We welcome DVA clients, DVA Veteran Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a GP referral.
If you’re a veteran or eligible DVA cardholder, you may be eligible for Exercise Physiology, Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology services through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). These services are designed to help manage chronic conditions, improve physical function, and support overall wellbeing.
We see veterans at our all abilities, wheelchair accessible rehabilitation facility on Main North Road, Salisbury Plain, at the Parafield Gardens Swim School for hydrotherapy, and at home where there’s a genuine need.
Who is eligible?
- Veteran Gold Card (Veteran Card – All Conditions): treatment for any health condition, where it’s clinically necessary.
- Veteran White Card (Veteran Card – Specific Conditions): treatment for the conditions DVA has accepted for you. If you’re not sure what’s covered, check with DVA or your GP.
- Orange Card: this card covers medicines only, so it can’t be used for allied health.
Our services for veterans
Exercise Physiology
Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists develop personalised programs tailored to your health goals, focusing on strength, mobility, balance, cardiovascular health and overall function. This includes falls prevention, chronic conditions, recovery after injury or surgery, and supervised hydrotherapy.
Learn more about Exercise Physiology for veterans
Occupational Therapy
Our occupational therapists help with everyday tasks and staying independent at home. That includes home safety and falls-risk assessments, advice on equipment and aids, and strategies for daily living after illness, injury or changes in health.
Speech Pathology
Our speech pathologists support communication, for example after a stroke or with a neurological condition, in the clinic or at home.
How to get started
- Speak with your GP. They can assess your health needs and, if appropriate, give you a referral to the service you need, usually on a DVA D904 referral form.
- Contact us. Call 0493 278 487 or send an enquiry. We’ll check your referral and card type and book your first appointment. DVA Veteran Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a GP referral.
- Your first appointment. Your therapist will assess your needs, talk about your goals and develop a personalised plan. With your consent, we’ll keep your GP updated.
Treatment cycles explained
DVA referrals to allied health work in treatment cycles. A referral lasts for up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever comes first. At the end of a cycle we send a report to your GP, who decides with you whether another cycle is needed. There’s no limit on the number of cycles, as long as your GP considers the treatment clinically necessary.
TPI Gold Card holders can get ongoing referrals for up to 12 months for Exercise Physiology, if it’s recommended by their GP.
Clinic, home and pool visits
- Clinic: 9a/1700 Main North Road, Salisbury Plain SA 5109. Our all abilities rehabilitation facility is wheelchair accessible.
- Home visits: available where there’s a genuine need, for example if it’s hard for you to travel, or if you need a home safety assessment. We’ll talk through the arrangements when you book.
- Hydrotherapy: Adelaide Wellbeing Society have joined forces with the Parafield Gardens Swim School to bring you tailored hydrotherapy with our Exercise Physiologists. Every session is 1:1 with your Exercise Physiologist.
We see veterans from across northern Adelaide, including Salisbury, Elizabeth, Mawson Lakes, Para Hills, Ingle Farm, Pooraka, Modbury, Golden Grove and Munno Para.
For GPs: how to refer
- Use the DVA D904 Request/Referral Voucher or a referral letter, naming the service (exercise physiology, occupational therapy or speech pathology) and the condition to be treated.
- Send it to admin@wellbeingsociety.com.au or use our online referral form, or your patient can bring it to their first appointment.
- We’ll contact your patient to book, and send you reports, including an end-of-cycle report.
Visit us before you start
We understand that starting something new can feel overwhelming. You’re welcome to call us and arrange a time to see our gym and rehab area, meet the team and ask any questions before your first appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to use my DVA card?
Yes. DVA Veteran Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a GP referral. Ask your GP for a referral to exercise physiology, occupational therapy or speech pathology, usually on a D904 form.
What’s the difference between the Gold Card and the White Card?
The Veteran Gold Card covers clinically necessary treatment for all health conditions. The Veteran White Card covers treatment for the conditions DVA has accepted for you. If you’re unsure, check with DVA or your GP.
How many sessions can I have?
A DVA referral lasts for up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever comes first. This is called a treatment cycle. Your GP can refer you for further cycles if they’re clinically necessary.
Can you see me at home?
Yes, where there’s a genuine need, for example if it’s difficult for you to travel or you need a home safety assessment. We’ll discuss the arrangements when you book.
Can I use my DVA card for hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy can be part of your exercise physiology treatment when it’s clinically necessary, with every session 1:1 with your Exercise Physiologist. Sessions are held at the Parafield Gardens Swim School.
Can my partner or carer come along?
Yes. You’re welcome to bring a partner, family member or carer to your appointments.
Do you provide physiotherapy or psychology?
No. We provide exercise physiology, occupational therapy and speech pathology, and we’re happy to work alongside your physiotherapist, psychologist and GP.
Ready to get started?
Speak to your GP today about a referral, then call us on 0493 278 487 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or send an enquiry.
We welcome DVA clients, DVA Veteran Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a GP referral.
Contact us
Adelaide Wellbeing Society
9a/1700 Main North Road, Salisbury Plain SA 5109
Phone: 0493 278 487
Email: admin@wellbeingsociety.com.au
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm