VA Offers Long-Term Care At Foster Homes

Program Gives Disabled, Chronically-Ill Veterans Choices Beyond Nursing Homes Or Hospitals

(CBS/AP)  Some veterans are being placed in foster homes where they can receive medical care while maintaining their independence.

The Department of Veterans Affairs' Medical Foster Home Program is designed to provide disabled or chronically-ill veterans of all ages with long-term care outside of traditional nursing homes or hospitals.

Program coordinator Kristin Maxwell says about 30 veterans in South Florida will be placed in foster homes in the next year.

Foster care-givers will receive up to $3,000 a month, depending on a veteran's medical needs. The money covers food, laundry, transportation and other necessities.

Maxwell says foster care allows a veteran more choices and costs less than nursing home care.

The VA says that, to participate in the program, homeowners or renters should be qualified and experienced in providing nursing or medical care, and must pass a background check.