DVA Home Care & Community Nursing in Central West & Western NSW
DANS is contracted by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) to deliver two in-home programs: Veterans' Home Care for everyday help around the home, and Community Nursing for clinical and personal care from our nurses. Both help eligible veterans, war widows and widowers stay safely at home.
At a glance
Two DVA programs. Which one fits?
If you need a hand with cleaning, showering or keeping up with the garden, that's Veterans' Home Care. If you need a nurse for things like wound care, medication or care after a hospital stay, that's Community Nursing. Some veterans get both. Not sure which applies to you? Call us and we'll work it out together.
Need help in the meantime?
We can provide private care while your DVA assessment or referral is being arranged.
What does it cost?
DVA funds both programs. With Veterans' Home Care you pay a small co-payment. With Community Nursing there's no cost to you.
- Veterans' Home Care: $5 an hour, capped at $5 a week for domestic assistance and $10 a week for personal care.
- Veterans' Home Care: no co-payment for respite. Home and garden maintenance is capped at $75 a year.
- Community Nursing: no cost to you when you're eligible and your care is referred.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility depends on three things.
Your Veteran Card
Veteran Card – All Conditions (Gold) holders can access both programs. Veteran Card – Specific Conditions (White) holders may be eligible when the care relates to an accepted condition.
Living at home
Both programs are for people living in their own home.
The help you need
Veterans' Home Care is for everyday tasks you find hard. Community Nursing is for an assessed clinical need.
How to get started with DVA care at home
Call us before you contact DVA. We'll tell you which program suits your situation, who you need to speak to and what to have ready. It saves time and false starts.
We offer a free 60-minute consultation
Step 1: Check your Veteran Card
Find out whether you hold a Gold or White Card. White Card holders will need the care to relate to an accepted condition.
Step 2: Take the right path in
For Veterans' Home Care, call the VHC assessment agency on 1300 550 450. For Community Nursing, ask your GP, hospital doctor or discharge planner for a written referral to DANS.
Step 3: Get your care plan
VHC clients receive a care plan from the assessor. For Community Nursing, one of our registered nurses visits you at home, assesses your needs and writes your nursing care plan.
Step 4: DANS starts your care
Tell the assessor or your doctor you'd like DANS. We'll call you to set a time that suits and handle the setup with DVA.
Our story began with veterans
DANS started in Dubbo in 2000 with two nurses and a simple idea: local people caring for local people. Our very first clients were veterans, and supporting the veteran community has been part of who we are ever since.
Veterans' Home Care: everyday help
Practical support to keep you independent: domestic assistance, personal care, respite and home and garden maintenance. Your care plan sets out what you receive and how often.
Community Nursing: nursing care at home
Clinical and personal care from our registered and enrolled nurses and care workers, including wound care, medication help, showering and dressing, and palliative care. You need a referral from your GP, treating doctor, hospital discharge planner or a nurse practitioner.
What you'll pay
Veterans' Home Care has a $5 an hour co-payment with weekly and yearly caps, and no co-payment for respite. Community Nursing costs you nothing.
DVA funds your care directly. For VHC you may need to cover supplies, such as light globes or tip fees.
Some of the DVA services we deliver at home
Here's what each program can include. What you receive depends on your card, your assessment and your care plan.
Support with daily routines, delivered with dignity and care
Safe, timely help to manage medications and stay on track
Short-term care so carers can rest and recharge with confidence
Help with cleaning, organising and tasks to keep your home running
Registered nurses and care staff for health, medication and recovery support
Registered nurses for health, medication and managing life-limiting illness
Calm, consistent support for people living with dementia
Round-the-clock care for safety, comfort and peace of mind
Registered nurses for health, medication and recovery support
Reliable transport and support so appointments are never missed
Professional care to support healing and reduce complications
Assistance with preparing meals and eating at home
Help with groceries, shopping and social outings
Your DVA getting started checklist
Have your Veteran Card, your GP's details and a list of your medications ready. Our checklist covers the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Questions about in-home care, funding, and getting started? We've answered the ones we hear most.
Can veterans access aged care through DANS?
Yes. Eligible veterans, war widows and widowers can access in-home aged care through their DVA entitlements, and DANS delivers that care across Central West NSW - from everyday support through to nursing.
What types of support can DVA aged care include?
DVA-funded support can include personal care, domestic assistance, transport to appointments, community nursing, medication support and in-home respite. What you receive depends on your entitlement and assessed needs.
Can DANS help explain DVA aged care options?
Yes. DVA arrangements have their own rules and paperwork, and DANS deals with them regularly. We can explain what your entitlement covers, what information DVA needs and how to get services started. Contact us with your card details handy.
Still have questions?
Get in touch. We're here to help.
Ready to get started?
We’d be happy to speak with you. Contact us for a free care assessment, or simply have a chat with our team to ask questions and understand your options.
