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All appointments scheduled after October 21 will automatically be transferred to the Toms River Clinic. Veterans will receive new appointment cards with updated information indicating their new location at the Toms River facility.

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.

home health

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 18 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

sartain

Christina Sartain, LCSW

Medical Foster Home Coordinator (Ocean)

VA New Jersey health care

Phone:

Email: Christina.Sartain@va.gov

myla

Libi Mathew, LCSW

Medical Foster Home Coordinator (East Orange)

VA New Jersey health care

Phone:

Email: Anupama.Myla@va.gov

Terence Walden, RCS

Medical Foster Home MSA

VA New Jersey health care

Phone:

Email: terence.walden@va.gov

  • Learn more about VA's national Medical Foster Home Program.

  • Watch the video for a tour of one Medical Foster Home. As one of our NJ resident says, “Living in the Medical Foster Home helped settle me down and I was not as nervous. It gave me more direction, things became easier, life became easier. Living here has given me a good solid base.”

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