Caring for older DVA clients
This page provides information to help carers of older DVA clients. This page is for anyone who provides everyday care to another person. The information on this page is to help you in your role as a carer.
Back to topNominating a representative
You may choose to authorise someone to be your nominated representative when dealing with us. A nominated representative can be a partner, adult relative, trustee, agent, legal representative or organisation. You can set up a nominated representative using MyService or by complete this form - Appointing a third party to represent a DVA client. For more information visit the nominated representative webpage.
Please note that this form only authorises representation with DVA. Other government departments or services may require you to create other arrangements. Information on representation arrangements for other departments can be found on the Help accessing aged care services page.
Back to topPlanning ahead
As you age, your needs may change, so it is important to get your affairs in order to ensure the best outcomes for you and your family.
Planning ahead will ensure your wishes are known and will help when dealing with government and future changes of circumstances. There are a few documents you should arrange to have in place such as a will, power of attorney and advanced care directives.
To assist with this, the Department has created the Planning Ahead booklet. This booklet has a personal information sheet and checklist which can be very helpful following a bereavement.
The planning ahead kit can be downloaded on the Planning ahead kit page of the website.
Back to topCaring for someone with dementia
Dementia Australia
Dementia Australia is the national peak body who provide trusted information, education and support services for people living with dementia, their families and carers. You can find more information on the Dementia Australia website or by calling 1800 100 500.
Dementia Support Australia
Caring for a person with dementia can be difficult particularly when behaviour changes impact the care of people you love, it can be hard to know what to do. Dementia Support Australia has a 24-hour help line to help you as a carer because sometimes it is hard to know what to do. Dementia Support Australia is here to help call 1800 699 799.
Back to topAged care information and assistance
Wellbeing Advocates
If you need assistance with accessing support, you might consider engaging the services of a wellbeing advocate.
Wellbeing advocates are often ex-service personnel who have undergone training to assist DVA clients with accessing compensation and wellbeing services. You can find more information on advocates on the What is an advocate webpage. You can search for accredited advocates in your area by visiting the Advocate Register web page.
National Aged Care Advocacy Program
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is funded by the Australian Government to provide information and support to older people and their representatives. It is a free, national service to help older people access and address issues related to aged care.
For more information visit www.opan.com.au or call the National Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600 Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm or Saturday 10am-4pm.
Veterans’ Access Network
The Veterans' Access Network (VAN) are your first point of contact with DVA. They provide general information, can connect you with relevant areas of the Department, and can make referrals to appropriate external entities where necessary. They can be reached by phone on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) face to face at staffed locations around Australia or by email to generalenquiries@dva.gov.au. You can find the locations of our VAN officers on the Location Finder web page.
Aged Care Specialist Officers
An Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO) is part of My Aged Care face-to-face services. They can help with your aged care matters. More information can be found on the Aged Care Specialist Officer page of the Services Australia website. You can book an appointment with an ACSO by visiting a services centre or calling Services Australia on 1800 227 475.
My Aged Care
My Aged Care is responsible for helping older people navigate and access government-funded aged care services that are separate from DVA, such as the Support at Home program, Home care packages and residential aged care. More information can be found by visiting the My Aged Care website or by calling the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422.
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is the national regulator of aged care services and protect the health, safety and wellbeing of older Australians. You can find more information by visiting the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website or calling 1800 951 822.
Back to topSocial Support
It is important to your mental health and wellbeing that you remain social and connected to your friends and community. These friends and community can also support you in your caring role by providing a social outlet which can greatly improve your quality of life.
Ex-service Organisations
Ex-service organisations offer veterans opportunities to socialise with peers who have similar stories and backgrounds. Many local organisations offer social outings and get togethers which may provide you a break.
Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme
Volunteer visiting is a free service that aims to provide friendship and companionship to older people and help develop social connections. It focuses on the needs of older people from particular linguistic, cultural and complex vulnerability backgrounds who may be at greater risk of social isolation. This included veterans. For more information on the scheme, you can visit the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme web page on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s website.
Help 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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