Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center

Medical Foster Home

The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center's Medical Foster Home Program is seeking potential caregivers from several communities for Veterans who do not have family members to care for them. The Medical Foster Home Program, which began in 2010 in Wichita, is a service that will provide area Veterans with an alternative to traditional nursing home placement and offers a community-based living arrangement for adults who cannot live independently due to physical or mental difficulties or disabilities.

In Oct 2013, Medical Foster Home Program expanded to the Hutchinson and Salina community based outpatient clinics. The Medical Foster Home Program is seeking experienced caregivers within a 60-mile radius of the new locations to support this effort. The expansion took place in order to allow the veterans to stay in their local communities without having to be moved in order to get the required Veteran care. This expansion will allow more Veterans to receive the continued care needed in a home setting without having to go to a nursing home.

The Medical Foster Home (MFH) Coordinator and the Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Team are available to provide guidance, training, and assistance to the caregiver, as well as oversight and medical care to the Veterans. Through the program, caregivers will 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 homes because of medical issues and lack of a reliable caregiver. Caregivers will be screened and matched to Veterans who are enrolled in or qualify for the Home Based Primary Care program. Caregivers can provide care for up to three people in their homes through the Medical Foster Home Program. Caregivers can earn income at home caring for Veterans.

Caregivers will be screened and matched to Veterans who are enrolled in or qualify for the Home Based Primary Care program. Caregivers can provide care for up to three people in their homes through the Medical Foster Home Program. Caregivers can earn income at home caring for Veterans. A negotiated yearly agreement between the caregiver, the Veteran, and/or responsible party, outlining the cost to the Veteran and the care to be provided.

Program Criteria:

• Caregivers must be at least 21 years old, financially stable, have some formal or informal care-giving experience. He/she will be physically able to provide the care needed.
• Caregivers must communicate effectively with the Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Team and help with 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.
• The home must be equipped and maintained to provide a home-like environment, as well as safety and supervision for the MFH Veteran.
• The home must be located within 50 miles of the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center.
• Homes must be approved by the VA Inspection Team for compliance with VA standards.

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.

Contact Info

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

Courtney Smith, LSCSW
MFH Coordinator
(316) 685-2221, Ext. 57749

Jennifer Hoard, LSCSW
Hutchinson MFH Coordinator
(316) 685-2221, Ext. 41124

Rebecca Schlosser, LSCSW
Salina MFH Coordinator
(316) 685-2221, Ext. 41162

Stephanie Washington
PSA, Medical Foster Home
(316) 685-2221, Ext. 57864