Understanding DVA clients living in aged care

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This page provides information to help residential aged care providers, and their teams better understand DVA clients and how their Veteran Cards can be used to access more supports.  

DVA encourages clients to identify themselves to their aged care provider when they begin looking or living in an aged care home, so you can provide them with extra support available through DVA. 

A guide for residential aged care teams supporting Department of Veterans’ Affairs clients has been developed to further help aged care providers and their teams understand the range of supports available to them and DVA clients.

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Introducing DVA and our clients

Learn about us and our clients.

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Understanding Veteran Cards

We issue cards that give our clients access to certain benefits. These benefits depend on the card type and may help your resident to access additional support services. Some Australian Defence Force members may not have a DVA Veteran Card and may need to apply to DVA to obtain a card.

Find out more on the Veteran Cards for Providers page.

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Recognition in aged care - ordering products

We have developed a range of recognition products to be used by you, veterans and war widow(er)s to recognise their contributions to our nation and to remind your team of their eligibility for additional supports through DVA.

To order stickers and access electronic assets go to www.dva.gov.au/AC-recognition-products.

In addition, DVA clients may also apply for the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant (the Covenant). The Covenant serves to recognise and acknowledge the unique nature of military service and the contribution of veterans and their families.

Find out more on the Covenant page.

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Commemorating military service

Commemorations provide recognition, respect and acknowledgement to all Australian veterans.

The Anzac Portal provides a list of days of commemoration in Australia and has a range of kitbags or resources including suggested order of service, flag protocols, music suggestions and the national anthem.

Ex-service organisations (ESO) – provide localised supports and services for current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families including:

  • Advocacy services
  • Visitation services at home, hospital and aged care homes
  • Financial help
  • Holding commemorative services
  • Social activities
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Understanding military service – for your team

It is helpful if you and your team caring for veterans or war widow(er)s have some understanding of how veterans and their experience is recognised in Australia, noting that not all cultures see military personnel in the same manner.

In Australia, veterans are recognised for their selflessness and willingness to defend Australia and Australia’s interest both at home and abroad. Partners and families of veterans are normally highly resilient and adaptable as they must relocate frequently or can experience long periods apart.

Find out more about training available for your teams to improve their understanding of military service on the supports for aged care teams page.

If you would like to better understand the experiences veterans and their families have gone through you can listen to their stories by following the links below:

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