 200 422. Our contact center staff are available to assist you in discussing your needs and circumstances, helping you to identify the best care options available to you.
Am I eligible to receive services from DVA and My Aged Care concurrently?
If you are currently receiving DVA-funded services, you may still be eligible to receive services through My Aged Care, as long as you meet the following criteria:
- You qualify for the services offered
- You only require basic support
- You are not receiving duplicate services from both programs.
For instance, you could be receiving minimal domestic assistance and personal care through Veterans’ Home Care, while also accessing community transport and meal services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).