For Immediate Release: April 11, 2012
Sen. Frank Simpson
Bill establishing Medical Foster Homes for disabled veterans signed
into law
Governor Fallin signed legislation into law recently
to help disabled veterans get the treatment and help they need
without going to a nursing home. Senate Bill 1210, by Sen. Frank
Simpson and Rep. Tommy Hardin, creates the Oklahoma Medical
Foster Home Act providing non-institutional community-based care
for aging and/or chronically/terminally-ill veterans who are unable
to live independently and do not have a caregiver who is able
to manage their medical, emotional and/or psychosocial needs.
“Many returning soldiers have survived devastating injuries
thanks to dramatic advances in medical technology, which is good
but many have been left with serious disabilities,” said
Simpson, R-Ardmore. “Those who can’t live independently
and don’t have the family support or can’t afford
home care are typically forced to live in nursing homes, which
isn’t a good environment for veterans, especially younger
ones returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Medical Foster Homes
have proven successful nationwide in helping address the special
emotional and physical needs of disabled veterans. They offer
an alternative to a growing population of veterans who deserve
our gratitude, support and care.”
Under SB 1210, the Oklahoma Medical Foster Homes would be operated
in conjunction with the Veterans Administration’s Medical
Foster Homes (MFH), which provides an alternative to nursing homes
by recruiting caregivers who provide 24/7 care and supervision
in a private residence in the community.
“The medical foster homes provide the highest quality of
life possible for these heroes. It’s an opportunity for
disabled veterans to live in a comfortable, family home environment
with other veterans, which has been found to play an important
role in their emotional recovery,” said Hardin, R-Madill.
“Oklahoma is a great state for veterans and my hope is that
we will continue to look out for our returning heroes. This law
will allow our veterans to be treated with the dignity and respect
they deserve.”
The program is limited to no more than three veterans per home
and homes must be enrolled in the VA Home Based Primary Care (HBPC)
program. Caregivers will be screened and trained by the VA. The
HBPC provides interdisciplinary health care teams to provide medical
and psychological care with the goal of minimizing hospitalization
or institutionalization. The HBPC will make regular home visits
and will provide ongoing education for the veteran and caregiver.
Government Relations Director for the Mid-America Chapter Paralyzed
Veterans of America Scott Ellis thanked the Governor and legislators
for getting the bill signed into law saying it would be greatly
beneficial to Oklahoma veterans.
“The Mid-America Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America
is so pleased to see this legislation signed into law. It will
allow those disabled veterans that wish to have a place to live
other than a nursing home relocate and live in a community,”
said Ellis. “We’d like to thank Governor Fallin for
her long-time support of veterans. She has shown time and time
again that she is a friend of the military and veterans. We’d
also like to thank Senator Simpson and Representative Hardin for
authoring and being the driving force behind this bill as well
as thank Senator Steve Russell and Representative Paul Wesselhoft
for their strong support. This is just another example of how
Oklahoma Republicans and Democrats have come together for the
betterment of Oklahoma veterans.”
“Support at Home - Where Heroes Meet Angels" has become
the slogan for the National Medical Foster Home (MFH) initiative.
According to Jennifer May, LCSW, a Geriatrics and Extended Care
Social Worker for the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, the Medical
Foster Home program has been developed at 62 VA Medical Centers
in 35 states since its creation in 2000.
“Medical Foster Homes have been established in several states
with great success. Nearly 1,100 veterans having chosen this option
over nursing home care and have been highly satisfied with the
program and their treatment,” said May. “We’re
pleased that Oklahoma veterans will now have the freedom to choose
this alternative to standard institutional care options.”
The fee for services/care will be negotiated and agreed upon in
writing between the caregiver and the veteran. These fees will
range from $1,300 to $2,500+/month depending on Care Level and
will be paid by the veteran directly to the caregiver. The MFH
Coordinator will assist the veteran in maximizing federal benefits
to help with financial resources. Medicaid funding is not used
for this program.
