Located in Bridgeport, WV at 327 Medical Park Dr, United Hospital Center Home Health/Hospice is a senior home care company offering home health care and also home care. They have been providing care in West Virginia for nearly 33 years. ...
Home Care in West Virginia
- Home Care Directory for West Virginia
- Home Care Costs in West Virginia
- Financial Assistance for Home Care in West Virginia
- West Virginia Home Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Home Care Resources in West Virginia
Nestled among the rolling Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia can be an attractive retirement option for seniors looking to get away from it all. The state offers some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the nation, with many majestic waterfalls, awe-inspiring caverns and thousands of acres of lush forests to explore across nearly 50 state parks. A growing number of older adults call West Virginia home — more than 20% of the state's population are seniors 65 and above.
West Virginia earns a SeniorScore of 74 out of 100, which is two points higher than the national average of 72. The SeniorScore is a measure of how comfortable a state is for retirees in four categories: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life. The state's best score was a 72 in Finances thanks to low sales and property taxes and a low cost of living compared to the rest of the country. West Virginia's lowest score was a 61 in Health & Safety due to a high property crime rate, although the state boasts ample access to Medicare-registered health care providers.
This guide provides an overview of the cost of home care in West Virginia and explores several resources that may help seniors pay for the help they need.
Top Home Care Agencies in West Virginia
Carriage Inn Home Care of West Virginia is a senior home healthcare provider located in Weirton, West Virginia at 210 Three Springs Drive, Suite 2. They provide in-home medical care along with in-home personal care for seniors. For almost ...
Located in Martinsburg, WV at 803 W King St, Home Instead Senior Care is a senior home care service provider that offers in-home nursing services and personal home care. They provide different personal services including help taking medication, offering emotional ...
Located in Martinsburg, West Virginia at 208 Old Mill Rd, Panhandle Home Health, Inc. is a home care service provider offering in-home nursing services in addition to in-home personal care. They have been providing care in West Virginia for nearly ...
St. Mary's Home Health Service
3014 Champion Drive, Suite 3014
Barboursville, WV 25504
Located in Barboursville, West Virginia at 3014 Champion Drive, Suite 3014, St. Mary's Home Health Service is a home healthcare company that offers in-home care along with in-home health care. They have been operating in Barboursville for 33 years. They ...
MVA Home Health
P O Box 1112 (1322 Locust Avenue)
Fairmont, WV 26555
Located at P O Box 1112 (1322 Locust Avenue) in Fairmont, West Virginia, MVA Home Health is a senior home healthcare company offering personal care and also home health care. Since 1966, they have been helping seniors throughout the ...
West Virginia Home Health
102 Pallottine Dr
Buckhannon, WV 26201
Located in Buckhannon, West Virginia at 102 Pallottine Dr, West Virginia Home Health is a senior home health care provider that offers in-home nursing care and also personal care. They have been providing care in Buckhannon for 47 years. They ...
Grant Memorial Homecare
10 Valley View St
Petersburg, WV 26847
Located in Petersburg, West Virginia at 10 Valley View St, Grant Memorial Homecare is a senior home healthcare provider that offers personal home care and also home health care. For almost 31 years, they have been helping seniors in the ...
HomePlus
22 Buffalo St
Elkins, WV 26241
Located in Elkins, West Virginia at 22 Buffalo St, HomePlus is a senior in-home care company offering in-home personal care services in addition to in-home medical services. They have been serving seniors in West Virginia for 32 years. They offer ...
Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services
212 Newton Ave
Bridgeport, WV 26330
Located in Bridgeport, WV at 212 Newton Ave, Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services is an in-home care service provider that offers home health services in addition to personal care. They provide multiple personal services such as assistance with reading, medication ...
Braxton County Memorial Hospital, HHA
100 Hoylman Dr
Gassaway, WV 26624
Located in Gassaway, West Virginia at 100 Hoylman Dr, Braxton County Memorial Hospital, HHA is a senior home healthcare company that offers in-home nursing services and also home care services. Since 1986, they have been serving seniors throughout the Gassaway ...
Gentiva Health Services
PO Box 4305
Chapmanville, WV 25508
Gentiva Health Services is a home healthcare service provider located in Chapmanville, West Virginia at PO Box 4305. They offer in-home medical care along with home care to senior clientele. Since 1985, they have been helping clients in the ...
Cabell Huntington Hospital Home Health
1340 Hal Greer Blvd
Huntington, WV 25701
Cabell Huntington Hospital Home Health is a home healthcare provider located in Huntington, West Virginia at 1340 Hal Greer Blvd. They offer in-home nursing as well as personal home care services for seniors. They have been operating in West ...
