Cincinnati VA Launches New Alternative To Nursing Homes

MFH is an ideal model for addressing long term care needs while respecting Veterans’ wishes to remain in their communities and close to their families.

Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) - Aging and disabled Veterans are finding a new place to call home. The Department of Veterans Affairs has implemented the Medical Foster Home (MFH) Program at facilities nationwide. The Cincinnati VA Medical Center proudly introduces this successful and established national MFH program to the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State area.

MFH is an ideal model for addressing long term care needs while respecting Veterans’ wishes to remain in their communities and close to their families. It is also a solution in cases where Veterans are hesitant to leave their homes to live in institutional settings, despite safety and ethical concerns of them living alone. MFHs reflect VA’s goal to provide care to Veterans in the least restrictive setting possible. MFHs can more easily be adapted to be age and culturally appropriate than some institutional settings.

MFHs are privately owned/rented by community caregivers. Homes approved to be in the MFH program can have a maximum of 3 residents. MFH caregivers live in the home and perform primary caregiver duties for the Veteran residents. This is to be a long-term arrangement, where the Veteran may live for the remainder of his or her life. The MFHs are initially approved through a comprehensive survey process conducted by the VA medical center. Veterans who qualify for the program work with the VA MFH Coordinator to find an appropriate MFH caregiver. Caregivers are paid directly from the Veteran’s personal funds each month. The monthly rate and care includes room, laundry service, personal care, 3 meals/day, medication management, activities, 24 hour supervision and assistance with activities of daily living.

The Cincinnati VAMC’s VA Home Based Primary Care Program makes routine home visits for Veterans residing in a Medical Foster Home. The VAMC also has other supportive programs to offer Veterans served through the MFH program.

Nationwide, it has been noted that some Veterans eligible for full VA-paid nursing home care choose MFH at their own expense because they prefer to reside in a true home. In almost all cases, MFHs are a lower-cost alternative to nursing home placement.

If you are a Veteran, interested in residing in a VA Medical Foster Home or if you would like information about qualifying your personal residence as a VA Medical Foster Home, please call the Cincinnati VA Medical Center and ask for Michelle Hubbard, LISW-S, MFH Program Coordinator at (513) 861-3100 x6329 or (513) 487-6067.