Medical Foster Home Program

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

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

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.

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 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 

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.”

Medical Foster Homes - Geriatrics and Extended Care (va.gov)

Medical Foster Homes - YouTube

CBS News Eye on America: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senior-veterans-medical-foster-homes-family/

CBS Mornings: Families open up their home and hearts to serve veterans - YouTube

NBC Making a Difference: NBC Making A Difference - Adopt a Veteran (youtube.com)

If you are interested in becoming a Medical Foster Home (MFH) Caregiver, review the Medical Foster Home Checklist below for more information, then reach out to your local MFH Coordinator.