[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 188 (Monday, December 5, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                   LONG-TERM CARE VETERANS CHOICE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2022

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7158, the 
Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act, to authorize the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts and agreements for the payment 
of care in non-Department of Veterans Affairs medical foster homes for 
certain veterans who are unable to live independently.
  Medical foster homes are private homes where a trained caregiver 
provides services to a few individuals. These facilities serve as an 
alternative to nursing homes, providing residents with the comfort of 
home with medical attention readily available.
  Medical foster homes and caregivers must meet specific criteria to 
ensure that veterans receive the same level of care that would be 
provided in traditional Veterans Affairs facilities or nursing homes.
  Caregivers must demonstrate the ability to provide care and 
supervision 24/7, communicate significant changes in a veteran's 
status, and have caregiving experience, along with other requirements.
  The home where a veteran would be living must go through inspection 
with a VA multidisciplinary team, provide a home-like environment, meet 
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code, and more.
  The medical foster care program started in 2008 and has served over 
1,000 veterans nationally. According to the Department of Veterans 
Affairs, the demand for medical foster homes is highest in rural areas, 
where veterans want to stay in the communities in which they are 
comfortable.
  The Department of Veterans Affairs says that the home environment 
enriches the lives of veterans and their caregivers. Veterans who live 
in this type of setting tend to have fewer hospitalizations than those 
in institutional care or who live alone.
  This program is providing our nation's veterans with a sense of 
belonging and community while also providing them with the medical care 
they need. Many veterans that are in medical foster homes report 
feeling like they are part of a family and supported.
  It is estimated that there are 46,000 veterans in nursing homes 
across the country. Nursing homes do provide patients with the medical 
attention they need, but many patients miss the aspect of living in 
their community, in a home, and with family.
  This bill would provide veterans from my home of Houston, Texas with 
the option to stay in their communities and be part of a family while 
receiving 24/7 care. Instead of stripping these veterans from their 
communities this bill will provide them with a way to be better 
engrained in their communities.
  The Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act would provide veterans who 
want to be at home with the ability to seek care that provides that 
level of support and familiarity.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 7158, Long-Term 
Care Veterans Choice Act. With the passage of this bill, we can give a 
sense of family back to many veterans who have been longing for a sense 
of normalcy.

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