Interested in housing a veteran? Erie VAMC has a program for you
Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center will soon offer a Medical Foster Care program for veterans, and hospital officials are looking for hosts.
The VA program, which started 22 years ago in the western United States, is designed for qualified veterans who require a nursing home-level of care. Instead of living in a long-term care facility, they reside in a private home with a designated caregiver.
"There is such a need for nursing homes and there simply aren't enough beds," said Kamie Mazza, Medical Foster Home coordinator for the Erie VAMC. "It also benefits the veteran, who is able to live in a home environment."
The program has expanded to 46 states and territories, with more than 700 veterans and about 500 caregivers enrolled. The Cleland Dole Act, passed in December 2022, requires every VA health system to offer the program by the end of 2025.
Mazza has not placed any veterans in the program yet. She is currently interviewing potential caregivers.
"We are looking for people who can make a commitment for 24/7 nursing home-level care," Mazza said. "They can have either formal or informal experience in caregiving, such as being a retired nurse for a group home, or someone who was the primary caregiver for a loved one."
Caregivers paid directly by veterans
Caregivers must provide a background check, prove financial stability and be certified in CPR. They must live in a house, not an apartment, and the residence must pass fire safety and kitchen/nutrition inspections.
Caregivers are paid a monthly rate by the veteran. The rate is negotiated and based on the typical cost for similar services in the area, the veteran's care needs and their financial situation.
"The average rate nationally is between $2,500 and $3,500 a month," Mazza said. "If the veteran can't afford it, the VA tries to help to see if they qualify for additional benefits."
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Erie VAMC care team visits veteran regularly
Once the veteran is placed in a medical foster home, they are visited regularly by an Erie VAMC home-based primary care team. It includes a nurse practitioner, pharmacist, dietitian and physical therapist.
Up to three veterans can be placed in a single medical foster home, if there are no other residents in the home receiving care, Mazza said. A veteran's spouse can live in the medical foster home, but their care will not be supported by the Erie VAMC unless they are also a qualifying veteran.
"This is designed to be a long-term arrangement that allows the veteran to keep some of their independence," Mazza said.
If you want to learn more about the VA's Medical Foster Care program, visit va.gov/geriatrics or call Mazza at 814-780-2347.
Contact David Bruce at dbruce@timesnews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ETNBruce.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie PA VAMC starts Medical Foster Care program for veterans
