Veterans' Home Care (VHC)

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Mon, 12/05/2008 - 8:57pm

Veterans, war widows and widowers can receive help with remaining at home through the Veterans' Home Care (VHC) Program.

The (VHS) Program is a community care service that assists people at home with daily activities such as:
    •    transport
    •    personal care (showering, dressing, fitting of aids)
    •    meals on wheels
    •    home modification and garden maintenance
    •    respite care

Eligibility

People who are eligible for the (VHC) program include veterans of the Australian defence forces and their widows/widowers.

Veterans must have a Gold or White card to be eligible for the Veterans' Home Care program.

Commonwealth and allied veterans could also be assessed for respite care (short term care) along with partners and carers of veterans and war widowers/widows.

Assessment

In order to receive care under this program you must first be assessed. This assessment is carried by The Veterans Home Care Assessment Agency. They will assess a person's care needs and help find a Veterans Home Care service provider in your area.

The Veterans' Home Care program is not the same as the Home and Community Care Program (HAAC).

Some services will not be available under the HAAC program and a person will have to decide which program best suits their needs.

A HAAC provider must also be a Veterans Home Care provider if you wish to swap to another program with the same service provider.

Costs of care

Anyone receiving services under the Veterans' Home care program will be asked to contribute to the cost of their care.

This payment is only a small amount between $5 - $10 an hour of service. Fees may also be charged for additional services such as day centre care and meal delivery.

Helpful resources

Department of Veterans' Affairs publish a helpful guide to the Veterans' Home Care (VHC) program
Call The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) on 133 254 or for non -metropolitan callers try 1800 555 254