VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System is pleased to announce the development of the Medical Foster Home Program.  A Medical Foster Home (MFH) is an Adult Foster Care Home combined with a VA interdisciplinary home care team to provide a safe, home-like environment and an economical long-term care alternative for Veterans who are unable to live independently. The MFH program will help match eligible Veterans with approved homes and experienced caregivers.  VA first piloted the Medical Foster Home Program in 2000 and is now expanding this program to more than 102 sites.  MFHs must be located within the service area of each VA MFH program.  For VAAAHS, the service area is within 60-miles of Ann Arbor, MI, or within 60-miles of Toledo, OH.

MFHs are required to be licensed as Adult Foster Care Homes in the State of Michigan. The number of care recipients (Veterans and non-Veterans) in a home is limited to three to ensure a home-like environment. The Veteran(s) will receive room and board, personal care, and 24-hour supervision while living in a Medical Foster Home. Cost of care will be based on the Veteran's care needs and financial resources and caregivers will be paid directly by the Veteran(s) or the Veterans' family or legal representative. The monthly fee (which may range from $1500-$3000) includes room/board, 24-hour care and supervision, 3 meals/day + snacks, socialization and recreation, and a safe and therapeutic home environment. The VAAAHS Medical Foster Home Coordinator, April Bartlett, is available to assist interested Veterans with seeking financial resources from the Veteran Benefits Administration (if the Veterans are eligible) to help fund MFH placement.

Any Veteran enrolled in VA health care (and has received care in the past 12 months) who is unable to safely live independently and requires nursing home level of care but prefers a home-like environment over a nursing home is eligible. 

VAAAHS is actively recruiting experienced caregivers for the Medical Foster Home program and has five approved Medical Foster Homes located in Adrian, MI, Brighton, MI, Camden, MI, Ypsilanti, MI, and Toledo, OH.  Please note that openings vary by location and are subject to change at any time.

For more information, please contact the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System Medical Foster Home Office at (734) 222-4269 or by visiting http://www.annarbor.va.gov/services/medicalfosterhome.asp.