Boise Medical Foster Home
Charlotte and Sheila share a laugh being silly
A new program is being implemented in Boise, providing a new alternative to long term care for veterans who would otherwise need facility or nursing home medical care. The VA Medical Foster Home Program provides personal care in a private home. Veterans in this program have the luxury of having their physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other medical professionals cater to their individual needs in the comfort of their new home. The caretakers become a family member in a sense, sharing one-on-one life experiences and friendship with them. The program ensures that no more than three residents will live and receive care in the home, therefore providing a more personalized environment. The caregiver homes are located, designed, equipped and maintained to ensure a homelike environment and to provide safe care and supervision. All homes must comply with Federal Regulations. The caregivers are then given and extensive background test and asked to have prior experience in patient care. The program aims to provide a congenial and homelike atmosphere within the residence.
Sheila (a 53 year old veteran with Multiple Sclerosis) and her caregiver, Charlotte Matos are one of these success stories. Sheila was in a nursing care facility before trying out this program, and commented “So glad I tried this program, I am so much happier and can do more of the things that I like to do. Before I was in a wheelchair all the time, I didn’t like that. Now I can walk around with assistance.” Feeling independent is important to Sheila, as for many others in her situation. The VA Foster Home environment with Charlotte has enabled her to do things on her own that she wasn’t able to in a facility, such as making her bed, dressing herself, making breakfast, doing dishes, doing her laundry and other activities that help her feel free from her disability. “I am enjoying life more, and the food is better too!” said Sheila. Charlotte has taken Sheila to do ceramics, out to Eagle Island Park activities, camping and fishing in Oregon, Hagerman and Shoshone Falls, her family reunion in Salmon, Idaho and more. Sheila’s husband, parents, siblings, children and grandchildren still come over to visit Sheila often and are relieved at how happy she is in a trusted environment. “There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am improving and getting stronger, not the opposite.” said Sheila.
“I love this program!” says Charlotte. “Many disabled veterans have heart and want to get better or live still. Even if you are handicapped, you can do marvelous things!” Charlotte worked in a nursing care facility before deciding to do independent care out of her home. “We have a lot to share. Certified family homes are a hidden secret.” She enjoys the attention to detail the VA program and medical providers bring. Charlotte mentioned when she needed assistance in the winter with only one call, the VA quickly responded and was at the residence. “It is reassuring to know that a Primary Care Team is always on call when you need them!” She went on to mention how the personalized care has helped Sheila. “The therapists and doctors work with you and open possibilities within the home for more mobility, adaptation techniques and lots of good ideas.” She even used this creative adaptation thought to create a cooling vest for Sheila out of an old fishing vest. “It helps her stay cool in the warmer temps, so that she can still enjoy her outdoor activities she loves.”
The VA Medical Foster Home Program Director, Cindy Bahora said that if a caregiver ever needs a break or additional help, there are other trusted, certified caregivers in the program on standby. The program places veterans and caregivers that are a good fit together. After talking to and observing these two, it was obvious that they have developed a very jovial and respected sisterhood like bond. Charlotte said, “I love to do things with Sheila. I don’t like doing things by myself. It is good for both of us!”
For more information on the VA Medical Foster Home Program, how to be a caregiver or to inquire about veteran care, please contact Cindy Bahora at (208) 7806253 or via email at cynthia.bahora@va.gov
