Medical Foster Homes
What is a Medical Foster Home?
Medical Foster Homes are private homes in which a trained caregiver provides services to a few individuals. Some, but not all, residents are Veterans. A Medical Foster Home can serve as an alternative to a nursing home. It may be appropriate for Veterans who require nursing home care but prefer a non-institutional setting with fewer residents.
Medical Foster Homes are private residences where the caregiver and relief caregivers provide care and supervision 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This caregiver can help the Veteran carry out activities of daily living, such as bathing and getting dressed. VA ensures that the caregiver is well trained to provide VA planned care. While living in a Medical Foster Home, Veterans receive Home Based Primary Care.
VA Medical Centers with Medical Foster Home programs
This list includes the VA Medical Centers currently operating a Medical Foster Home program. However, many facilities are in various stages of development of their own programs. Please reach out to your VA social worker to inquire about when a Medical Foster Home will be available at your local facility.
Medical Foster Home in the News
Southern Living: Foster Families for Veterans Keep America’s Heroes in the Homes They Deserve
People Magazine: Indiana Family of Eight Fosters Three Veterans Who Are Disabled: ‘We’re One Big Family Now’
Are you interested in becoming a Medical Foster Home?
If you are interested in becoming a Medical Foster Home (MFH) Caregiver, review the Medical Foster Home Checklist for more information, then reach out to your local MFH Coordinator.
Medical Foster Home in Greenville, Indiana
Three war heroes, two parents and six kids live together in Greenville, Indiana as part of the Medical Foster Home Program.
Overview of the Medical Foster Home Program
Learn more about the Medical Foster Home Program and how the VA provides oversight. Take a tour of a Medical Foster Home. As one resident says, “It gives you more security, more feeling of belonging, and that’s good.”
Am I eligible for a Medical Foster Home?
Medical Foster Homes are not provided or paid for by VA. To be eligible for a Medical Foster Home you need to be enrolled in Home Based Primary Care, and a Home needs to be available. Services may vary by location. Your VA social worker or case manager can help you with eligibility guidelines for Home Based Primary Care and Medical Foster Home care.
You will have to pay for the Medical Foster Home yourself or through other insurance. The charge for a Medical Foster Home is about $1,500 to $3,000 each month based on your income and the level of care you need. The specific cost is agreed upon ahead of time by you and the Medical Foster Home caregiver.
Talk with a VA social worker/case manager to find out if you are entitled to additional VA benefits that will help pay for a Medical Foster Home.
Find out more by visiting the Paying for Long Term Care section at www.va.gov/Geriatrics.
What services can I get?
You will continue to receive Home Based Primary Care services in the Medical Foster Home. You may also receive the following services from the Medical Foster Home caregiver.
For Veterans:
- Help with your activities of daily living (e.g., bathing and getting dressed)
- Help taking your medications
- Some nursing assistance
- All of your meals
- Planned recreational and social activities
For Caregivers:
- Peace of mind having a caregiver able to provide care for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- A place to enjoy spending time with the Veteran
How do I decide if a Medical Foster Home is right for me?
You can use a Veteran Decision Aid for Care at Home or in the Community to help you figure out what home care services or long term care services may best meet your needs now or in the future.
There's also a Caregiver Self-Assessment. It can help your caregiver identify their own needs and decide how much support they can offer to you. Having this information from your caregiver, along with the involvement of your care team and social worker, will help you reach short-term and long-term care decisions.
Ask your social worker for these resources or download copies from the Making Decisions page at www.va.gov/Geriatrics.
If a Medical Foster Home seems right for you, your VA social worker can help you locate one and assist with making arrangements.
