VA Medical Foster Home Program

LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. - The VA Medical Foster Home program is an alternative to a nursing home and it just started in South Florida.

One location is in Loxahatchee, where three world war two veterans are, in a way, being paid back for their service.

They're all living in a medical foster home owned by a retired nurse.

"I have two brothers like myself living here and we all get along fine," said Michael Scibelli. He is an Army veteran.

Navy vet Angelo Bona lives in the home as well and said, "We can tap into a lot of things other than our service....we served in the service and we want to be sort of compensated if we made it."

The home’s owner, Antoinette Alfred said, "I love them. Not just because you are here, but I love them."

Alfred is a retired nurse.

Preparing food and getting medication ready is her way of saying "thanks".

"That's the only way I can tell them thank you for the freedom that they give me," said Alfred.

Alfred's first foster veteran was Francis Murphy, who still lives in the home after moving in late last year.

Murphy could barely walk then, but he’s very mobile now.

Program coordinator Sandi Karnbac says this setting made the difference. "They deserve to have a nice, comfortable, safe environment in their older years and it's good to have a program like this," said Karnbac.

There are 9 VA medical foster homes in Palm Beach County. They are not just for elderly veterans; vets of all ages are eligible.

For more on this program, visit the VA’s website.