Veteran care is the very foundation of our mission at RSL LifeCare.

For over 110 years we have cared for the veterans of every campaign in which Australia has been involved from the Boer War to Afghanistan, not forgetting our peacekeeping forces, service career personnel and war widows.

We specialise in caring for the particular needs of veterans in our community; we understand their service, their sacrifice and the impact both may have had on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

RSL LifeCare is a registered provider of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Veteran’s Home Care.

Community Nursing Program

What is the DVA Community Nursing Program?

The DVA Community Nursing Program provides veterans, war widows and widowers (entitled persons) with access to a range of quality health care and related services, including home community nursing services.

The program aims to enhance the independence and health outcomes of veterans, enabling you to remain in your own home for longer. The Community Nursing Program is delivered by registered nurses, enrolled nurses and nursing support staff. Kinds of care include nursing care and personal care.

To be eligible to receive community nursing services for an assessed clinical need, you must hold a Gold or a White DVA health card.

How is the cost of the DVA Community Nursing Program covered?

This service is subsidised by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. There is no direct cost associated with the program if you are eligible to receive community nursing.

Where do I start?

1. Call our Home Care team on 1300 853 146 or complete the online enquiry form. We’ll guide you through the steps.
2. To be eligible for Community Nursing you will need a written referral from your GP, a treating doctor in hospital, a hospital discharge planner, or the Veterans’ Home Care Assessment Agency.

Veterans’ Home Care

What is the DVA Veterans’ Home Care Services (VHS)?

Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) is a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) program designed to assist veterans and war widows/widowers needing a small amount of practical help around the home to maintain health, well-being and independence. It is not designed to meet complex or high-level care needs.

What services can RSL LifeCare provide under Veterans’ Home Care?

Veterans’ Home Care is designed to help veterans to continue living at home by providing a small amount of practical help. Services include:

• Domestic Assistance – like house cleaning, meal preparation, washing
• Personal Care – like help with bathing/showering, dressing and eating
• Respite Care – including in-home respite, residential respite and emergency short-term home relief
• Social Assistance
• Home and Garden Maintenance – like lawn mowing, minor home maintenance, window cleaning

Click here to see the full list of services covered under Veterans’ Home Care.

How is the cost of Veterans’ Home Care covered?

Small co-payments apply and are minimal contributions towards the cost of providing the service.

Where do I start?

1. Call our Home Care team on 1300 853 146 or complete the online enquiry form. We’ll guide you through the steps.
2. You’ll need to speak with the VHC Assessment Agency on 1300 550 450 to determine eligibility and arrange an assessment.
3. Once you are approved, you can choose RSL LifeCare as your service provider of your choice.
4. You will receive your care plan detailing your services. A copy of your care plan will be also sent to us.
5. Your approved service provider will contact you to discuss the best times and days for your services.

What if I need more help at home?

We are here to help. RSL LifeCare provides a wide range of services under other programs that may help you.

These include: Home Care Packages, Commonwealth Home Support Program and Private home care services.