For consumers: Services for veterans and their families – video transcript

Narrator: As we get older, we may need additional support and services to help us live full and active lives. This may include support for our carers and support from providers to help with living at home independently.

We may need assistance in unexpected circumstances, such as after hospital visits or on an ongoing basis. And we may need assistance when transitioning into permanent aged care.

While the Australian Government offers many services to assist older people, there are additional services available to eligible veterans and their families provided by the Department of Veterans' Affairs. These services are easy to access and often at no or low cost.

Who is eligible?

To receive these additional services, you must be a veteran card holder. Those eligible include most veterans, serving and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force and their families. Services available vary depending on what type of card you hold.

If you don’t have a veteran card, you can apply online through your myGov account (my.gov.au). Or you can contact DVA directly on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

Living Independently

The Department of Veterans' Affairs offers a range of services aimed at helping those eligible to continue living independently at home for longer. These services include:

• Domestic assistance – providing basic support around the home, such as help with cleaning, washing, shopping and more.
• Personal care – for assistance with some non-medical tasks to help you stay independent.
• Safety related home and garden maintenance – to keep your home safe and liveable through minor upkeep and handiwork in and outside your home.

Additional help can include:

• Community nursing services such as assisting with taking medication, wound care and personal care.
• Support and rehabilitation aids, including mobility aids, personal aids and equipment, continence products and also home modifications.

Services include:

• Support for carers for when carers need to take a break.
• Social assistance helping you stay connected to their community.
• As well as support to help manage chronic health conditions or support after hospital care.

Moving into Permanent Aged Care

There may be a time when you can no longer live independently and may require the support of an aged care home. Depending on the level of care you receive in the aged care home and your eligibility, the Department of Veterans' Affairs may provide a range of services to support you, including:

• Mental health and well-being support through Open Arms - Veterans and Families counselling who provide free and confidential counselling, group programs and online resources.
• Access to aids and equipment such as hearing tools for when others are complaining about things like TV volume, speech and visual assistance tools, limbs supports, prosthesis and more.
• Medical related travel to appointments with your GP, specialist and other health professionals.
• Social assistance helping you stay connected to the community, including ex-service organisations and more.

Remember, access to services vary depending on your eligibility and services are designed to complement those already provided by the Australian Government.

More Information

To find out more about services available to veterans, including more information about eligibility, resources, self-help booklets or for links through to a local military welfare advocate, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs website at dva.gov.au or call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

Support Services

If you are having trouble accessing aged care services, want to find out more about the rights of older people, or if you feel like you’re being treated unfairly, contact OPAN, the Older Persons Advocacy Network on 1800 700 600 or visit their website at opan.com.au

Their national network of trained advocates are there to listen and assist free of charge.

This video has been funded by the Department of Veterans' Affairs and is proudly brought to you by OPAN, the Older Persons Advocacy Network.

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