In 1999, two Little Rock VA social workers started a unique program to tackle the problem where too many Veterans were suffering falls at home requiring repeated hospital stays. This out-of-the-box solution became a viable substitute for nursing homes.
Rolled out at several VA hospitals, the results showed far fewer hospital admissions and a dramatic decrease in falls.
Today the VA Medical Foster Home Program has about 520 participating homes across the country. It’s a flexible alternative for Veterans with chronic disabling conditions who are no longer able to live alone in their own homes. They provide 24-hour care from a caregiver and medical care from a specialized interdisciplinary VA health care team.
Pam Toney is a caregiver in the Medical Foster Home Program at Fayetteville VA in Arkansas. Once a caregiver for her Veteran spouse, Toney transitioned into fostering children in her home for 11 years, offering a stable and safe environment. For the past three years, she has welcomed Veterans who are no longer able to live alone into her home.
“My way to thank them for their service.”
“I enjoy giving back to these Veterans. This is my way to thank them for their service. This way they can live out the remainder of their years in a family-like setting with me and my daughter,” Toney said.
Pictured above, social worker Angela Loggains checks in with Medical Foster Home Program Caregiver Pam Toney and Army Veteran William.
Toney’s two sisters live next door and provide relief when she needs time-off.
Under the program, each Veteran and caregiver has a VA support team that includes a primary care physician, nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, dietician and program coordinator who regularly come to the home. Doctors typically visit annually, nurses about every 4 to 6 weeks and coordinators drop by unannounced monthly.
Veterans who are homebound, willing to participate in services, have served in the military during a wartime period, and have one or more physical, cognitive or emotional conditions are eligible for the Medical Foster Home Program. Participating Veterans have shown improvement socially, emotionally, physically and experience fewer falls and emergency room visits.
Less expensive than most assisted living facilities and nursing homes, Veterans first visit a potential home prior to placement so both the Veteran and caregiver can determine a good fit. The initial visit is followed by a longer one to ensure the Veteran likes the home and the caregiver feels comfortable caring for the needs of the Veteran.
“I really enjoy living with Pam,” said Army Veteran William, Toney’s current resident. “She and her daughter take really good care of me.”
If you are interested in becoming a Medical Foster Home caregiver:
- You must own or rent your home
- Undergo a background check
- Health screening and annual inspections
- CPR and First Aid certified
- Have a driver’s license
- Meet ADA requirements to ensure the safety of your home’s occupants.
For more information, visit VA’s Medical Fosters Home website.
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I have read this ARTICLE AND BELIEVE THAT IT ISVWRITTEN TO HELP TESE PARTICULAR VETERANS BETTER THAT IF THEY WERE IN OTHER MEDICAL FACILITIES CUDIOS TO THESE CAREGIVERS
Is this program available in California? Some Veterans may need this in the future. Thanks.
THIS IS SO GREAT FOR VETERANS . THANK YOU FOR THIS PROGRAM, I M A LAW STUDENT , VA CAREGIVER,, AND VA FIDRICIARY,,ETC . I WILL HAVE MY HOME ,VETERAN FOSTER HOME PROGRAM ,,A PLACE CALL HOME. I HAVE WORK WITH MENTALHEALTH,PSYCHOLOGICAL,PHARMACY,CERTIFICATION,.ALSO DRUG COUNSELOR.ETC.IN CRIMINAL LAWS .WITH THE ABA ASSOCIATION,,,,,LOVE VIRGINIA,NC ,SC AREA
Can a family member be a Foster care giver in this time of need for the veteran?
I’m going to need This care, sooner than later, ?❤️ I have Parkinson’s but I’m only 30% disabled rating through the VA
Just want to say ….. this sure is a real Blessing of LOVE from GOD….Its so good
to know we have a lot of wonderful folks to give of their time and love for a
stranger, but also a Veteran……..
I just started the program! It’s is extremely great for my will being! Thanks to all personal that help me!
While I understand the requirements to qualify, I feel that all Vets have earned this right by serving their country. We have to do a better job with providing services for ALL Vets.
Does the VA in St. Cloud, MN. have a physical therpy help for older people with the need of help with a walking problem?
Nam combat Vet. 80yo. Still active! Retired 2ys ago
Caregiver to wife. Dropped from functional to non when phoney lawsuit cost me $250,000+. I am very grateful for the 520 famiI -lies caring for those of us who set aside our suppprt groups and careers to serve
(which I would do again)
My concern is the remainIng. MILLIONS of us heading into the oblivion of uncertainty of old age and illness with only vague, unreliable, often unavailable care despite effusive guarantees to the contrary.
My local VA was a model org a short time ago. Last 2.5 yrs… seems their hands are tied
Excellent people, sterilized.
..
Hello. I’m am a disabled veteran, 100% ., MST/PTSD.
I’M 72 Yo.
I live in Tennessee. I’m interested in this program for myself. I’m not getting any younger. I would love to know who I can contact and learn the process or requirements to be accepted into someone’s home when I get to the point where I can no longer be alone in my own home?
This appears to be a wonderful solution to being put in a nursing home. Kudos to the people who came up with this idea and have volunteered to take in a Veteran.
Thank you for such a great idea for helping veterans—I wish my husband would have had something like that to have helped me care for him. Please VA make it easier for all!
Sure wish I qualified.
Very good info….