Australia has one of the best healthcare services in the world. Medical assistance programs and healthcare services are available to help you and your family get the care they need regardless of your demographic or the type of healthcare you require.
DVA home care services are one such assistance program and healthcare service that offers a wide range of medical and healthcare facilities to veterans. This article will explore the necessity and importance of DVA home help services.
What Is The Department of Veterans Affairs, And Why Is It Important?
Department of Veterans’ Affairs, or DVA, is a community nursing program designed exclusively for veterans, veterans with disabilities, and war widows. This program provides access to various medical and related healthcare facilities, including nursing and DVA veterans home care services.
The program’s primary purpose is to provide medical and nursing services to all entitled people to meet their personal and clinical care needs. War veterans and widows with a Gold Card and veterans with a White Card are entitled to the services DVA provides.
However, the health condition for which support is requested from the program must be war-related to get the necessary facilities.
The program encourages independent living among war veterans with disabilities and other medical conditions. Additionally, it provides access to premium nursing services to delay or avoid hospital admission and residential care, thereby enhancing the quality of life.
What Is Veterans’ Home Care?
Veterans’ Home Care, or VHC, is a program under the DVA scheme that aims to assist entitled DVA beneficiaries to live independently and have the help needed.
The DVA home care services include personal care, domestic assistance, respite care, garden maintenance, and home safety services. The VHC program does not cater to complex high-level medical or clinical needs. Instead, it only takes care of chores that help the veterans live independently.
All services listed under the VHC program are provided at a subsided rate through the Department of Veterans Affairs by the Australian government. All the eligible person needs to do is pay a co-payment fee – the rate of which will be determined by a VHC-sanctioned assessment agency.
Who Is Eligible To Access VHC and How To Apply For It?
The DVA considers an individual an “entitled person” for VHC service only when they hold either the Gold or the White card. Apart from them, family members and carers of White and Gold card holders can also become eligible to receive support from this program if they are living with a service-related health condition.
However, to receive support from DVA Tasmania or any other region, the applicant must first undergo an assessment by a local Veterans’ Home Care Assessment agent.
Why Are the VHC Services Essential for War Veterans Living With Disabilities?
It is essential for veterans, especially those with a disability, to be aware of government-run programs that offer assistance and professional help in terms of medical, home, and personal care.
The two primary goals of VHC and the Community Nursing Program are enhancing the quality of life and allowing war veterans to live independently in their homes.
The Veterans Health Care Program will enable veterans with disabilities to live at home, receive adequate assistance, and receive the treatment required to lead a healthy life while receiving the comforts of home and being surrounded by familiar surroundings.
It is not a substitute for family love and care. Still, it is a great alternative that allows war veterans to remain close to their families without becoming overly dependent.
What Service Can You Receive Under the DVA Veterans Home Care Program?
Here are some of the services an eligible person can receive under the DVA veterans home care program:
- Domestic help, including payment of bills, unaccompanied shopping, and house cleaning
- Personal care like getting dressed, maintaining personal hygiene, and eating
- Garden and home maintenance include changing light bulbs and cleaning windows, gutters, and ceiling fans.
- Caring and management of skin and wounds
- Diabetes management and care
- Rehabilitation
- Pain management
- Incontinence management
- Administration and monitoring of medications and much more
How To Get VHC For Veterans Living With Disabilities?
The first thing you would need is a referral from a licensed medical professional. With that in hand, contact an establishment that accepts DVA and VHC funding to strategise a treatment and assistance program best suited for the applicant.
These establishments, like Vital Home Health Services, will also assist you in understanding and navigating the red tape required to get VHC and DVA support.
Final Words
The veterans have put their lives on the line in service to keep past and present generations safe. Through planned programs like the DVA and VHC, we can help them enjoy a quality life with as much comfort as possible.
To find quality home care services for your loved one who has served in the military, search for reputed local agencies offering these services and supporting government funding. It’s time we give the veterans the care, comfort, and security they deserve.
