Madison Center is a 62 bed senior care facility located in Morgantown, West Virginia. With roughly 30,000 people residing in the zip code of 26508, the encompassing area has a dense population. It is a predominantly middle income ...
Assisted Living in West Virginia
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in West Virginia
- Assisted Living Directory for West Virginia
- Assisted Living Costs in West Virginia
- Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in West Virginia
- West Virginia Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
- Free Assisted Living Resources in West Virginia
John Denver celebrated West Virginia as "almost heaven" in his famous song "Take Me Home, Country Roads," and the state's natural and historic beauty lives up to that sentiment. With a temperate climate, an immense range of national and state parks and hiking trails, and an impressive selection of historical sites, including over 400 prehistoric mounds and countless famous Civil War and industrial historical landmarks, there's plenty to draw people to the so-called Mountain State. Clean and friendly communities with low crime rates and taxes, affordable costs of living, a vibrant cuisine scene known for its farmers markets and well-supported, well-regulated options for assisted living make the state an attractive choice for seniors.
That said, West Virginia isn't one of America's growing states on the whole. Its population overall has declined by 3.3% over the decade since 2010, according to U.S. Census Bureau data as younger people, in particular, leave the state. The share of the population that's 65 and over has grown over that same time to just under 20%. The aging of West Virginia's population has put some strain on its health care system and associated financial supports, in particular, leading to long waitlists for aid programs for seniors that aren't considered entitlements. The good news from the standpoint of assisted living is that programs directly funding residence in what the state calls an Assisted Living Residence are much less affected by this strain than the home care solutions that have traditionally been the state's focus.
According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living in West Virginia is $3,750, some 7.5% cheaper than the national average of $4,051. In parts of the state, the expenses may be lower yet, while in its larger cities, the average monthly rate trends slightly upward, although never exceeding the national average expense.
The guide offers more specifics on that kind of cost data, along with comparisons of assisted living in West Virginia to other types of care within the state and to the assisted living costs of neighboring states. It also provides useful details about information resources, financial assistance programs, the overall quality of life the state offers for seniors, and the state's rules and regulations for assisted living residences.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in West Virginia
A state or city's SeniorScore is derived from over 100 variables and assessed based on a linear curving method, with the ultimate goal of providing useful data on which locales offer the best options for senior living. West Virginia's score is 74 out of 100, a good rating that matches the national average. Almost a third of the state's population is aged 55 and over, and the state boasts an elder-friendly environment for recreation and relaxation with a bucolic rural atmosphere, numerous parks and golf courses, and plenty of historic towns and sites to visit.
The strongest contributor to West Virginia's SeniorScore is the excellent financial benefits the state offers retirees. While the state does tax income from social security benefits, it also provides a deduction that offsets those taxes. This combines with a low cost of living and low rates of sales and property tax to make West Virginia an attractive destination for seniors. The state also scores well on overall quality of life. The state's temperate climate, crime rates below the national average, and better-than-average air quality all make for an attractive environment.
Where West Virginia suffers somewhat in comparison with other states is in the quality of its health care facilities, which aren't particularly highly rated by comparison with less rural states, added to which regular health care is somewhat more expensive than the national average. On the other hand, the state somewhat makes up for this with the extremely stringent regulation and inspection conditions it imposes on assisted living residences. At present, this definitely makes assisted living a preferable option to attempting to access the state's overburdened home care system.
SeniorScore™ for West Virginia
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
74
SeniorScore™ Overview
- West Virginia's SeniorScore™ of 74 is higher than the national average of 72.
61
Health & Safety
- West Virginia has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
- West Virginia has a high number of hospitals within the state.
- West Virginia has an average number of senior living facilities within the state.
- West Virginia has an average number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
- The average life expectancy in West Virginia is 75.4, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- West Virginia has a high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
- West Virginia has a high overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
64
Recreation & Leisure
- 32% of the population in West Virginia are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
- West Virginia has 119 golf courses in the state.
- West Virginia has an average number of municipal parks throughout the state.
- West Virginia has 1,066 churches in the state.
