Cincinnati VAMC launches new program as alternative to nursing homes

The MFH Program is an ideal model for addressing long-term care needs while respecting your wishes to remain in your communities and close to your families. The program is also a solution in cases where you may be hesitant to live in institutional settings, despite safety and ethical concerns of living alone. Medical foster homes reflect VA’s goal to provide care to Veterans in the least restrictive setting possible and can be adapted to be more age and culturally appropriate than some institutional settings.

Medical foster homes are privately owned or rented by community caregivers. Homes approved to be in the MFH Program can have a maximum of three residents. Caregivers live in the home and perform primary caregiver duties for Veteran residents. This is to be a long-term arrangement, where you may live for the remainder of your life.

Medical foster homes are initially approved through a comprehensive survey process conducted by medical center staff. Those who qualify for the program work with the VA MFH Coordinator to find an appropriate MFH caregiver. Caregivers are paid directly from your personal funds each month. The monthly rate includes room and board, laundry service, personal care, three meals per day, medication management, activities, 24-hour supervision, and assistance with activities of daily living.

The Cincinnati VAMC’s Home-Based Primary Care Program team of medical professionals make routine home visits for Veterans residing in a medical foster home. Spinal Cord Injury-Home Care services are also available to provide guidance, training, and assistance to caregivers.

If you are a Veteran interested in residing in a VA Medical Foster Home, or if you would like information about qualifying your personal residence as a VA Medical Foster Home, please call the Cincinnati VAMC at 513-475-6329 or 513-693-0584 and ask for Leslie A. Cooper, LMSW, MFH Program Coordinator.