The objective of the home modifications program is to assist you to remain in your home with enhanced independence and safety and to reduce dependency on carers.
Modifications also reduce the likelihood of having to move residence and the consequent dislocation from family, friends and community and to reduce the risk of falls. An example of a home modification is the replacement of a bath with a hobless shower to allow safe, independent showering and many other modifications are also available that address safety and access in the home. These include internal and /or external rails and/or ramps to access your home. Household adaptive appliances are items used to assist you if you have difficulty with everyday tasks, for example turning a key in a lock or opening jars. Items such as jar openers, key turners and reaching appliances are available to assist you.
If you have a Repatriation Health Card – For All Conditions (Gold Card) you may be eligible for home modifications, where there is a clinical need. If you have a Repatriation Health Card – For Specific Conditions (White Card) you may be eligible for home modifications relating to an accepted disability. To access this service your doctor will refer you to an occupational therapist to ascertain if you require home modifications or adaptive appliances. The occupational therapist will assess your clinical needs and provide you with information on what alternatives may be available. The occupational therapist will then make recommendations to DVA and you will be advised if the recommended modifications meet DVA’s guidelines and whether they will pay for the modifications. The condition of your home is also considered, as it must be structurally sound and identified as suitable living accommodation. A licensed builder can advise you of any structural issues you may have with your home. Your prognosis is also taken into account as home modifications can take considerable time to arrange and install and may cause disruption.
Alternative options are also explored and DVA will not pay for modifications to your home if there is no clinical need or if you were aware, at the time of moving into accommodation of a condition that could make access to your home difficult in the future. They will also not pay if you are in the process of, or have had, a compensation or insurance settlement in relation to the condition requiring the modification or if you are a resident of a residential aged care facility, state-owned housing, independent living unit or retirement village. DVA will not pay for non essential items, such as additional toilets, spa baths and for home renovations or installation of basic utilities, such as water, sewerage, lighting and heating and are provided for one residence only. If DVA has paid for modifications to your existing home and you choose to move to a less suitable home, you and/or the owner of the new home will have to pay for any future modifications.
You do not have to own your own home for DVA to pay for the modifications, but the owner of the home must confirm that you will be a resident on a long-term basis and must also agree in writing to the modifications and that DVA will not restore the property to its former state once the modifications are no longer required. You can also contact the Veterans’ Home Maintenance Line on 1800 80 1945 for advice on general home maintenance matters and referral to reliable and efficient tradespeople in your area.
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