72
Finances
- The property taxes average 1.16% of total income in West Virginia, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 0.54% of property value in West Virginia, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The average sales tax in West Virginia is 6.50%, which is lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- The average state income tax in West Virginia is 4.11%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.38%.
- The mean household income in West Virginia is $52,919, which is significantly lower than the national average of $64,580.
- West Virginia's median household income is $40,579, which is significantly lower than the national average of $51,560.
- The average per capita income in West Virginia is $21,998, which is significantly lower than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs in West Virginia average $39,618 per year, which are lower than the national average of $42,700.
- Nursing home costs in West Virginia average $108,827 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $92,481.
- Costs for adult daycare in West Virginia average $18,985 per year, which are higher than the national average of $17,931.
- Costs for home healthcare in West Virginia average $35,854 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $46,197.
- The unemployment rate is about 7.57% in West Virginia, which is lower than then national rate of 8.26%.
- The overall cost of living in West Virginia is low compared to national averages.
- 1.10% of the senior population in West Virginia are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
66
General Quality of Life
- West Virginia receives an average of 42.6 inches of rain per year.
- West Virginia has an average annual temperature of 52.2 degrees fahrenheit.
- West Virginia has an average low temperature of 40.4 degrees fahrenheit.
- West Virginia has an average high temperature of 62.9 degrees fahrenheit.
- West Virginia has an average population density of 175 people per square mile.
- West Virginia has a very low public school quality ranking.
- West Virginia has a high public school safety ranking.
- West Virginia has an average graduation rate of 82.73%.
The Cost of Assisted Living in West Virginia
According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the monthly cost of an assisted living residence in West Virginia is $3,750 on average, below the national average of $4,051. That compares favorably with the much more expensive monthly averages of $4,800 in Virginia, $4,399 in Ohio or $4,300 in Maryland. It's even cheaper than the much closer rate of $3,913 in neighboring Pennsylvania. In the area, only Kentucky comes in less expensive, with a monthly average of $3,497.
- West Virginia: $3,750
- United States: $4,051
- Virginia: $4,800
- Ohio: $4,399
- Maryland: $4,300
- Pennsylvania: $3,913
- Kentucky: $3,497
The Cost of Assisted Living in West Virginia's Top Cities
Most of West Virginia's largest cities come in under the state average for monthly assisted living expenses. This is true of Huntington at a monthly average cost of $3,535, Parkersburg ($3,494) and Wheeling ($3,390). Charleston and Morgantown come in slightly above the state average monthly costs, at $4,045 and $3,971 respectively. Notably, even Charleston doesn't exceed the national average cost per month nationwide.
- Charleston: $4,045
- Huntington: $3,535
- Morgantown: $3,971
- Parkersburg: $3,494
- Wheeling: $3,390
Top Assisted Living Facilities in West Virginia
Huntington Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 186 bed skilled nursing facility situated in Huntington, West Virginia. The encompassing area has a dense population, with approximately 24,000 individuals living in the zip code of 25701. It is a ...
Eagle Pointe is a 164 bed senior community located in Parkersburg, West Virginia. With a median family income of $34,545, the community is in a predominantly working class area. It has a dense population, with approximately 31,000 people ...
Located at 723 Summers St in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Willows Center is a 97 bed senior housing community. With approximately 31,000 poeple living in the 26101 zip code, the encompassing area has a dense population. It is a ...
Cedar Ridge Center is located at 302 Cedar Ridge Rd in Sissonville, West Virginia. It is a 119 bed senior housing community. With roughly 7,000 people residing in the zip code of 25320, the neighboring area is sparsely ...
The Arthur B Hodges Center is a 20 bed senior community situated in Charleston, West Virginia. With a median per-family income of $37,702, the community is in a predominantly middle income area. It has an average population density, ...
Located at 825 Summit St in Spencer, West Virginia, Miletree Center is a 62 room senior care facility. With an average household income of $25,645, the community is in a generally low income area. It has an ...
The Brier is a 90 unit senior housing facility. It is situated in the Fairlea neighborhood of Ronceverte, West Virginia. With an average household income of $33,527, the community is in a generally lower income area. It ...
