At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide physiotherapy and allied health services for eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) clients in Perth. 

We offer appointments in clinic and, where suitable, via mobile visits, with services tailored to the person’s goals, current function, referral pathway and day-to-day needs.

We understand that veterans and their families may be looking for practical support to help with mobility, strength, rehabilitation, independence, communication, swallowing, equipment needs, or day-to-day function. 

Our team provides a respectful, person-centred approach focused on helping people stay as active, safe and independent as possible.

DVA services available at Palms

Depending on referral pathway, clinical need and eligibility, our DVA-related services may include:

• Physiotherapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Exercise Physiology

• Speech Pathology

DVA’s health support information lists these disciplines among the allied health services available to eligible members of the veteran community.

Physiotherapy for DVA Clients

Physiotherapy may assist eligible DVA clients with:

• mobility and walking difficulties

• balance and falls-related concerns

• strength and physical function

• musculoskeletal rehabilitation

• pain-related movement limitations

• recovery after illness or reduced activity

• safe transfers and general physical confidence

Our physiotherapy services are tailored to the individual’s presentation and goals, with treatment focused on practical function and participation.

Occupational Therapy for DVA Clients

Occupational therapy may help with:

• daily living tasks

• fatigue management

• home safety and functional setup

• seating and equipment needs

• mobility and transfer-related function

• recommendations for home access and independence

• assistive technology and environmental support

For some clients, OT may also form part of the process for equipment, aids, or home-based functional recommendations.

Exercise Physiology for DVA Clients

Exercise physiology may be suitable for eligible DVA clients who need support with:

• strength and endurance

• physical reconditioning

• exercise participation

• movement confidence

• physical capacity for daily life

• long-term condition management where exercise is clinically appropriate

DVA describes exercise physiology as treatment with a strong focus on clinical exercise prescription, physical activity education and behaviour modification, particularly in relation to chronic conditions and self-management.

Speech Pathology for DVA Clients

Speech pathology may support eligible veterans with:

• communication difficulties

• cognitive-communication concerns

• swallowing and mealtime issues

• voice-related changes

• speech and language support where clinically relevant

Support is based on the person’s needs, referral and clinical presentation.

Clinic and Mobile Appointments

We offer clinic-based appointments as well as mobile services, depending on the service type, the person’s location, therapist availability and whether home-based support is clinically appropriate.

In-clinic appointments

Clinic appointments may suit people who benefit from:

• a structured therapy environment

• access to equipment and treatment spaces

• supervised therapy in a dedicated clinical setting
  
  

Mobile visits

Mobile visits may suit people who:

• have difficulty travelling

• benefit from therapy in their own home

• need support linked to daily routines and real-life function

• require home-based assessment of mobility, access, or equipment needs
  
  

Referrals and DVA treatment cycles

DVA’s allied health arrangements generally operate under a treatment cycle model. A referral is usually required, and a treatment cycle generally lasts for up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever ends first. If further treatment is needed, allied health providers generally report back to the client’s usual GP for review and consideration of another cycle.

Depending on the discipline and circumstances, an initial referral may come from a GP, and in some cases from a medical specialist, treating hospital doctor, or hospital discharge planner. Specific referral rules can differ by service type.

Gold Card and White Card considerations

Eligibility for treatment depends on the client’s DVA card type and the reason for treatment. In general, White Card access is limited to accepted service-related conditions or specific approved treatment pathways, while broader access may apply for eligible Gold Card holders.

Aids, appliances and home-related supports

DVA also provides support through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP), which supplies aids, appliances, equipment and some modifications to help eligible clients remain as independent and self-reliant as possible in their own home. The RAP schedule sets out what items are available, who can prescribe or request them, and whether prior approval is needed.

Depending on the person’s needs and the clinician’s scope, Palms may be able to assist with:

• functional assessment

• mobility aid assessment and recommendation

• selected equipment-related clinical input

• home safety and access considerations

• liaison around aids and appliances where appropriate

Complex home modifications have specific RAP criteria and approval requirements.

Our approach to veteran care

At Palms, we aim to provide care that is:

• respectful

• practical

• person-centred

• tailored to real-life function

• collaborative with GPs, specialists, carers and family where appropriate

We understand that no two veterans have the same goals, health background or support needs. Our role is to provide allied health support that is relevant, measured and clinically appropriate.

Why choose Palms for DVA services?

Clients and families may choose Palms because we offer:

• a range of allied health services in one place

• clinic and mobile appointment options

• support for adults and older adults

• practical, function-focused therapy

• collaboration across disciplines where needed

• a local Perth-based service
  
  

Looking for DVA physiotherapy or allied health in Perth?

Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health provides physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology and speech pathology for eligible DVA clients in Perth, with clinic and mobile appointments available where suitable.

Contact our team to discuss referrals, appointment options and the most appropriate service for your needs.