A Hawai'i-based "medical foster home" program is one of eight caregiver projects receiving $4.7 million from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System operates on Kaua'i, the Big Island, Maui and rural O'ahu and involves caregivers taking veterans into their homes while providing 24-hour supervision.

Other caregiver assistance pilot programs receiving the funding assist disabled and aging veterans in caregiver homes.

"This funding will enhance support and training for the family members and other caregivers who sacrifice to care for disabled and aging veterans," Acting VA Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield said in a news release.

"At VA, we're committed to looking after caregivers who dedicate their own time and well-being to take care of loved ones who are veterans," he said.

Other VA programs receiving part of this funding include caregiver education centers in Memphis, Tenn., and Palo Alto, Calif.