SALT LAKE CITY, UT - The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System (VASLCHCS) is pleased to announce the development of the Medical Foster Home program to reach the growing needs of the veteran population.
“The Medical Foster Home is a unique partnership of adult foster home and Home Based Primary Care,” said Josh Brown, VASLCHCS Licensed Clinical Social Worker and coordinator of the Medical Foster Home Program. There are many veterans who live alone and independently for years through the support of assistive devices and home care services. Eventually the veteran may decline to the point that it is no longer safe to remain living alone. Traditionally, this situation is resolved by nursing home placement; however, the veteran may refuse nursing home care, instead accepting serious risks. “This is where the Medical Foster Home program steps in to offer a safe, favorable, and less costly alternative to the veteran,” said Brown.
Medical Foster Home finds caregivers in the community who are willing to take a veteran into their home and provide 24-hour supervision as well as needed personal assistance. The expectation is that this is a long-term commitment, where the veteran may live for the remainder of his or her life. The caregivers are paid $1,500 to $2,500 based upon the level of care needed by the veteran. For example, a cost of $1,500 for someone with mild dementia who is independent in activities of daily living but requires supervision, to $2,500 for someone who is incontinent, bed-bound, and needs to be turned every four hours. This is a very cost-effective alternative to nursing home placement and allows for a safe home type environment for veterans.
This payment is made by the veteran directly to the caregiver monthly. This includes room and board, 24-hour supervision, assistance with medications, and whatever personal care is needed.
“We are currently searching for individuals who are interested in becoming future Medical Foster Home caregivers,” said Brown. Potential caregivers must be:
- Over the age of 21
- Own or renting a home
- Read, write, and speak English
- Complete a Criminal Background Check (BCI)
- First Aid and CPR are certified
- Allow an Interdisciplinary Treatment Team into your home for monthly visits
- Willing to accept, participate in, and follow the veteran’s treatment plan
“The Medical Foster Home program allows community members an opportunity to serve our veterans who have served us in maintaining and ensuring our freedoms,” said Brown.
If you or some one you know is interested in receiving more information about this exciting program, please contact Emily Archuleta, Medical Foster Home Program PSA at (801) 582-1565, extension 4518 or Josh Brown at (801) 582-1565, extension 2180.
