Veterans, war widows and widowers living in residential aged care will benefit from expanded access to clinically necessary allied healthcare services and rehabilitation aids and appliances, regardless of the level of care they are receiving.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the changes, which came into effect this week, mean all eligible veterans, widows and widowers can access the supports they need, when they need it.

“Previously, only those Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) clients with low level care have been able to access DVA-funded allied healthcare services and aids and appliances,” Minister Keogh said.

“All DVA clients will now have access to additional allied health services and rehabilitation aids and appliances in their residential aged care home on top of the services and aids already provided.”

The change has been made in line with the new funding model for residential aged care, the Australian National Aged Care Classification, which came into effect on 1 October 2022.

To find out more about residential aged care and to arrange a free assessment with an Aged Care Assessment Team, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

For more information on DVA’s Rehabilitation Appliances Program, visit www.dva.gov.au/providers/rehabilitation-appliances-program-rap