What is convalescent care?

Convalescent care refers to short-term support overseen by skilled professionals to individuals recuperating from an illness, operation, or injury. This service is exclusively available to clients of The Department of Veterans' Affairs holding an approved Gold Card. For those with a veteran White Card, coverage for convalescent care is conditional upon the department covering the original hospital admission costs. 

Who benefits from convalescent care? 

The people who may benefit from convalescent care in an aged care residence are individuals who, with support, will recover their full independence in time and will at some point be able to regain their strength and manage without care. Those who need convalescent care are typically recovering from an illness, operation, or injury. Examples of why someone might need convalescent care are: 

• Post-surgery recovery
• Hospital discharge after a fall
• Following a stroke
• Acute illness
• Chronic diseases

Where can convalescent care be provided? 

Convalescent care can be provided in an approved aged care home, where 24/7 support can be given, public or private hospitals, supported residential services in Victoria and other suitable institutions but cannot be provided in your home. It is usually seen as highly effective as you will have access to equipment, experienced staff and a range of services that are included within the one price. Pricing for added extras such as physiotherapy and speech therapy if available will be explained to you by your social worker. 

Types of support offered 

A personalised plan for care and recovery is created for each resident, typically including various types of assistance including meal provision and preparation, medication administration, laundry, personal grooming, continence care, wound care, nursing support, and access to specialised equipment. 

How long does it take to convalesce? 

This will depend on the injury or illness from which you are recovering from. Each individual is different, and your care plan will be drawn up accordingly.  

What is the difference between convalescent care and rehabilitation? 

Convalescent care is primarily recovering centered around recovering your health and strength after a period of illness. 

Rehabilitation is the process of rehabilitating to regain function. 

Accessing Convalescent Care 

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs recommendation to access this service is via various healthcare professionals including hospital discharge planners, treating physicians, social workers, nurses, and an assessment through the DVA is necessary. Following assessment, approved care providers in the area are contacted for arrangements. 

Key Considerations

It's important to differentiate between residential respite care and convalescent care as they are distinct services.  

Additionally, Commonwealth funding for residential respite care cannot be used for convalescent care services.  

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs will not approve your convalescent care in a residential aged care home where serious risk to your health, safety and well-being has been identified. 

For further reading on costings visit our repayment-calculator and our homes.