Have You Served?

[shorty]

NZ Military Service Before 1st April 1974

Did you serve prior to 1st April 1974 in any capacity?
Compulsory Military Training (CMT)
National Service
Territorial Service
Regular Military Service, Navy, Army, Air Force
Operational Service
If you did you are eligible to receive support from Veterans Affairs through the Veterans Independance Programme (VIP)
This free programme supports you to remain independent in your own home. You do not need to have a service related condition to receive this support,

VIP provides a number of services with the most popular being:
Lawn mowing and gardening services
House and path washing
Gutter cleaning
External window cleaning
Medical alarm
Podiatry
Household help

How to Access VIP services


Ring 0800 483 8372 Veteran Affairs Free Phone
Tell person who answers that you want to talk about VIP services ring you.
They will take your details and then put you through to a Case Manager if one is available or will have a Case Manager

THe Case Manager will:
Explain the assessment process
Explain your rights and responsibilities
Ask if you are free to do the needs assessment now.
estly
The Needs assesment
Is a series of straight forward questions to work out the level of support you need, Answer these questions
honestly and don't pretend to be a hero

A fall from a ladder when trying to clean the gutters is not a good option at any age!
VIP is not means tested and the services cost you nothing but a phone call and a little patience

[camtech]

Quite timely, Shorty. I asked two days ago. Got a reply today and sent through my info. Now waiting for the assessment.
Getting old is compulsory, but being pigheaded is entirely optional. With back issues, two dodgy knees, arthritis and a recent DVT, I'm not too proud to ask for help to live the best life I can.

[shorty]

I've been getting it since my partner died, best move I made especially with a replacement knee and needing clean gutters being on tank water,

[oj]

I am not quite as doddery as some of you sound to be, but I am interested since i will be 75 in the shade in two months time.
Can you tell me what is the nature of the people who do this work for you?
Are they retirees from the Menz Shed or younger charity workers?

[shorty]

Different firms are contracted by Veterans Affairs,
Here in Dunedin where I live the house wash and windows and gutters are done by Chemwash from Invercargill,
Lawns and gardens by Crewcut (26 mows per year and 2 hours gardening a month), Podiatry by Foot Mechanics and Home Help (incl inside windows) by Healthcare NZ

[Dave Homewood]

It is great that the government is actually looking after our older veterans and those who served back in the day.

[camtech]

Had a call yesterday - all good to go. Lawns and gardening, roof and house wash, drive and paths water blasted, gutters cleaned, windows cleaned, up to 2 hours a week housework and podiatry when needed. No need for a health assessment. Also advised to lodge paperwork for other assistance so my ACC funded hearing aids can be covered in future, and possible extra funding for long standing back injury.
Just have to wait now for my service to be confirmed and contractors (as Shorty mentioned) to be in touch to make arrangements.
While I'm a reasonably able 73 year old, some things are just a push too far for me or my wife to do safely without further damage.
I got the original heads up about this from one of the guys I joined up with.