Ageing well with support at home
As we age, some tasks can require support.
DVA has a range of in-home services and programs that can help eligible DVA clients – of any age – to stay independent and healthy in their own homes. DVA in-home support can include nursing care, cleaning, gardening and maintenance around the home. Aids and devices that make life easier, like hearing aids and ramps and rails around the home, are also available.
Eligible DVA clients with a Veteran Gold or White Card can access most DVA in-home care services following an over-the-phone assessment. However, some services may require a referral from your treating doctor.
DVA clients aged 65 and older can receive additional support and services through other government-funded programs, such as a Home Care Package through the Department of Health and Aged Care. These can be accessed alongside DVA services – as long as you don’t double up on the type of service you receive. It is important to consider all services offered through government-funded programs to obtain the combination of services that best suits your overall needs.
Should it become necessary to enter residential aged care, veterans and eligible war widow/ers continue to receive pensions and benefits from DVA. They can also continue to receive support, including medical, allied health, aids and appliances, hospital and travel assistance for medical appointments, using their Veteran Card.
Navigating in-home support and the aged care system can be challenging, so DVA has developed some great resources to help:
- The veteran’s guide to living independently details the services available to help support you at home, including eligibility requirements.
- The veteran’s guide to moving into aged care is a guide to step you through the process of moving into an aged care home and the DVA services available to you once you’ve moved.
You can download these from the DVA website at www.dva.gov.au/ac, where you can also order a hard copy; or you can call us on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
Renewed focus
DVA recently undertook two initiatives aimed at building on its current support and resources to help veterans age well.
In January, DVA established the Aged and Community Care Taskforce, which aims to improve our support by delivering a structured approach to aged care services that reflects the complex and evolving changes happening across the aged care sector.
To inform the work of the taskforce, we held a workshop with providers, peak bodies, ex-service organisations and lived experience participants. The workshop explored current challenges facing DVA clients transitioning to, and living in, aged care.