Medical Foster Home Program
When living at home becomes difficult, most people would prefer to stay in home-like surroundings rather than move to a nursing home. In moments like this, a VA medical foster home (MFH) can help with a more cost-effective long-term care option.
Medical Foster Home is a voluntary long-term care placement option for eligible Veterans who are no longer able to safely live on their own. MFH partners with community-based individuals who are willing to serve as caregivers and open their private residence to Veterans. The caregiver ensures 24-hour supervision, protection and personal care in addition to room and board with one-on-one attention provided in a family setting.
Admission Eligibility
Veterans must:
- Be enrolled in the VA Health Care System
- Have stable care needs
- Agree to VA home care for their primary care
- Need daily assistance of another for care
- Be unable to safely live independently
Medical Foster Home
Provide Veterans with:
- Private/semi-private rooms
- Medication management
- Personal care
- Supervision
- Customized living
- Consistent daily caregiver
- Home cooked meals/snacks
- House keeping
- Homelike family living
- Flexibility and choice
- Socialization & recreation
- Help with transportation needs
MFH Rates
Medical Foster Homes are paid for by the Veteran. The rate is based on the Veteran’s daily needs and negotiated between the Veteran or responsible party and the MFH caregiver prior to moving in. This process is overseen by the local MFH coordinator. Some Veterans may be eligible for additional benefits to help cover the cost.
MFH Caregivers
Caregivers must:
- Be financially stable
- Own/rent and live in the home
- Care for no more than three residents
- Pass a background check
- Meet annual VA inspection requirements
- Follow a care plan and medical orders
- Provide a safe home and quality care
- Agree to monthly unannounced MFH coordinator visits
- Have a history of caring for others
- Have an interconnected smoke detector system that alerts the fire department
- Be at least 21 years old
- Complete a VA MFH application
- Have a written crisis and respite plan
- Attend required VA trainings
Caregiver support:
- Training twice a year, along with education from MFH and Home Based Primary Care team
- Ongoing support from MFH coordinator
Connect with NJVAHCS MFH Program Coordinators
Christina Sartain, LCSW
Medical Foster Home Coordinator (Ocean)
VA New Jersey health care
Phone:
Email: Christina.Sartain@va.gov
Anu Myla, LCSW
Medical Foster Home Coordinator (East Orange)
VA New Jersey health care
Phone:
Email: Anupama.Myla@va.gov