Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center

Medical Foster Home

The Medical Foster Home (MFH) Program is a national program which provides Veterans with an alternative to traditional institutional care by offering a community-based living arrangement for Veterans living with chronic illness which impacts their ability to live independently. Veterans who live in a MFH are also enrolled in the Home Based Primary Care Program (HBPC) which connects Veterans with an interdisciplinary team providing necessary primary care in their home environment. Veterans must be enrolled in VA Health Care.

Both the MFH and HBPC teams are provide guidance, training, and assistance to the caregiver, as well as oversight and medical care to the Veterans. Through the program, caregivers provide a safe, long-term, home-like environment and an economical long-term care alternative for Veterans who are unable to remain in their own home. Caregivers are rigorously screened for suitability in caring for dependent adults with chronic medical conditions. All MFHs have approved relief caregivers who can also provide quality in the home while giving the primary caregiver a break from the full time role. Once the MFH is screened and inspected by VA Inspection Team members, Veterans are considered for placement in the home. Caregivers can provide care for up to three people who want a supportive, home-like environment with around the clock supervision.  Caregivers are paid directly by Veterans or their responsible party. The monthly negotiated amount is determined based on Veteran’s unique set of needs. The program coordinator has oversight of this and all processes of the MFH program.
Caregivers must be at least 21 years old, financially stable, have some formal or informal care-giving experience. Caregivers must communicate effectively with the Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Team and are an integral part of carrying out the Veteran’s plan of care. The home must be owned or rented by the caregiver; and the caregiver must live in the home which should be within 50 miles of the Dole VA MC. The home must be equipped and maintained to provide a home-like environment, as well as safety and supervision for the MFH Veteran.

Medical Foster Home (MFH) provides long-term care and companionship for Veterans and the opportunity for caregivers to give back to America’s heroes. It eliminates or delays the need for institutionalization when Veterans do not have family or caregivers able to meet their needs. If you or a family member is interested in the MFH program please contact:

Contact Info

For additional information on the MEDICAL FOSTER HOME PROGRAM, please call:

Courtney Smith, LSCSW
MFH Coordinator
courtney.smith4@va.gov
(316) 617-6818

Julie Ashens
Program Support Assistant, MFH
julie.ashens@va.gov
(316) 744-5362