Orlando VA Launches New CRC Housing Program to Support Aging Veterans
By Hansraj Raghunandan, Public Affairs Specialist
The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) is expanding support for aging Veterans through its newly launched Community Residential Care (CRC) Program—a long-term care solution for Veterans who can no longer live independently but don’t require nursing home-level care.
Designed to provide a safe, supportive, and homelike environment, the CRC program connects eligible Veterans with VA-approved assisted living facilities or adult family care homes. Veterans receive supervision, assistance with daily living, and monthly case management from the VA—all while maintaining as much independence as possible.
The program recently approved its first two participating facilities: Aum Haven ALF in Kissimmee and Excellence ALF in South Orlando. Aum Haven offers a cozy, residential 10-bed setting with mental health-trained staff. Excellence ALF provides a vibrant community in a modern 185-bed facility near the airport, with robust social activities and both private and semi-private rooms.
“This program fills a critical gap,” said Marie Rosen, LCSW, CRC Coordinator. “We already have programs for fully independent living and nursing homes, but we needed something in between. CRC supports Veterans who need extra help but still want to age in a comfortable, community-based setting.”
Veterans who qualify must be enrolled in VA healthcare, medically and psychiatrically stable, and able to manage most activities of daily living with minimal assistance. Participants also agree to stay connected with their VA primary care team and receive monthly visits from CRC staff.
80-year-old Army Veteran Ronald Cook is one of the proud residents at Excellence ALF—and now serves as the VA Ambassador for fellow Veterans at the facility.
“I’ve been here going on two years now, and I enjoy it very much,” Cook shared. “The facility is clean, the meals are great, and the staff is top-notch. They’re very helpful and cooperative with all the residents.”
Cook, who now helps orient new Veteran residents, says his role gives him a sense of purpose. “If a Veteran has a question, now they can come to me, and I can point them in the right direction.”
Facilities in the CRC program undergo a thorough application and inspection process led by a VA interdisciplinary team. This includes evaluations by a nurse, dietitian, social worker, and fire safety officer. Facilities must meet high standards for care, cleanliness, safety, and services—and are re-inspected annually. CRC staff conduct monthly unannounced visits to ensure ongoing quality.
Veterans pay privately for their care. However, some Veterans may be eligible to use HUD-VASH housing vouchers to help offset costs.
“The VA provides a direct line of support for Veterans and facilities alike,” Rosen said. “When something changes with a Veteran’s health or there’s an emergency, the facility knows they can call us directly. That continuity is key.”
The CRC program is expected to expand into Seminole County soon, with plans to grow into Lake, Brevard, and Volusia counties within the next two years.
Rosen encourages any licensed assisted living facility or adult family care home interested in becoming a CRC partner to reach out. “We’re looking for community partners who want to help Veterans thrive—not just live”.
For more information or to inquire about becoming a CRC partner, contact Marie Rosen, LCSW at Marie.Rosen@va.gov or visit www.va.gov/orlando-health-care.
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Established in 2006, the Orlando VA Healthcare System is one of the leading healthcare systems serving more than 142,000 Veterans in the VA Sunshine Health Care Network offering healthcare services at 11 locations serving east central Florida. Recently recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the healthcare system received 5 out of 5 stars in overall hospital quality. The healthcare system has also been given 5-star recognition for patient experience by Becker’s Hospital Review and was awarded the 2024 Patient Safety Program of Excellence designation from the Veterans Health Administration’s National Center for Patient Safety.
To learn more about the facilities and services offered by the OVAHCS, please visit: VA Orlando Health Care | Veterans Affairs, subscribe to receive email updates by clicking here, like us on Facebook at: Orlando VA Healthcare System | Facebook, follow us on Instagram at: Orlando VA Healthcare System (@ovahcs) • Instagram photos and videos or on Twitter at: @OVAHCS / Twitter.
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