VA seeks caregivers for homebound vets

March 21--A program in place since 2008 in San Antonio is expanding to Kerrville and will allow homebound veterans to be placed with local caregivers as an alternative to nursing home or long-term care facilities.

The Kerrville VA hospital announced this week the expansion of the Medical Foster Home Program for Homebound Veterans. The program currently serves about 30 homebound veterans in the San Antonio area.

Victor Lennhoff, Medical Foster Home social worker for the VA system in Kerrville, said today there are 70 homebound veterans in the Kerr County area who receive care through the home-based medical service team in their own home. Those homebound veterans would be eligible for the new program.

Vickie Marsh, a retired Marine Corps colonel and president of the Hill Country Veterans Council, said the foster home program could be of great benefit to local veterans.

"I think this will be an excellent thing for local veterans, because it will allow them to stay in the community, which is better for the veteran long-term," Marsh said. "But it's going to require someone with a lot of passion."

The program works by matching up qualified caregivers with up to three veterans who live with the caregiver full time. The veterans or their insurance pay the caregivers directly.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs website, the cost for the program is between $1,500 and $3,000 per month, based on income and level of care needed.

Caregivers receive training through the VA, and medical care for the veterans continues through the home-based medical team.

Caregivers must live within 45 miles of Kerrville to participate in the program and can house up to three homebound veterans.

Marsh said the program could be ideal for nursing home caregivers or widows who have experience providing long-term care.

Caregivers and their homes must meet certain other criteria to be eligible for the program.

Potential caregivers and those interested in additional information about the Medical Foster Home Program may contact Victor Lennhoff, Medical Foster Home Social Worker Kerrville Campus, at 896-2020, ext. 12440, or by email [email protected].

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