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BOSTON , MA — VA Boston Healthcare System is now recruiting caregivers for its Medical Foster Home program. “The Medical Foster Home program is a wonderful option for some Veterans with

complex care needs, providing an opportunity for them to live out in the community,” said Vincent Ng, director of VA Boston HCS.  The program is for Veterans who may not be eligible for long

term care in a VA facility, but still have complex medical needs. It provides an alternative to a skilled nursing home or assisted living facility, which can be costly. Instead, Veterans

can move into a caregiver’s private residence. While VA helps coordinate care, VA Medical Foster Homes are not provided by VA and are not staffed by VA employees. Veterans pay for the

Medical Foster Home directly. No medical experience is necessary to become a caregiver, but caregivers must pass a thorough assessment process that includes an application, a VA fire and

safety inspection, and a criminal background check, as well as verification of their experience and skills as a caregiver. Veterans in the program are matched with a caregiver, who provides

24/7 supervision, and assistance with the Veteran’s medical and daily personal care needs. The caregivers provide meals, support independence, and create a warm and home-like environment for

the Veteran. Veterans are provided primary care services at the caregiver’s residence by a VA Home Based Primary Care team to address their unique healthcare needs. VA Boston’s Medical

Foster Home coordinator and Home Based Primary Care teams provide ongoing guidance and assistance for both Veterans and caregivers in the program. Caregivers are expected to attend regular

training and maintain compliance with safety standards.  Anyone interested in becoming a caregiver or learning more about VA Boston’s program can contact Jacqueline Beaulieu, licensed

clinical social worker and Medical Foster Home program coordinator, at 617-435-4362.