Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) funded Home Care
We know that navigating the path to getting extra care and support can feel challenging. To make things easier, we’ve outlined five simple steps to help you get started with accessing home care services. Our team is here to assist you at any stage along the way.
Step 2
Contact your GP, treating medical practitioner in hospital, hospital discharge planner or community nursing practitioner to obtain a referral
Veterans can access a referral for Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) funded home care and nursing services through several channels:
- a GP can refer you for an assessment if they identify a need for home care support
- if you are hospitalised, your treating doctor can initiate a referral for home care services
- upon discharge, a hospital discharge planner can refer you for home care services
- a nurse specialising in community care can provide a referral for home care services.
Veterans must hold a Gold or White Card to be eligible for VHC services.
Need any help?
If you have any questions about how to do this, please call us on 1300 478 776 and a friendly Mercy Health staff member would be happy to assist.
Need any help?
If you have any questions about how to do this, please call us on 1300 478 776 and a friendly Mercy Health staff member would be happy to assist.
Step 3
How to choose the right home care provider for you
DVA has a helpful list of approved services providers available on its website. As an older person seeking care you have the opportunity to nominate a provider that best suits your needs.
If you have a preferred service provider, you can indicate your preference when discussing the referral with your referrer.
Important things to consider when choosing a provider:
- check if the provider can start services when you would like them to. Not every provider will be available
- ensure the provider offers all the services you require
- We know that when it comes to home care services, most people find immense comfort in having their support team nearby. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that the provider you are considering has a local support team. Mercy Health not only meets this need but exceeds it, with an extensive network of dedicated teams ready to support local communities. Whether you’re in metropolitan Melbourne, regional Victoria, southern New South Wales and Newcastle, the Australian Capital Territory, or Cairns, you can count on our unwavering commitment to your well-being.
Get started now
You’ve gathered all the crucial information and have chosen the best provider for your needs. Now, it’s time to take the next step towards exceptional care. Call the Mercy Health Customer Enquiry Centre on 1300 478 776 to start a conversation about how our services can fit your individual needs.
Get started now
You’ve gathered all the crucial information and have chosen the best provider for your needs. Now, it’s time to take the next step towards exceptional care. Call the Mercy Health Customer Enquiry Centre on 1300 478 776 to start a conversation about how our services can fit your individual needs.
Step 4
Develop a Care Plan
Once your referral reaches your nominated service provider, a registered nurse will contact you to conduct a comprehensive clinical assessment. The assessment is designed to evaluate your daily living requirements, health conditions, and any special needs such as medication management and wound care.
The nurse will determine the necessary level and frequency of care that you require.
After assessing your needs, the provider will work with you to develop a detailed, tailored care plan.
Your plan will specify:
- services to be provided, e.g. medication assistance, wound management, personal care and hygiene support
- how often a nurse will visit you and the expected timeline
- a schedule for follow-up assessments and updates to your care plan if your circumstances change.
Need more help?
Contact us at any time for assistance with your application process or to discuss your care options.
Need more help?
Contact us at any time for assistance with your application process or to discuss your care options.
Step 5
Start receiving your home care services
With your care plan now in place, Mercy Health Home Care will begin delivering your home care services.
Mercy Health Home Care is a trusted brand, recognised with the Gold Award for Home Care Services at the Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards for two consecutive years. We understand and respect that we are supporting you in your home so we partner with you and your family to nurture your health and your emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. We will ensure that your services are delivered on a schedule that suits you.
Our Mercy Health Healthy Ageing app is designed to help keep you in touch with your care team and manage your in-home care and services effortlessly from your smartphone or tablet.