Life! Program & Coordinated Veterans Care Program

Coordinated Veteran's’ Care (CVC) Program

The Coordinated Veterans’ Care (CVC) Program is an initiative from the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) designed to improve the coordination and delivery of health care for eligible Gold Card veterans.

The program aims to help prevent avoidable hospital admissions by identifying and addressing health concerns early, with the goal of supporting veterans to remain living safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

The program is primarily designed for veterans with complex care needs, including those with two or more chronic diseases or conditions and multiple health care providers involved in their care.

Participation in the program is voluntary, and veterans can choose to withdraw from the program at any time.

How the program works

Our CVC Program Coordinator, Mrs Leanne Dyke, Registered Nurse, assesses each veteran and develops an individualised care plan. The care plan is discussed with the veteran and their GP to ensure their health care needs are appropriately identified and managed.

Follow up occurs regularly, based on the veteran’s individual needs. This may be provided by telephone, at the clinic or through a home visit. The CVC Program Coordinator works closely with the veteran’s GP and other health care providers as required to ensure their care remains coordinated and responsive to their changing needs.

The care plan is reviewed at least annually, or earlier if there is a significant change in the veteran’s health or circumstances.

Support through the CVC Program continues until the veteran becomes ineligible or chooses to withdraw from the program.

How does the Life! Program work?

At Hamilton Medical Group, the Life! group course is delivered face-to-face by our Registered Nurse and Accredited Life! Program Facilitator, Mrs Rowena Farquharson.

The program consists of seven sessions over 12 months, providing ongoing support to help you make and maintain positive lifestyle changes.

Each group generally consists of 8–10 participants. Face-to-face group sessions run for approximately 1.5–2 hours.

The Life! Program is a free healthy lifestyle program. Funded by the Victorian Government and coordinated by Diabetes Victoria. It is the largest prevention program of its kind in Australia.

What will you learn?

Introduction session – Setting your goals. Meet one-on-one with Rowena to discuss your lifestyle, understand your risk factors for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and establish achievable health goals.

Session 1 – Understanding your health. Learn about type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and how lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk. Topics include energy balance and portion control.

Session 2 – Healthy eating. Learn about nutrition, reading food labels, modifying recipes and setting realistic healthy eating goals.

Session 3 – Physical activity. Explore the benefits of physical activity and ways to incorporate more movement into your daily routine.

Session 4 – Wellbeing. Learn about stress management, relaxation, sleep, eating out and strategies for managing setbacks.

Session 5 – Reviewing your progress. Review your progress, discuss any challenges and work towards your longer term health goals.

12-month follow-up – Maintaining your progress. Reflect on the changes you have made, discuss any ongoing challenges and set goals for the future.

Am I eligible for the Life! Program?

The Life! Program is designed for people who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease or stroke.

Step 1 – Complete the free online health check. Visit the official Life! Program website to complete the quick online health check. It takes approximately two minutes and will help determine whether you may be eligible.

Complete the Life! health check

You can also speak with your GP about your eligibility or contact the clinic and speak to Rowena.

Please note, The Life! program is not available for people who are living with diabetes. The Life! program is a prevention program, offered to people who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The program equips people with lifestyle modifications and support to reduce their risk. 

Interested in participating?

If you would like to find out more about the Life! Program, discuss your eligibility or join the program, speak with your GP or contact Hamilton Medical Group and ask to speak with Mrs Rowena Farquharson.

For further information about the program, visit www.lifeprogram.org.au.