Veteran Care in Australia: What Support Is Available and How to Get It 

At Avivo, we’re proud to stand beside Australia’s ex-servicemen and women by providing personalised, in-home care through the Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) Program. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the services available, how to access them, and what makes Avivo’s support different. 

What Is the Veterans’ Home Care Program? 

The Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) Program is a national initiative funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). It offers low-level in-home care for eligible veterans and their dependents to help them remain independent and well in their own homes. 

The primary aims of the VHC program are to: 

• Improve the quality of life for veterans and war widows/widowers 

• Delay or avoid premature entry into residential aged care 

• Provide respite and support for carers 

What Services Are Included in the VHC Program? 

Avivo delivers a range of practical, everyday supports under the VHC program. These services are designed to help veterans manage daily life while maintaining their dignity and independence. 

✅ Domestic Assistance 

Help with household tasks like cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation. 

✅ Personal Care 

Support with daily personal routines such as showering, dressing, and grooming. 

✅ In-Home Respite 

Care provided at home so primary carers can take a break, attend appointments, or rest. 

✅ Home and Garden Maintenance 

Basic maintenance tasks to keep your home safe and comfortable—for example, fixing a loose step, replacing light bulbs, or mowing the lawn. 

✅ Social Support 

Assistance staying connected to your community, including support to attend activities or simply enjoy a chat and company at home. 

These services may seem simple, but they make a big difference to veterans’ wellbeing, independence, and peace of mind. 

Who Is Eligible for the Veterans’ Home Care Program? 

Eligibility is managed by the DVA. To access the VHC program, you generally need to: 

• Be a veteran or dependent of a veteran 

• Hold a DVA Gold Card or DVA White Card 

• Be assessed as needing in-home support to remain living independently 

Not sure if you qualify? You can contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs directly on 1800 838 372 or speak to Avivo and we’ll help point you in the right direction. 

How Does the Assessment Work? 

The first step to accessing VHC services is to complete a VHC assessment. This is organised through a VHC assessment agency and will look at your current living situation, health needs, and the type of support you may benefit from. 

Don’t worry, it’s not a test, and it’s not about what you can’t do. It’s simply a way to make sure you’re getting the right services, without duplication or gaps. 

You’ll be informed throughout the process and referred to other programs if your needs go beyond what VHC can provide (for example, you may be eligible for an aged care package or NDIS support in some cases). 

How Much Does It Cost? 

Some VHC services include a co-payment, but this can often be waived depending on your circumstances. Your assessor will explain any costs upfront, and we’ll help you understand what’s covered and what’s not so there are no surprises. 

Can I Access Other Services at the Same Time? 

Yes! VHC services can be combined with other programs, provided there’s no duplication. You might be able to access: 

• Aged Care Packages: For more complex or higher-level ongoing care. 

• NDIS services: If you’re under 65 and living with a disability. 

• Privately funded care: If you’d like to top up your services on a fee-for-service basis. 

Avivo has experience supporting customers across all these programs and can help coordinate them so everything works together seamlessly. 

How to Get Started 

At Avivo, we’ve proudly supported Western Australians for over 50 years, including many veterans and their families. We understand that life after service is unique and that getting the right support can make all the difference. 

If you’re ready to explore what services are available to you or a loved one, we’ll walk beside you every step of the way. Getting started is simple: 

• Call the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1800 838 372 and request a VHC assessment. 

• Nominate Avivo as your provider, we’ll work with you to design a support plan that meets your needs and goals. 

• Or, if you’re unsure where to start, contact our team directly and we’ll help guide you through it. 

What makes our veteran care different? It’s personal, practical, and built around you. No uniforms, no jargon, just real people offering respectful, down-to-earth help when and where you need it most.  

Our support workers are local, experienced, and ready to support you to live your way.