More supports now available for veterans in residential aged care

From this week, Veterans, war widows and widowers living in residential aged care will benefit from expanded access to clinically necessary allied health care services and rehabilitation aids and appliances, regardless of the level of care they are receiving.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the changes will mean all eligible veterans, widows and widowers can access the supports they need, when they need it.

“Previously, only those Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) clients with low level care have been able to access DVA-funded allied health care services and aids and appliances,” Minister Keogh said.

“All DVA clients will now have access to additional allied health services and rehabilitation aids and appliances in their residential aged care home on top of the services and aids already provided.”

This change has been made in line with the new funding model for residential aged care, the Australian National Aged Care Classification, which came into effect on 1 October 2022.

“DVA is here to help support veterans and families if further support is required.”

To find out more about residential aged care and to arrange a free assessment with an Aged Care Assessment Team, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. For more information on DVA’s Rehabilitation Appliances Program, visit www.dva.gov.au/providers/rehabilitation-appliances-program-rap.

ENDS

Authorised by The Hon Matt Keogh MP.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608