Veterans’ Home Care (VHC)
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 the Department of Veterans' Affairs to discuss your home care needs and assess your eligibility
Contact the Veterans’ Assessment Agency on 1300 550 450 to check your eligibility. A VHC assessor will conduct an assessment – usually over the phone – to determine your needs and eligibility.
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
Determine the home care services you require
The assessor will discuss the range of services available to you and develop a care plan.
Based on your assessment, you could receive services such as:
- domestic assistance (cleaning, shopping, meal preparation)
- personal care (bathing, dressing, mobility support)
- safety-related home and garden maintenance
- respite care (in-home, residential aged care home, or emergency relief).
After assessing your needs, the assessor will work with you to develop a detailed, tailored care plan.
Your plan will specify:
- the types of services you will receive and may include domestic assistance, personal care, safety modifications, or respite
- a schedule to match your care needs
- information on any co-payment required.
Step 4
How to find the right home care provider for you
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
- veterans may need to pay a small co-payment, depending on the type of service. Ensure you ask about your co-payment, how often you will pay for services, and what happens if you take a break
- 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 5
Start receiving 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.
Need more 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 more 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.