Intrepid USA Healthcare Services
2129 National Road, Suite 1
Wheeling, WV 26003
Intrepid USA Healthcare Services is a home healthcare company located in Wheeling, WV at 2129 National Road, Suite 1. They provide in-home health care along with in-home care for seniors. They have been serving seniors in the area since ...
Amedisys Home Health of West Virginia
108 Sunset Dr
Beckley, WV 25801
Located in Beckley, West Virginia at 108 Sunset Dr, Amedisys Home Health of West Virginia is a senior in-home care provider offering in-home medical services and personal home care services. They have been operating in Beckley for nearly 33 years. ...
Individual Home Care
Muddlety
Summersville, WV 26651
Located at Muddlety in Summersville, West Virginia, Individual Home Care is a in-home care company that offers in-home personal care in addition to in-home nursing.
Home Care Plus
50 Seneca Trail
Lewisburg, WV 24901
Located in Lewisburg, West Virginia at 50 Seneca Trail, Home Care Plus is a home healthcare provider offering home health services in addition to home care services. Since 1985, they have been providing care to clients in the Lewisburg area. ...
Gentiva Health Services
100 Kanawha Boulevard West
Charleston, WV 25302
Gentiva Health Services is a senior home healthcare service provider based in Charleston, WV at 100 Kanawha Boulevard West. They offer in-home nursing and in-home personal care services to senior clientele. For almost 34 years, they have been ...
Pendleton Home Health Services
P O Box 700
Franklin, WV 26807
Located at P O Box 700 in Franklin, West Virginia, Pendleton Home Health Services is a home care company that offers in-home medical services along with personal care services. For nearly 39 years, they have been helping customers throughout the ...
Pleasant Valley Home & Health Hospice
1011 Viand St
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Located at 1011 Viand St in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, Pleasant Valley Home & Health Hospice is a senior home healthcare provider that offers home health care as well as in-home personal care. Since 1978, they have been serving ...
The Cost of Home Care in West Virginia
Seniors in West Virginia can expect to pay an average of $3,432 per month for both home care and home health care, according to the 2019 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Home care can provide help with non-medical services, such as housekeeping, meal preparation and transportation to appointments. Home health care offers basic medical assistance, including skilled nursing, blood pressure management and medication administration.
The Cost of Home Care in West Virginia Compared to Nearby States
Home care and home health care in West Virginia cost $858 less than the national average of $4,290, making the state an excellent retirement option for seniors on a budget. It's also cheaper than most surrounding states. In Kentucky, for example, retirees pay about $3,813 for both types of care. Rates in Pennsylvania are even pricier, with home care and home health care costing an average of $4,385 and $4,481, respectively.
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
West Virginia | $3,432 | $3,432 |
The United States | $4,290 | $4,290 |
Kentucky | $3,813 | $3,183 |
Ohio | $4,290 | $4,385 |
Virginia | $4,195 | $4,382 |
Pennsylvania | $4,385 | $4,481 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in West Virginia
Seniors in West Virginia have several options in addition to in-home care and home health care. Adult day care, which provides services in a community setting while allowing seniors to keep living at home, is the cheapest choice at $1,083 per month. Assisted living is slightly more expensive than home care at $3,750 — this price includes room and board, meals and personal care. Nursing home care is the priciest option, with a semi-private room costing $10,707.
- In-Home Care: $3,432
- Home Health Care: $3,432
- Adult Day Care: $1,083
- Assisted Living Facility: $3,750
- Nursing Home Care: $10,707
The Cost of Home Care in West Virginia's Top Cities
Home care costs in West Virginia can vary, with the lowest rates found in the southern part of the state and higher prices in the north. Seniors in the Beckley area enjoy the lowest home care costs in the state at $3,241. In the capital of Charleston, prices are only slightly higher at $3,337 for both home care and home health care. Weirton, located less than an hour from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has the most expensive home care prices in the state at $4,385 per month.
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
West Virginia | $3,432 | $3,432 |
Beckley | $3,241 | $3,241 |
Charleston | $3,337 | $3,337 |
Huntington | $3,527 | $3,527 |
Morgantown | $4,052 | $4,052 |
Weirton | $4,385 | $4,385 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in West Virginia
Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver
The Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver provides in-home care services to seniors who are financially and medically eligible. Members of the program receive assistance from a personal attendant, who can help with transportation, home safety maintenance, nutritional support and personal care. Seniors may also receive a monthly subsidy to hire a home caregiver of their choice. Other services include case management and regular assessments by a registered nurse to ensure that the program is meeting their needs.
Contact Information
To apply for the ADW program, applicants and their physician must complete a Medically Necessary Evaluation Request form. For more information about the program, call the Bureau of Senior Services Medicaid helpline at (877) 767-1575.
