As of the 6th February 2015, Department of Veteran Affairs has ceased it Homefront falls prevention programme. To ensure that eligible veterans still have access to the products that were available through the HomeFront program, DVA have created a new category in the Rehabilitation Applicances Program (RAP) schedule.
The RAP Schedule has been enhanced to include a range of the falls prevention items which were supplied through the HomeFront programme. These include non-slip evadale indoor and outdoor mats, sensor lights, other lighting (such as night ligths and touch lamps), retractable garden hose and clothes handy lines. All RAP schedule products can be viewed on their website: https://www.mobilityservices.com.au/product.aspx
Frequently asked questions.
Question: How do I access falls prevention items?
Answer: You will need to undertake a RAP assessment which will be carried out by a health professional, usually an Occupational Therapist or Registered Nurse. If you believe you have a clinical need for a falls prevention item, just ask your GP for a RAP assessment and they will arrange for a health professional to go to your home and carry out a RAP assessment. If the assessment identifies that you clinically require items/services that are available on the RAP Schedule, then the health professional will work with DVA in delivering those items to you at no cost to you.
Question: I had my assessment in January 2015, but haven’t received my items yet. Will I still get them?
Answer: Yes. Items/services that were identified in an assessment prior to 6 February 2015 will be delivered to you. It can take up to two months to receive your items. If you do not receive your items within two months from the date of assessment please contact DVA and we will follow up for you.
Question: I have a HomeFront assessment scheduled after 5 February 2015, will this still go ahead?
Answer: No. The HomeFront programme ceased on 5 February 2015. If you require an assessment after that date, it will need to be done as a RAP assessment with a referral from your GP.
Question: Are all the HomeFront products available on the RAP schedule?
Answer: No, cordless telephones and remote power sockets have been removed. All the other standard products are available.
Question: Have any of the minor home modifications or maintenance services that were available through HomeFront transitioned to MFS/RAP?
Answer: Obviously some of the home modifications were already available through RAP such as Grab Rails, Non-Slip Surfacing and Step modifications. There have been some new AL21 additions to the RAP schedule including, toilet door reversal or installation of lift-off hinges; threshold wedge; relocation of door handles/locks and relocation of existing hanging rods in wardrobes.
Further information can be found at:
Australian Government DVA website: http://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/home-and-care/rehabilitation-appliances-program-rap
Allianz Global Assistance Mobility service website: https://www.mobilityservices.com.au/
*Information was gathered from the above websites.