What DVA Community Nursing can cover at home

Short answer: clinical nursing care delivered in the veteran's home — including wound care, medication support, diabetes management, continence, catheter and stoma care, palliative support and post-discharge nursing. Personal care can also be provided following clinical assessment.

The clinical services

• Wound care — assessment, dressing and management of acute and chronic wounds.
• Medication support — administration and support with a medication regimen.
• Diabetes care — monitoring and support for day-to-day management.
• Continence, catheter & stoma care — clinical management and education.
• Palliative support — nursing support to remain comfortable at home.
• Post-discharge nursing — continuity of clinical care after a hospital stay.
• Personal care following clinical assessment — where clinically indicated as part of the plan.

Care is delivered by credential-ready RNs, ENs and care workers, with clinical governance and an initial RN assessment to set the plan. Carehaven provides these services within its contracted scope and workforce competence.

How care is structured

After a referral, an RN completes a home assessment and agrees a care plan. Community Nursing is delivered as scheduled visits, with the number and type of visits matched to the assessed clinical need. Care commences under the DVA standard Schedule of Fees once referral and eligibility are in place; higher-needs situations that exceed standard thresholds are managed through DVA's Exceptional Case process by the provider.

What it is not

DVA Community Nursing is clinical care and clinically-assessed personal care in the home. It is distinct from general domestic assistance or social support programs. If a veteran's needs are non-clinical, another DVA program may be more appropriate — contact us and we'll help point you in the right direction.

Service area: Melbourne's outer north (Donnybrook, Craigieburn, Epping, Whittlesea) through Mitchell and the Macedon Ranges to Greater Bendigo.

Frequently asked

Is there a cost to the veteran?

DVA Community Nursing is funded by DVA for eligible clients and delivered under DVA's Schedule of Fees; eligible veterans are not charged for the funded service. Confirm individual entitlement with DVA.

Can personal care be included?

Yes — personal care can be provided following clinical assessment, as part of the nursing care plan.

How soon can care start?

Care can commence once a valid referral and eligibility check are in place. Carehaven confirms a referral the same business day and moves promptly to assessment.

What if needs are complex or high-intensity?

Higher-needs care beyond standard thresholds is managed through DVA's Exceptional Case process. Carehaven has operated within this process and can advise.

Refer a veteran for community nursing at home

Same-business-day confirmation. RN assessment and care plan handled by Carehaven.

Refer a veteran →

Or call our intake team on 1300 310 605

How to refer a veteran for DVA Community Nursing → Who can refer to DVA Community Nursing? → Download the one-page referral checklist →

General information, not clinical, legal or funding advice. Individual eligibility and funded services are determined by DVA. Sources: DVA Community Nursing provider & referral information (dva.gov.au).