DVA – Rehabilitation Appliance Program (RAP)

DVA related FAQ's

• What is RAP?

  A. The Rehabilitation Appliance Program (RAP) helps eligible members of the veteran community to be independent and self-reliant in their own homes. Health care assessments and the provision of aids and appliances help to minimise the impact of disabilities, enhance quality of life and maximise independence. RAP provides equipment according to each persons assessed clinical need as part of the overall management of their health care.

• Am I eligible?

  A. You are eligible if you have an assessed clinical need for an aid or appliance and are
     • Gold Card holder
     • White Card holder (only for conditions accepted by DVA as related to service); or
     • Veteran from an allied country (only for conditions accepted by DVA as related to service)

• How do I access RAP?

  A. Your needs will be assessed by your doctor or a health professional, such as an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist. Their referral and prescription will be sent Aidacare or DVA to arrange issue of the item to you.

• Can I receive aids and appliances if I live in a Residential Aged Care Facility?

  A. This depends on the existing level of care you receive.
  DVA can provide RAP aids and appliances that the Australian Government funded aged care facility is not legally required to supply if you are receiving a lower level of care.
  DVA cannot supply RAP aids and appliances if you are receiving a greater level of care in an Australian Government funded aged care facility.
  
  The threshold for a person requiring a greater level of care within a residential aged care facility can generally be described as that being for:
     • a person who is identified as having a 'high domain category' in any one Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) domain; or
     • a 'medium domain' category in at least two ACFI domains.
  
  Please consult your Aged Care Provider.
  
  RAP items can be taken with you if you move from a lower level of care to a greater level of care, with the approval of your Aged Care Provider. DVA will still be responsible for the repair, maintenance and replacement of these items.

• What Home Modifications are available under RAP?

  A. DVA will pay for home modifications and household appliances if you have an assessed clinical need. By providing this service, DVA seek to assist you to continue living in your own home with:
     • improved independence and safety
     • reduced need for a carer
     • lower likelihood of moving away from your family, friends and community; and
     • reduced risk of falls.

• What else do I need to know about home modifications and household adaptive appliances?

  A. Home modifications will only be provided for one residence.
     • You do not need to own your home, but the owner must confirm you have been, or will be, a long-term resident.
     • The owner must approve all modifications in writing and agree that DVA will not restore the property to its former state when the modifications are no longer required.
     • DVA will only pay for home modifications completed by licensed builders.
     • DVA will not pay for repairs or maintenance to your home
  

• Can I get my aid or appliance delivered?

  A. Yes, aids and appliances will be delivered to your home and the freight charges will be covered by DVA.

• What if my equipment is broken?

  A. Contact Aidacare if your equipment needs to be repaired.

• What if I no longer need my equipment?

  A. If you do not need the equipment anymore, contact Aidacare to arrange its collection.