Aged care resources & FAQs
This page provides resources to help you learn about services available to support you as you age.
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The veteran’s guide to living independently
This guide has been developed to help you, your family and carers better understand the types of services that the commonwealth government can provide to help you stay independent and active in your own home. There is also information on respite care services to help carers have a well-deserved break.
The new aged care act will be implemented on 1 November 2025. It will introduce the Support at Home program which replaces Home Care Packages and the Short-Term Restorative Care Program. There are no changes to the services offered to eligible clients through DVA. This booklet is currently being updated. In the meantime, find out more about:
- the Support at Home program; and
- Living independently
The veteran's guide to moving into an aged care home
This guide has been designed to help you navigate your journey from living at home to moving into an aged care home. It provides information about how DVA can assist you with the process.
The new aged care act will be implemented on 1 November 2025 and will impact aged care fees and obligations for residential aged care residents as well as providers. This booklet is currently being updated to reflect new information. In the meantime, find out more about:
- The Aged Care Act 2024; and
- Understanding residential aged care costs
The veteran’s guide to living in an aged care home
This guide has been developed to help you, your family and carers better understand the health and wellbeing support available from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) while you are living in an aged care home.
The veteran's guide to better hearing
This guide has been developed a resource to help you understand the services available for better hearing.
A guide for veterans, family members and carers to Department of Veterans’ Affairs Community Nursing services.
Back to topVideo: Services for veterans and their families
This video has been developed to help veterans, their families and people working in the health and aged care sector better understand the range of services DVA can provide.
Frequently asked questions
How can DVA support partners and other carers of DVA clients?
DVA offers support for carers through residential and in-home respite. Open Arms also offers support to carers and partners of veterans.
Clients who are eligible for Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) can access respite care through DVA’s Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) program.
What happens to VHC domestic service once the eligible veteran dies or moves into residential care?
If your eligible spouse dies or moves into an aged care home, you may continue to receive any cleaning and garden maintenance services you were receiving for up to 12 weeks. This allows you to continue to be supported while you make other arrangements for support. Details on the criteria for eligibility can be found on the Veterans’ Home Care webpage. More information about government-funded domestic support is available from My Aged Care.
If your partner dies and you submit a claim for a War Widow/ers Pension within the 12-week period, services may continue until the VHC assessment agency is notified of the claim determination date.
Do I need to pay for aged care services?
Yes. DVA clients are expected to pay for government subsidised aged care services including the Support at Home program and residential aged care in the same way as other Australians. The Australian Government funds clinical services, but you may need to contribute to the cost of other aged care services. For more information visit:
- Other in-home aged care programs and DVA
- Understanding residential aged care costs
Some DVA services are available to DVA card holders at low or no cost. You can find out more information about DVA services on the Living independently page.
Can I afford residential aged care?
Many people are concerned about ageing and if they can afford to live in an aged care home. The Australian Government subsidises residential aged care to provide affordable and accessible care. If you are a resident in an aged care home, you are expected to contribute to your cost of care, subject to an assessment of your income and assets.
More information about the costs of living in an aged care home are available on the Understanding residential aged care costs webpage.
Visit the My Aged Care website and use the fee estimator to help you work out how much you might have to pay toward the cost of Support at Home services or residential aged care.
If you need more help or assistance, you may like to speak with an Aged Care Specialist Officer or officer from the Financial Information Service. More information on these services can be found at:
- Aged Care Specialist Officers; or
- Financial Information
If you are worried that you may not be able to afford your permanent residential aged care costs, you can ask to be considered for financial hardship assistance. If you are eligible, the Australian Government will pay some or all of your aged care fees for the period you are in hardship. Learn more about financial hardship assistance on the My Aged Care website.
Are there aged care homes for veterans?
While there are no aged care homes funded by the Australian Government that are specifically for veterans, some homes are recognised as providing specialised care for the veteran community. This is in line with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Specialisation Verification for aged care services framework.
The My Aged Care find a provider tool can tell you if a home has been recognised as providing specialised care to the veteran community. This can include homes that have:
- Veterans and ESOs involved in important leadership positions
- Staff that are specially trained to understand the experiences of veterans
- Spaces and services that are specifically designed to meet veterans’ unique needs
Not all aged care homes choose to get recognised veteran specialised status, and all aged care homes should meet your needs. You can ask the home before moving in if they are able to meet your unique needs. Download or order a copy of The veteran’s guide to moving into aged care for more help and information.
As a veteran, can I get priority of access to an aged care home?
No. Places in aged care homes can be limited, so access is based on assessment of needs, and the availability of beds.
To access residential aged care services, you need to have undergone an aged care assessment. Once you have been assessed as eligible for a place in an aged care home, you should find and connect with a facility that best suits your needs. You can use the find a provider tool to search for aged care homes near you.
Please note that availability in aged care homes can be limited, and management considers the suitability of each applicant with the services they can offer.
How can I give feedback or make a complaint about my aged care services experience?
For information on who you can contact to address concerns you may have about an aged care service, go to the Raising an aged care concern webpage.
Back to topHelp accessing aged care services
It’s no secret aged care can be confusing and it’s often difficult know where to start. You don’t have to do it alone. There are many services available through the government as well as independent services that can support you on your aged care journey.
The Help Accessing Aged Care Services page provides information on available support. There are also further support services to help you understand and navigate aged care. You can explore these options by visiting the Getting support in aged care webpage on the My Aged Care website.
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