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Veterans
Help to stay at home
The Veterans' Home Care (VHC) programme provides a range of assessment, coordination and home care services across Australia to eligible veterans and war widows/widowers to enable them to remain in their own homes for longer.
VHC services are similar to HACC services (more information), and include domestic assistance, personal care, safety-related home and garden maintenance and respite care (in home and emergency respite care and approval for residential respite care (more information)).
- Who is eligible?
- How much does it cost?
- VHC and HACC program
- Standards of care
- Rights and responsibilities
- If you have any concerns about Veterans’ Home Care
- Extra DVA help for veterans
- Aged care homes
Who is eligible?
Access to VHC is not automatic. Eligible veterans must be assessed as needing home care assistance before they can receive these services.
All veterans of the Australian defence forces who have a Gold or White Repatriation Health Card and their war widow(ers) may be assessed for services.
How much does it cost?
Veterans and war widows(ers) are expected to pay a small co-payment for all services provided through VHC, except for respite care.
VHC and HACC program
If VHC cannot adequately meet your needs, you may, subject to assessment, access services exclusively from HACC. If you choose to opt out of VHC to enter HACC, you’ll have the same access to HACC services as other members of the community. On the other hand, if you’re already receiving HACC services, you will have the choice to transfer to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) VHC program.
You can access both HACC and VHC for services, but not for the same service from both programs at the same time.
Standards of care
The Australian Government, through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, sets community care standards to ensure you receive quality care. For example, these standards ensure that the services you receive are provided at an acceptable quality and that you receive a service that meets your assessed needs. You can access the Accountability and Standards guidelines from the DVA website.
Rights and responsibilities
VHC service providers are expected to comply with obligations under their VHC service agreement which uphold your right to be treated respectfully and be informed and consulted about your care. For more information on your rights and responsibilities see the Veterans’ Home Care-Your Rights and Responsibilities fact sheet and look for DVA Facts HCS04.
If you have concerns about Veterans Home Care?
If you have any problems with the services you receive, in the first instance you should talk to your VHC service provider. If you are unable to resolve the issue or have concerns about your service arrangements you should contact your VHC Assessment Agency, who will assist you. However, if the matter cannot be resolved, refer your concerns to your nearest DVA office by phoning 13 32 54.
Extra DVA help for veterans
If you’re a veteran, war widow/widower you may be eligible for a range of other DVA programs such as:
- Community nursing, allied health and convalescent care
- Aids and appliances through the Rehabilitation Appliance Program
- HomeFront – a falls and accident prevention program that provides a free annual home assessment to identify safety hazards in your home and financial assistance towards the cost of recommended aids and minor home modifications. Contact 1800 801 945 (free call)
- the Veterans’ Home Maintenance Line, which gives you property maintenance advice over the phone and refers you to suitable tradespeople. Contact 1800 801 945 (free call)
- Vietnam Veterans’ Counselling Service (VVCS) open to all Australian veterans and their families. Contact 1800 011 046 (free call), or
- The Veterans’ Assistance Network (VAN) provides many forms of help. Contact 1800 113 304 (free call).
For more information on DVA programs contact your nearest DVA capital city office by phoning 13 32 54 (local call) or 1800 555 254 (regional areas free call) or visit the DVA website.
Aged care homes
Veterans and war widows/widowers are entitled to receive the same kinds of residential aged carei as all other Australians.
Next step: Find an aged care home using the aged care home finder
Common questions on this topic:
- Mum is a war widow. She can't get on buses any more, and I live 600 kms away. How is she going to get to her medical appointments?
- What payments are available for carers?
- Are there counselling services for veterans?
See more common questions on this topic | See all common questions
