The Community Residential Care Program (CRC) is a network of VA-approved, state-licensed assisted living homes in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Cecil County, Harford County and Kent County. These homes provide health care supervision to eligible Veterans who are not in need of hospital or nursing home care, but are unable to live independently due to medical, psychiatric or psychosocial conditions. The homes are under the supervision of the Coordinator of the Community Residential Care Program and case managers who visit the residents frequently and ensure that the homes are providing the needed care.
Veteran Eligibility
- Veteran is enrolled for health care in the VA Maryland Health Care System
- Veteran is medically and psychiatrically stable at the time of admission
- Veteran is not a danger to self or others
- Veteran can perform activities of daily living with assistance
- Veteran is not actively engaging in illicit drug or alcohol abuse
- Veteran has sufficient financial resources to meet the cost of care
Frequently Asked Questions
What services do CRC homes provide?
The CRC homes provide a private or semi-private room, three meals per day and snacks, laundry service, transportation to medical appointments, medication administration and assistance with activities of daily living.
What is the cost of care and who pays for care in CRC homes?
The cost of care is determined by the amount and type of care needed and the Veteran’s income. The Veteran pays for care from his VA compensation or pension or private income.
Does the VA have a “waiver” or “subsidy” for assisted living?
No. There is a misconception that the VA Aid and Attendance benefit (A&A) can be paid directly to an assisted living home to help cover the cost of care, but this is not true. The Veteran must qualify for A&A based on many financial, medical and military service criteria. If approved for A&A, the Veteran is paid directly and can use those benefits to pay for any type of care he/she needs in the community. For more information on VA financial benefits, please call the Veterans Benefits Information Line at 1-800-827-1000.
How do I get referred to a CRC home?
Each Veteran requesting placement must be evaluated by CRC staff to ensure that CRC is the appropriate level of care and to match the Veteran with the right home. VA staff may refer Veterans by completing the Community Residential Care referral template in the VA’s computerized patient record system. Veterans or their family members in the community may refer for CRC placement by contacting one of the following VA staff members:
For CRC placements in Baltimore City or Baltimore County:
Nicole Kaiser, CRC Social Worker
(410) 605-7633
For CRC placements in Cecil, Harford or Kent Counties:
Deborah Qualls, CRC Coordinator
(410) 642-2411, ext. 5969
How do I become a VA-approved CRC home?
The CRC Program recruits and approves homes only as needed. Homes licensed for four or more residents must be equipped with a sprinkler system. State licensed assisted living home owners may send brochures describing their homes to the following address:
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