Eastbrook is a 184 bed senior housing community. It is located at 3819 Chesterfield Ave in Charleston, West Virginia. The facility is in a largely middle income area, with an average household income of $48,285. It ...
Hidden Valley Center is located at 422 23rd St in Oak Hill, West Virginia. It is an 80 bed senior care community. The facility is in a generally working class area, with a median per-family income of ...
Harper Mills is located at 100 Heartland Dr in Beckley, West Virginia. It is a 201 bed senior housing facility. The encompassing area has a dense population, with roughly 35,000 people residing in the zip code of 25801. ...
Brightwood Center is located within the Hooverson Heights neighborhood of Follansbee, West Virginia. It is a 128 bed senior housing facility. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with an average household income of $41,085. ...
Pendleton Manor is located at 68 Good Samaritan Dr in Franklin, West Virginia. It is a 91 unit senior community. The community is in a predominantly middle income area, with an average household income of $36,624. It ...
Located at 1600 Bland St in Bluefield, West Virginia, The Maples is a 60 unit senior care community. The neighboring area has a dense population, with around 22,000 individuals living in the zip code of 24701. With a ...
Valley Center is located at 1000 Lincoln Dr in Charleston, West Virginia. It is a 130 room senior care facility. The facility is in a generally middle class area, with a median household income of $37,087. It ...
Located at 2200 Floral St in Moundsville, West Virginia, Mound View Health Care is a 129 unit nursing home facility. With a median family income of $33,424, the community is in a largely lower income area. It has ...
Cortland Acres is located at 39 Cortland Acres Ln in Thomas, West Virginia. It is a 94 unit senior housing community. The encompassing area is sparsely populated, with roughly 2,000 individuals living in the 26292 zip code. ...
Raleigh Center is a 68 room senior care facility. It is located at PO Box 741 in Daniels, West Virginia. With approximately 5,000 residents in the 25832 zip code, the surrounding area has a sparse population. It ...
Canterbury Center is a 62 room senior housing facility. It is located at 80 Maddex Dr in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The facility is in a primarily affluent area, with a median per-family income of $87,626. It has ...
Rosewood Center is a 69 room senior care facility located in Grafton, West Virginia. With about 12,000 people residing in the 26354 zip code, the encompassing area has an average population density. It is a primarily middle income ...
Senior Cost Care Comparison in West Virginia
Most forms of senior care in West Virginia are fairly affordable. The monthly average of assisted living, $3,750. is very close to the average rates of both in-home care and home health care (both at $3,432), while adult day care is significantly cheaper at $1,083. Far and away the most expensive option, as is usually the case, is nursing home care. In West Virginia, this kind of care runs to an average of $10,707 per month for a semiprivate room. It's worth keeping in mind that due to the particular challenges facing the state's home health care services for seniors, the lower costs of these kinds of services may be misleading as to how easy it is to actually access them.
- Assisted Living: $3,750
- In-Home Care: $3,432
- Home Health Care: $3,432
- Adult Day Care: $1,083
- Nursing Home Care: $10,707
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in West Virginia
Medicaid Personal Care Program
Address: West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25305
Phone Number: (304) 558-3317
Website: http://www.wvseniorservices.gov/HelpatHome/MedicaidPersonalCare/tabid/78/Default.aspx
The Medicaid Personal Care Program provides direct funding for assistance with the activities of daily living in a variety of contexts, including for qualified applicants in assisted living residences. Specific financial and health conditions need to be met for eligibility, with confirmation both from the resident and from their primary care physician. Further details of the program and where to find out about eligibility can be located on the website linked above.
Assisted Living Regulations in West Virginia
The state's Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification is responsible for regulating assisted living residences in West Virginia. The table below provides an overview of the rules and regulations available in full at its website.
