Wondering about DVA community nursing eligibility? If you are a veteran, or a war widow or widower, DVA-funded nursing care in your own home may be available. This plain-language guide explains who is eligible, what the Veteran Card requirements are, and how to get started.
What is DVA community nursing?
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) funds contracted providers to deliver clinical nursing and personal care in the home for eligible Veteran Card holders. This can include help with wound care, medication, hygiene, showering and dressing. Astute Living Care is a DVA-contracted provider of community nursing for veterans and war widows and widowers.
Who is eligible for DVA community nursing?
To receive DVA community nursing, you need a Veteran Card and an assessed clinical need for the service. There are two card types:
- Veteran Card – All Conditions (the Gold Card): covers clinically required care for all conditions.
- Veteran Card – Specific Conditions (the White Card): covers care only where it relates to an accepted service-related injury or condition. In this case, the provider must check with DVA before starting care.
War widows and widowers who hold a Veteran Card may also be eligible, based on the same assessed clinical need.
What does “assessed clinical need” mean?
Eligibility is based on your clinical and personal care needs, not just your card. A DVA-contracted community nurse assesses what you need, develops a care plan, and reviews it over time. In short, the care is matched to the level of nursing and personal support you genuinely need at home.
Do I have to pay for DVA community nursing?
No. For eligible Veteran Card holders, there is no cost for community nursing services based on your assessed clinical and personal care needs. DVA funds the care directly.
How do I get a referral?
You need a written referral from an authorised referrer, such as your GP or hospital, sent directly to a DVA-contracted community nursing provider. A referral is required when you are new to community nursing, when you have been out of care for more than 28 days, or at the end of each continuous 12-month period of care. You can also call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) to find out more.
How Astute Living Care can help
Astute Living Care is a DVA-contracted community nursing provider. We deliver compassionate, in-home clinical and personal care for veterans and war widows and widowers, with a focus on dignity and independence at home. If you would like to arrange care, ask your GP to send a referral to Astute Living Care, contact us, or call 1300 764 253.
For the full, official eligibility criteria, see the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) community nursing information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for DVA community nursing?
Veteran Card holders (All Conditions or Specific Conditions) with an assessed clinical need. For a Specific Conditions card, the care must relate to an accepted service-related condition.
Is there a cost for DVA community nursing?
No. There is no cost for eligible Veteran Card holders, based on your assessed clinical and personal care needs.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. You need a written referral from an authorised referrer when you are new to community nursing, have been out of care for over 28 days, or at the end of each 12-month period of care.
Can war widows or widowers receive community nursing?
Yes. War widows and widowers who hold a Veteran Card may be eligible, based on an assessed clinical need.
How do I start with Astute Living Care?
Ask your GP to send a referral to Astute Living Care, or call us on 1300 764 253 to talk through your needs.
