Personal care and support for Australian Veterans
At Chris Barnard Health, we understand that living with a service-related injury or health condition can make everyday personal care activities more challenging. Our dedicated team provides compassionate, respectful and person-centred personal care services to help veterans remain comfortable, safe and as independent as possible in their own homes. Whether you need temporary assistance while recovering from surgery or ongoing personal care support, our team is here to help.
What is DVA Attendant Care?
The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Attendant Care program provides compensation to eligible veterans who require assistance with regular and essential personal care activities because of an accepted service-related injury or condition.
This support can help veterans manage everyday activities that have become difficult or impossible to complete independently.
Attendant Care may be approved for a short period during recovery from surgery or treatment, or for ongoing support where a service-related condition causes longer-term difficulties.
At Chris Barnard Health, our focus is on providing reliable, professional and personalised care that respects each veteran's individual needs, preferences and independence.
What services can we provide
Our experienced personal care and support staff can assist with a range of everyday activities, subject to individual DVA approval.
Who is eligible for DVA Attendant Care?
You may be eligible if:
- You have an injury or condition that DVA has accepted as service-related.
- Your accepted condition affects your ability to complete essential and regular personal care activities.
- DVA determines that Attendant Care assistance is reasonably required following consideration of your individual circumstances and supporting evidence.
Eligibility is determined by DVA and is not automatically granted based on holding a Veteran Gold or White Card.
Changes to eligibility from 1 July 2026
Following changes to veterans’ legislation, all new claims for Attendant Care compensation are assessed under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).
This means veterans with accepted service-related conditions previously covered under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) may now be eligible to apply for Attendant Care compensation.
Veterans who have previously been ineligible may wish to contact DVA to discuss their circumstances.
Step 1: Discuss your personal care needs
Speak with your GP, treating health professional or DVA about the difficulties you are experiencing with everyday personal care activities.
Step 2: Complete and submit your Attendant Care claim
Complete DVA Form D1351, Claim for Attendant Care Services, with supporting information from your treating health professional.
Download the form: DVA Form D1351 – Claim for Attendant Care Services
Once completed, submit your application to:
Email: hhs@dva.gov.au
This is DVA's designated email address for both Household Services and Attendant Care applications.
Alternatively, you can post your application to:
Department of Veterans' Affairs
GPO Box 9998
Brisbane QLD 4001
Need help with your application?
If you are unsure how to complete or submit your Attendant Care claim, our experienced veteran support team at Chris Barnard Health can help guide you through the process, explain the required documentation and assist you with submitting your application.
Your treating health professional must complete the relevant medical information, and DVA is responsible for determining your eligibility.
Step 3: DVA assesses your needs
DVA will review your application and may arrange an Activities of Daily Living assessment to determine the assistance reasonably required.
Step 4: Receive your DVA determination
If your claim is approved, DVA will provide written confirmation outlining your approved services, compensation amount and relevant conditions.
If you are unsure what your approval means or how to arrange your services, our experienced veteran support team can help you understand the next steps and discuss suitable care arrangements.
Step 5: Arrange your personal care services
Contact Chris Barnard Health to discuss your approved services, individual care needs and preferred arrangements.
Our team can work with you to develop an appropriate personal care plan and organise suitable staff, subject to confirmation of provider eligibility and service arrangements.
Why choose Chris Barnard Health?
Experienced healthcare and support workforce
Chris Barnard Health has an established workforce of registered nurses, enrolled nurses, personal care assistants and disability support workers.
For Attendant Care, we match appropriately skilled personal care staff to the veteran’s approved needs.
Personalised, respectful care
We understand that every veteran has different needs, routines and preferences. Our approach is centred on the individual, with a strong emphasis on dignity, privacy and independence.
Continuity and consistency
We aim to provide reliable support and consistent staffing wherever possible, helping veterans build trusting relationships with the people assisting them.
Experience supporting veterans
Chris Barnard Health is also a registered DVA Community Nursing provider. Our experienced veteran support team understands the challenges veterans and their families may face when navigating DVA services and transitioning between hospital and home.
We work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, hospital discharge teams and other service providers to help coordinate appropriate care.
Support for families and carers
We recognise the important role families and informal carers play. With the veteran’s consent, we work collaboratively with those involved in their care.