The Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center is currently seeking compassionate and nurturing caregivers to enroll in their new Medical Foster Home program. This new expansion service offers a warm alternative treatment option to long-term care facilities for Veterans who require nursing-home level care but prefer a private setting with fewer residents.
This program would be open to qualified caregivers and Veterans through the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center throughout north-central West Virginia.
Medical Foster Homes (MFH) would be located in caregiver’s private residences where they are able to provide 24/7 care and assistance to Veterans in need. No more than three residents may receive care in a MFH residence. Assistance provided by caregivers is based on the level of care needs by each individual Veteran. Services include but are not limited to assistance with bathing, dressing, medication management, food preparation, and oversight of physical and mental health wellness. Caregivers and Veterans will also receive additional support and care services through the Louis A. Johnson VAMC Home Base Primary Care team, which includes a physician, nurse, social worker, rehabilitation therapist, psychologist, dietitian, and pharmacist.
Caregivers are paid monthly, with fees determined by the Veterans level of care needs and financial resources. Compensation is agreed upon between the Veteran and Caregiver in a signed Private Care Agreement form that covers what care will be provided, the monthly cost of care, and the rights and responsibilities of the caregiver and Veteran. Although MFH placement is currently paid privately by the Veteran, this arrangement is set to change as VAMC’s across the nation implement the 2022 Cleland-Dole Act. Veterans receiving care through the MFH program that are 70% service-connected disabled or greater will have their expenses covered by the VA.
To learn more about becoming a Medical Foster Home Caregiver or to obtain additional information about the program, contact Amber Hartsell, Medical Foster Home Program Coordinator at 304-476-9903 or via email at Amber.Hartsell@VA.Gov.
