Everything You Need To Know About the Veteran Rehab and Therapy in Australia

1. Everything You Need To Know About the Veteran Rehab and Therapy in Australia The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provides veteran rehab and therapyto entitled former and serving Australia Defence (ADF) cadets, reservists, and members. It is important to understand that no two individuals are the same. That is why DAV tailors each plan to suit the individual. The whole-of-person approach of these veteran rehab programs ensure that eligible veterans have complete access to clear information about their options so they can make informed choices for progressing their rehabilitation goals. With the help of “Veterans Health Programs”by DAV, the Australian veterans will be able to improve their overall health and wellbeing. In addition to this, they will also be able to adapt to and recover from any illness or injury related to their Australian Defence Force service. Rehabilitation Eligibility If you are incapacitated for services or work or have impairment as a result of a service injury or disease then you may be eligible for rehabilitation assistance through the department of veterans’ affair in Australia. ü You will be covered under the safety rehabilitation and compensation act 1988 (SRCA) or veterans’ entitlement act 1986 (VEA) if your injury relates to services before 1 July 2014. ü You may be covered under the military rehabilitation and compensation act 2004(MRCA) if your injury relates to service on or after 1 July 2004. ü Regardless of any injury or disease being related to rehabilitation service, the vocational rehabilitation provided under the VEA. Type of Rehabilitation Services

2. There are basically three types of rehabilitation which can be included in a DVA rehabilitation plan for veterans. Medical Management Rehabilitation It can help veterans manage treatment of their medical issues or if they have severe disabilities. Medical management rehabilitation could include assistance to help veterans manage medical appointments, understand medical information, treatment or medication, access aids and appliance for managing the impact of their injuries or illness or manage their self-care needs. Vocational Rehabilitation It is essential to understand that vocational rehabilitation for veterans is focused on help them return to meaningful and sustainable employment in Australia at a similar level to what they were doing prior to their injuries or disease. The activities carried out under this program include vocational assessment, provision of aids and appliances in the workplace, guidance or counselling, work experience, functional capacity assessments, work trails and voluntary work, job seeking assistance, and vocational training. Psychosocial Rehabilitation This training will help veterans move forward following an injury through recovery, improving functioning, community participation and quality of life. Activities carried out under the psychosocial rehabilitation are precisely aimed at addressing barriers to recovery of veterans and their rehabilitation goals. Different types of activities included in a psychosocial rehabilitation program are pain management programs, skill development, individual or group counselling sessions, alcohol and drug management programs, lifestyle or hobby development programs, and attendant care services. Rehabilitation Process

3. A link between you and your rehabilitation service provider, allied health workers, service providers and training organizations, and medical practitioners is your rehabilitation coordinator. The following process will generally apply if your claim for an Australian armed forces service related illness or injury has been accepted. Rehabilitation Referral Your DVA rehabilitation coordinator makes a referral to a local approved rehabilitation service provider for the purpose of assessing the rehabilitation needs and highlights those needs that are urgent. Rehabilitation Assessment By the approved service provider, the rehabilitation assessment is undertaken for determining any urgent and ongoing medical management, vocational or psychosocial rehabilitation needs. It is important to understand that finding of the assessment are reported back to your DVA coordinator and to you. Rehabilitation Plan and service providers It clearly states what your rehabilitation goals are and how you will reach them over a period of time. Developed with a rehabilitation service provider, your plan will include elements of some or all rehabilitation activities.