DVA Personal Care and Domestic Assistance Services

Personal care involves assistance with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, meals, and cleaning-provided by trained support workers with Certificate III/IV qualifications. Community nursing involves clinical healthcare like wound care, medications, and health monitoring-provided by AHPRA Registered Nurses. Personal care supports daily independence; nursing addresses medical needs. Many DVA clients receive both services coordinated together for comprehensive support.

We aim for continuity wherever possible. Having the same support worker means they know your preferences and routines, build trust and familiarity, provide consistent quality support, and understand your needs. Occasionally you might see different support workers due to leave or scheduling, but we minimize changes to maintain consistency.

Absolutely. These are your services supporting your independence. You decide what tasks you need help with, what you prefer to do yourself, how you want things done, what schedule works for you, and what cultural or personal preferences we should respect. We’re here to support you, not take over-you remain in control of your life and home.

You only receive the services you need. Some veterans need comprehensive support across all areas; others need specific help like just meals or just cleaning. We tailor services to your individual needs and DVA authorization. Services can start with limited support and expand if needs increase, or reduce if independence improves.

Yes. All our support workers receive DVA service training understanding veteran needs and experiences, cultural sensitivity and respect training, person-centered care approaches, safety and dignity in personal care, understanding of veteran health conditions and challenges. We select team members who are compassionate, respectful, and appropriate for working with veterans.

Yes. Our meal preparation service accommodates diabetic diets, heart-healthy low-sodium cooking, renal (kidney) diet requirements, texture-modified meals for swallowing difficulties, gluten-free and allergy requirements, cultural and religious dietary practices (Halal, Kosher, etc.), vegetarian or specific preferences. We work with your dietary needs and coordinate with dietitians when needed.

Contact us and we’ll reassess your needs. If your support requirements increase, we coordinate with your GP about increased services, work with DVA to authorize additional support, adjust your care plan to match current needs. DVA services are flexible-they adapt to your actual needs with appropriate justification and coordination.

Our domestic assistance covers light garden maintenance like watering plants and basic tidying. For significant gardening or home repairs, DVA offers separate programs (DVA Home and Garden Maintenance) that we can help you access. We coordinate across DVA services to ensure all your home maintenance needs are addressed through appropriate programs.

Privacy and dignity are paramount. We ensure bathroom doors are closed during personal care, minimize exposure during bathing and dressing, allow you to do as much as you can yourself, explain what we’re doing before we do it, respect your modesty and preferences, use towels and clothing to maintain coverage, work at a pace comfortable for you. You’re always treated with respect and dignity.

For DVA-authorized services provided by approved providers like Gratifying Care, there are no gap fees or out-of-pocket costs. We bill DVA directly. You don’t receive invoices or pay upfront.

Gold Card holders: All approved personal care and domestic services covered.

White Card holders: Services covered for needs related to accepted conditions. DVA funding ensures you receive needed support without financial barriers.