Question 1

What is DVA Community Nursing?

Accepted Answer

The DVA Community Nursing Program funds clinically required nursing and personal care services provided in your home by registered nurses, enrolled nurses and personal care workers. Services can include help with medication, wound care, hygiene, showering, dressing and palliative care.

Question 2

Am I eligible for DVA Community Nursing?

Accepted Answer

You may be eligible if you have an assessed clinical need for nursing and/or personal care at home and hold a DVA Gold Card — or a DVA White Card for an accepted service-related condition. Speak to your GP or contact us and we can help clarify your eligibility.

Question 3

How much does DVA Community Nursing cost?

Accepted Answer

DVA Health Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a GP referral. If you have any questions about payment arrangements, contact DVA or visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs website.

Question 4

How do I get a referral?

Accepted Answer

You need a written referral from your GP, treating medical practitioner, hospital discharge planner or a nurse practitioner specialising in community nursing. GP referrals are valid for 12 months. Hospital referrals are valid for 6 weeks, after which a new GP referral is needed. Contact us and we can guide you through the process.

Question 5

What happens after my referral is received?

Accepted Answer

Once we receive your referral, one of our registered nurses will visit you at home to assess your clinical needs. The nurse will then prepare a written nursing care plan tailored to your requirements and discuss it with you.

Question 6

Who delivers the care?

Accepted Answer

Care is delivered by our registered nurses (RNs), enrolled nurses (ENs) and personal care workers — depending on the type of care you need. All clinical decisions are made by our registered nursing team in coordination with your GP.

Question 7

Can I change my Community Nursing provider?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you wish to change providers, you will need a new referral from your GP. You are not locked in to any particular provider. We are happy to discuss your needs and assist with a smooth transition.

Question 8

What should I tell my nursing provider?

Accepted Answer

Please let us know if you are going into hospital, your level of care needs change, you are planning to move to another location, or if you are unhappy with any aspect of your care. Early communication ensures we can keep your care plan up to date and appropriate.

Question 9

How are my care needs reviewed?

Accepted Answer

The amount and type of care you receive is reviewed regularly by a registered nurse, in consultation with you, to make sure you are getting the right level of care. Your plan will be updated as your needs change.

Question 10

Which suburbs do you service?

Accepted Answer

We are based in Wyndham Vale and service seven Victorian DVA regions — Western, Northern, Eastern and Southern Metro, Barwon South-Western, Grampians and Loddon Mallee. You can see every council we service on our Locations page. If you're unsure which council covers your address, call us and we'll check it for you.

Question 11

Can I receive DVA Community Nursing if I have a My Aged Care Home Care Package (HCP)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can, but there are specific rules to avoid duplicate funding. DVA Community Nursing can co-exist with a Home Care Package (HCP) as long as the same service is not being funded by both. For example, your Home Care Package can fund domestic support or gardening, while DVA funds your clinical nursing needs (such as wound care or medication management). We coordinate directly with your package provider to ensure seamless care.

Question 12

Do you help with DVA paperwork and coordination?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. We take care of all the administration, from liaising with your GP and the Department of Veterans' Affairs to managing the referral administration. Our clinical team ensures your care is set up smoothly without any administrative burden on you or your family.

Your questions, answered plainly

Wondering if DVA Community Nursing is right for you?