When health needs change, veterans and their families need clear answers about residential and in-home support. Nursing home, respite and community nursing care sit across DVA and My Aged Care, with several assessments and approvals involved.
This guide explains what the Gold Card covers, how ACAT fits in, and what you may still pay. For the full picture of the card, see our DVA Gold Card guide, and to compare cards, our DVA card eligibility page.
Article at a glance
- DVA does not run nursing homes: it may contribute to care costs where there is clinical need.
- ACAT is mandatory: an Aged Care Assessment Team approval is required for residential aged care.
- Care, not accommodation: room and means-tested fees usually sit with My Aged Care.
- Community nursing: clinical care at home for Gold or White Card holders, usually no out-of-pocket cost.
What nursing home services are covered?
It starts with the distinction between health care and aged care accommodation. DVA does not own or operate nursing homes. Instead, it may contribute to the cost of care when a veteran meets eligibility and a clinical need exists. Depending on circumstances, this can apply to residential aged care, short-term respite and palliative care. Access depends on Gold Card status, assessed clinical needs and the outcome of an ACAT assessment, which is mandatory for residential aged care even for veterans already supported by DVA. Accommodation costs and bonds sit outside DVA’s direct funding and may involve means testing through My Aged Care, so cover is never automatic.
Respite care
Respite care provides short-term residential support for veterans who need extra care for a limited period, or for carers who need a break. It can support recovery after illness or injury, or offer temporary relief during periods of strain. Access usually involves an ACAT assessment, as placements occur through approved aged care facilities. Respite may be planned ahead or arranged on an emergency basis, but availability varies by location and provider, and approval does not guarantee immediate access.
The DVA Community Nursing Program
Community nursing supports veterans who need ongoing clinical care while remaining at home, either as an alternative to residential care or alongside other supports. Based on assessed clinical need, services may include:
- Clinical nursing care in the home
- Medication management and monitoring
- Wound care and post-hospital support
- Assistance with personal hygiene
- Palliative care support for complex conditions
To access community nursing, a veteran must hold a Gold or White Card and receive approval based on clinical assessment. Care is delivered by DVA-approved providers and usually involves no out-of-pocket cost.
How DVA nursing care differs from standard aged care
The two systems can work together but serve different purposes. DVA nursing care is clinically driven and tailored to veterans, funded through DVA and focused on healthcare needs arising from illness, injury or ageing, with support provided when clinical need is established rather than by financial assessment. Standard aged care is administered through My Aged Care for the broader population, with access and ongoing costs assessed on income and assets and services covering accommodation, daily living support and personal care.
Frequently asked questions
Does DVA pay for nursing homes?
In some cases. DVA may contribute to care costs when you hold a Gold Card, a clinical need is confirmed, and an ACAT assessment approves residential aged care at an approved provider. Accommodation and means-tested fees may still apply through My Aged Care.
Do I need an ACAT assessment?
Yes. ACAT approval is mandatory for residential aged care, even for veterans already supported by DVA.
Can I get nursing care at home instead?
Yes. The DVA Community Nursing Program provides clinical care at home for Gold or White Card holders, based on assessed need and usually at no out-of-pocket cost.
Need guidance on care options?
These decisions often come at hard moments. Our expert team can help you understand your options without pressure.
Related from KSC Law
- DVA card eligibility: Gold, White and Orange
- DVA Gold Card: benefits and eligibility
- DVA Gold Card and private hospital care