Battle Creek VA Medical Center

Caregivers for Veterans are being sought by the VA for its new Medical Foster Home Program. Shirley Barclay visits with her husband, Jim, in the Community Living Center.

VA Medical Foster Home Program

The Battle Creek VA Medical Center Foster Home Program is seeking potential caregivers from several communities for Veterans who do not have family members to care for them.  The Medical Foster Home Program is a new service that will provide area Veterans with an alternative to traditional nursing home placements.

If you possess quality personal care skills, have space in your home, and a desire to make a difference in a Veteran’s life, then VA is looking for you.

Through the program, caregivers will provide a safe, long-term, home-like environment and an economical long-term care alternative for Veterans who are unable to remain in their own homes because of medical issues and lack of a reliable caregiver.

Potential caregivers’ homes must be within a 35-mile radius of the Battle Creek VA Medical Center or its Community Based Outpatient Clinics located in Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Benton Harbor.  Homes must be licensed by the State of Michigan and will be subject to inspections by the VA.  VA’s Home Based Primary Care interdisciplinary staff will make routine visits, including some that will be unannounced, to ensure Veterans are receiving quality care.

Caregivers will be screened and matched to Veterans who are enrolled in or qualify for the Home Based Primary Care program. Caregivers can provide care for up to three people in their homes through the Medical Foster Home Program.

Caregivers and their homes must meet a variety of criteria, including:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must own or rent your home which must be your primary residence
• Must have experience as a caregiver (formal or informal)
• Must have a willingness to provide a safe and therapeutic home environment
• Must have a willingness to be part of the Veteran’s treatment team and implement care plan
• Must provide three healthy meals per day and snacks
• Must provide 24-hour care and supervision to the Veteran
• Must meet all federal, state, and local licensure requirements and regulations
• Must provide three personal references and a background check

A Veteran and/or the Veteran’s family will operate from a signed agreement that will define the services that will be provided.  Caregivers are paid directly by the Veteran receiving care.  The rate is negotiated between the Veteran and the caregiver, based upon the level of care needed.

For more information on the program, please contact Ms. Kirsten Dzialo, Medical Foster Home Coordinator  at (269) 223-5635 or via email at Kirsten.Dzialo@va.gov.