Did you know that Veterans’ Health Week is next week? It will be held from Saturday September 22 through to Sunday September 30, 2018.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, ex-service organisations and community groups will come together during the week to highlight the importance of having a healthy lifestyle.

The theme for this year’s campaign is nutrition. Good nutrition is essential for health at any age. As we all know, eating well plays a key role in reducing the risk of developing a range of chronic health conditions.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has a range of programs to promote the health and wellbeing of the veteran community. These include:

Cooking for one or two

The ‘Cooking for One or Two Program‘ is a five-session cooking skills program that was originally designed for men aged over 65 who lived alone or cooked for only one or two people, and were members of the veteran community.

Now, the program is designed to help anyone learn how to cook a delicious, easy and nourishing two-course meal – a main and dessert. Participants develop their cooking skills in a supportive environment and then enjoy the meal together and share their thoughts and tips on having a healthy lifestyle.

At the end of the program, participants will have learnt basic cooking skills, eaten a greater variety of foods and enjoyed the social interactions around food preparation.

Heart Health Program

The Heart Health Program is offered in two formats – the Heart Health Group Program and the Heart Health Individual Program.

The Heart Health Program is open to eligible veterans and peacekeepers and is delivered in groups of about 12-15 participants. The group meets at a centre or health club for weekly activity sessions and monthly educational workshops. Health professionals provide the participants with a structured and supervised fitness training schedule.

The Individual Heart Health Program is delivered via the phone, web and correspondence over a 12-month period, with participants receiving a tailored physical activity program and health education modules.

Veterans’ Health Week 2018 events in Sydney:

• Join ‘Soldier On’ for a healthy picnic lunch followed by a casual bush walk at North Head Sanctuary and learn about nutrition facts and myths. Held from 10am on Friday September 28. Meet at ‘Soldier on Innovation Hub’, Building 4, 33 North Head Scenic Drive, Manly.
• Receive on-site nutritional and health advice and assistance from professional providers at Campbelltown RSL Sub branch Expo. From 10am until 2.30pm on Thursday September 27.

Did you find this blog informative?

Read our other educational blog – Are you eligible for Veterans Home Care?

Veterans Home Care

If you are a Gold or White Card holder living at home and have been assessed as needing home care assistance by a Veterans Home Care (VHC) Assessment Agency, you may be eligible for support.

To arrange an assessment, phone the Veterans Home Care (VHC) Assessment Agency on 1300 550 450. The hours per week and frequency of home care support will be determined by the VHC Assessment Agency.

Veterans may also be eligible for Home Care Packages and home help services through other programs if they are not eligible for the VHC program.

About Oxley Home Care

Oxley Home Care has been helping Australians live independently at home for over 10 years in Sydney.

Oxley Home Care is currently contracted by the Department of Veteran Affairs to provide Veteran home care services to clients living in the Northern Sydney Region.

We are an Approved Provider for Government funded Home Care Packages and provide Private Care services throughout Sydney.

A Home Care Package with Oxley Home Care can help you live in the comfort of your own home, maintain your independence and quality of life.

Call us on 1800 221 039 to arrange a free in-home consultation.