The Minneapolis VA Medical Center is pleased to announce the development of the Medical Foster Home Program to reach the growing needs of the veteran population.

The program offers a safe, long-term, home-like environment and an economical housing alternative for veterans who are unable to remain in their own homes because of health issues.

Medical Foster Home Environment:

-Private / semi-private room
-Variety of relationships
-24-hour supervision
-Flexibility in daily routine
-Permanent home
-Safeguards against abuse
-Signed contract between Medical Foster Home caregiver and the veteran, family, or legal representative
-Possibility for pets

Medical Foster Home Benefits:

-Keeps the veteran in a safe and healing home setting
-Provides long-term healthcare
-Offers personal care in the community
-Offers assisted living that is more affordable to veterans
-Meets the increasing demand for long-term care services
-Offers access to the Home Based Primary Care Team, including an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Nurse, Social Worker, Dietician, Psychologist, and Therapist

Contact your primary care provider for information or a referral to the Medical Foster Home Program.

Medical Foster Home (MFH) Program requirements for Homes:

-Must be owned or rented by the caregiver, and the home must be the caregiver's actual place of residence
-Be located, designed, equipped, and maintained to provide a home-like environment, safe care, and supervision for residents
-Must be inspected by the Home Based Primary Care team and by the VA safety personnel
-Meet all state and local licensure requirements and regulations, including construction, fire, maintenance, and sanitation regulations
-Meet the proper provisions of the most current edition of the National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code

MFH Program requirements for Caregivers:

-Complete an application and have an interview with the MFH Program Coordinator and other staff as needed, be financially stable, and be at least 21 years old
-Have formal or informal experience in patient care
-Have a criminal background check and provide three personal references
-Be physically able to provide the needed care, and have a written backup plan with relief people if unable to provide care
-Be able to tell the Home Based Primary Care team changes in the veteran’s normal appearance, behavior, or health, and be willing to accept and follow the veteran’s treatment plan
-Ensure a friendly and homelike atmosphere within the residence

Use the download forms from this page, and for more information, contact the Medical Foster Home Program Coordinator at (612) 467-2619 or 866-414-5058, extension 2619 (toll-free).

See The American Veteran episode on the VA Medical Foster Home Program.