Medication, equipment and devices in aged care

Learn about the additional medication, equipment and devices DVA clients living in an aged care home may access through their Veteran Card arrangements.

Managing Medication for DVA clients – RPBS and VAPAC

Aged care homes are expected to manage each resident’s medications, this includes assisting DVA clients with ordering, reordering and taking medications.

The Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) gives eligible Veteran Card holders access to pharmaceuticals and wound-care products in addition to those available under the general Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. 

The Veterans’ Affairs Pharmaceutical Advisory Centre (VAPAC) is a pharmaceutical phone centre that GPs or other health professionals can contact to get approval for medical scripts under the RPBS. 

Find out more on the pharmacy information for providers page. 

Accessing equipment for clients through DVA

Where an aged care home is funded to provide an aid or appliance it is expected it will do so. DVA does not duplicate these arrangements. Aged care homes are funded to provide standard and non-standard aids and equipment to meet clients’ needs, as assessed under their AN-ACC.

However, if a client has a clinical need that requires an item that the residential aged care facility is unable to provide, or the item is personalised or customised, DVA will consider providing this on a case-by-case basis through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). 

The RAP in Residential Aged Care List is a guide for aged care homes and prescribing health providers on items that may be supplied by DVA to clients living in aged care home.

Find out more on the RAP page.

Relocating with DVA supplied equipment

Some DVA clients already have aids and equipment provided by DVA under the RAP. 

Clients with DVA supplied equipment are encouraged to discuss the relocating of these items with you before relocating. Some items may already be supplied by you and some items may not be suitable to relocate to your aged care home as they may present an occupational risk to your team and other residents. You should let the client know if items are suitable to relocate with them before they move.

If you agree on an item relocating with the client, DVA will continue to fund the maintenance and repairs to this product. You or your client will need to advise the equipment supplier of the new address (contact details of the suppliers is normally on the equipment) so they know where to provide ongoing repairs and maintenance, if required.

Hearing devices

Hearing loss and tinnitus are two of the most common conditions experienced by veterans. 

Eligible clients Veteran Gold Card holders or Veteran White Card holders with hearing loss or tinnitus as an accepted condition can receive assistance, advice and high-quality devices through the Hearing Services Program (HSP), DVA’s Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) and the Tinnitus Program. 

Most hearing professionals are familiar with these programs and providing services to DVA clients. Generally, client hearing needs can be met through the HSP’s range of fully subsidised devices, however a combination of HSP hearing aids and RAP assistive listening devices may also be considered to manage individual client hearing more effectively. Where a client’s tinnitus can’t be managed through HSP and RAP devices, they may be eligible for assistance under the Tinnitus Program.

To make an appointment for a client with a hearing provider in the local area visit: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's Hearing Services Program page. 

To find out more and to download or order a copy of The veteran’s guide to better hearing, visit the hearing service information for providers page. 

Diabetes products

DVA clients living with diabetes can access a range of equipment and products to assist them in the management of their diabetes. 

Clients can also continue to get a limited range of diabetes consumables through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) through their local pharmacy. DVA funds the co-payment for Veteran Gold Card holders, and Veteran White Card holders with diabetes as an accepted condition, Pensioner Concession Card holders and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders. The NDSS helpline 1800 637 700.

Find out more about ordering diabetes products through DVA on the diabetes services page or call the provider enquiries line 1800 550 457. 

Stoma products 

The Stoma Appliance Scheme provides free stoma appliances to people who have a stoma (ostomates), through their stoma associations. All the items subsidised under the scheme are listed on the Stoma Appliance Scheme Schedule (SASC).

For eligible DVA clients requiring stoma products, DVA funds the annual membership fees to their local stoma associations and the delivery costs for these products.

Find out more at www.health.gov.au/stoma or DVA website page, call (02) 6289 2308 or email stoma@health.gov.au.

Medical Grade Footwear

The Medical Grade Footwear Program provides eligible DVA clients to access footwear when readily available everyday footwear cannot be used or modified due to the client’s foot structure or for clinical reasons. The MGF Program includes related services, such as footwear modification and repairs.

Find out more on the Medical Grade Footwear provider page.