Scope of Care | Assisted Living Residences must be licensed under that name with the state. They're defined as facilities that provide assistance with activities of daily living, intermittent skilled nursing care, medication management, and housing, laundry and dietary services that must meet strict standards and be subject to periodic inspection by the office of the Secretary. They cannot admit residents who need extensive or ongoing nursing care. |
Care Plan Requirements | Service plans have to be drafted in accordance with a detailed assessment by a qualified health care professional, and the assessments must include specific screening for certain ailments, such as tuberculosis. ALRs must also provide a comprehensive individual needs assessment within five days of admitting a resident. A detailed service plan based on these assessments has to be delivered to residents in writing no less than seven days after admission. |
Medication Management Requirements | ALRs must have clearance from a licensed health care professional to allow self-administration of medications or to provide medication management services. Strict guidelines govern the storage, packaging and documentation of medications. |
Staff Screening Requirements | All staff, volunteers and contractors with an ALR must be screened for compliance with the eligibility fitness requirements of the West Virginia Clearance for Access, Registry and Employment Screening unit of the Department of Health and Human Resources. Personnel records must be kept for at least three years from the beginning of any employment. |
Staff Training Requirements | ALRs are expected to provide employees with detailed orientation and training about the residence's policies and procedures, emergency and disaster response plans, specialty care based on service plans, residents' rights and complaint procedures, the Ombudsman's role, the provision of group and individual activities and infection control. This training must take place within 15 days of hire and must proceed according to a written plan. Certain topics need to be revisited in annual in-service training, and training specific to memory care must be provided to relevant staff. |
Medicaid Coverage | The Medicaid Personal Care Program provides funding for assistance with daily living in a number of settings, including ALRs. |
Reporting Abuse | ALRs are required to report to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman any suspicion or incident of resident abuse, exploitation or any other violation of the resident's rights immediately. |
Free Assisted Living Resources in West Virginia
The West Virginia Aging and Disability Resource Network
Address: 1400 Ohio Avenue, Suite B, Dunbar, WV 35064
Phone Number: (866) 981-2372
Website: https://www.wvnavigate.org/SitePages/Home.aspx#/
A program of the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services, the WVADR Network provides a comprehensive database of long-term care facilities and assisted living communities in the state. It also offers further resources, among them an online Knowledge Center touching on topics that range from dementia to veterans' benefits, legal services to emergency preparedness and more.
The Network's mission is to help people make informed decisions about assisted living and other long-term care solutions. Its services are available to anyone at no charge, regardless of age or income.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Address: 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25305
Phone Number: (800) 834-0598
Website: http://www.wvseniorservices.gov/StayingSafe/LongTermCareOmbudsmanProgram/tabid/81/Default.aspx
Another program administered by the Bureau of Senior Services, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is dedicated to advocating for seniors in long-term care: Ensuring that their rights and well-being are protected, providing them with access to informed choices and investigating complaints about abuse or neglect in care facilities. In West Virginia, the service is administered by nine regional Ombudsmen and an Ombudsman Supervisor in cooperation with Legal Aid of West Virginia.
Area Agencies on Aging in West Virginia
A nationwide network of government agencies and nonprofits jointly funded at the state and federal levels, Area Agencies on Aging have information and programs for seniors to improve their access to senior care services. The Agencies try to support independent living wherever possible, and aside from offering information and counseling resources, they also provide services such as local meal delivery and transportation.
There are AAA offices spread across the state. In West Virginia, these are grouped into four regions, whose information can be accessed online.
Veterans Affairs Offices in West Virginia
Veterans Affairs offices are tasked with supporting health, well-being and access to federal and state benefits for veterans and their families. These include the Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits for veterans who need assistance with activities of daily living, who suffer from visual impairment or who find themselves bedridden with chronic conditions. Application for A&A benefits includes an eligibility questionnaire requiring supporting details about the applicant's daily life and overall health and, sometimes, requiring a doctor's report to support claims of eligibility. Qualified applicants receive financial support directly applicable to long-term care, including assisted living communities.
The main contact office for benefits support in West Virginia is in Clarksburg and can be reached by phone at (304) 623-3327.
Social Security Offices in West Virginia
Social Security offices process millions of SSI and SSDI payments for Americans each month, and qualifying for Social Security can open doors to further benefits for qualified seniors who need long-term care or independent living services. Those seeking to assess their eligibility or gain access to additional benefits can inquire with their local Social Security office, easily located online.
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