Medicaid Personal Care
The Medicaid Personal Care program offers more hands-on support services than those provided by the ADW program. Services are administered by a personal care agency and may include help with eating, grooming, bathing and getting dressed. There is no minimum age to receive care, but seniors must hold a valid West Virginia State Medicaid card to qualify.
Contact Information
Seniors and their doctor must submit a Medically Necessary Evaluation Request form to be considered for the program. Call (877) 767-1575 for more information.
Lighthouse
The Lighthouse program is designed to provide home care for individuals who don't qualify for Medicaid services due to assets or income. Seniors can receive up to 60 hours of assistance per month with services including personal care, housekeeping, grocery shopping and meal preparation. West Virginia residents must be 60 years or older and deemed medically eligible to qualify. The cost of care is based on a sliding fee schedule and is determined by the applicant's income.
Contact Information
To learn more about Lighthouse, seniors should contact their local county aging provider or call the Bureau of Senior Services at (877) 987-3646.
Legislative Initiative for the Elderly
The LIFE program offers in-home care services for seniors 60 and up through the Older Americans Act. Services are provided by a local senior center and may include meal delivery, transportation, home maintenance and caregiver respite. Volunteers can also assist with shopping, medication management and a variety of housekeeping tasks. Services are state-funded and vary by county.
Contact Information
Seniors can contact their nearest county aging provider to learn more about services available to them.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
West Virginia Home Care Rules and Regulations
In West Virginia, in-home care is provided by home care agencies, while care that includes medical services is provided by home health agencies. Both care types are regulated by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. State law requires that all home care agencies are licensed and must meet guidelines for patient rights, staff training, abuse reporting and scope of care.
Scope of Care | Home care agencies provide assistance with non-medical tasks, including housekeeping, errands, meal planning and companionship. Home health caregivers provide basic medical services, such as medication administration, wound care and various types of therapy. |
Care Plan Requirements | Health care agencies must provide patients with an individualized care plan outlining medical needs, medications, permitted activities and prognosis. Plans must be signed by a physician and reviewed periodically. The state does not outline plan requirements for home care agencies. |
Medication Management Requirements | Home care aides may assist patients with administering medications that are ordinarily self-administered. Home health care aides who administer medication must be licensed or supervised by an authorized registered nurse. |
Staff Screening Requirements | All home care and home health care staff must pass a WV CARES fingerprint-based background check in order to work with clients. Health agencies must verify applicant certification via the WV Nurse Aide Registry. |
Staff Training Requirements | Home health workers must complete a competency evaluation program totaling a minimum of 75 hours of classroom and supervised practical instruction. Staff must also complete an additional 12 hours of training per year. |
Medicaid Coverage | Seniors may be eligible for free or reduced-cost care through one of the state's Medicaid waivers. |
Reporting Abuse | Suspected or verified abuse can be reported to Adult Protective Services at (800) 352-6513. |
Free Home Care Resources in West Virginia
Seniors in West Virginia have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Area Agencies on Aging
Seniors in West Virginia can receive various free in-home care services through one of the state's four Area Agencies on Aging. Each AAA coordinates with local senior centers to help residents find the resources they need to safely age in place. Services vary among AAA providers but usually include Medicaid and Medicare counseling, meal delivery, transportation and home maintenance. Some centers may also be able to provide personal care, such as medication administration and grooming, under the direction of a medical care professional.
Contact Information
For more information about available services, seniors should contact the AAA that serves their county or call the Bureau of Senior Services at (877) 987-3646.
Utility Assistance/Low-Income Energy Assistance Program
LIEAP offers financial assistance to low-income seniors who can't afford to pay their utility bills. Payments are made directly to utility companies on the customer's behalf. Seniors who are in danger of losing their heating service may be eligible for expedited crisis assistance. A 20% discount is available for water, gas and electric services; residents must be at least 60 years old and be either a recipient of SNAP or SSI to qualify. Seniors can also receive low-cost, basic telephone service through the Tel-Assistance/Lifeline program.
Contact Information
To learn more about these programs, residents can call the Department of Health and Human Resources at (304) 558-0628. Seniors can apply for LIEAP and other programs online via the PATH portal.
West Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides another way for seniors to save money on their energy bills. The program includes a home audit to identify potential sources of energy loss, such as a lack of insulation in the attic or walls. The program pays to repair damaged roofs, plumbing, floors and gas lines. Homes with outdated equipment, such as knob and tube wiring, old fuse boxes or inadequate grounding may be eligible for a free upgrade. Residents of any age can apply, but the WAP prioritizes seniors 60 and above.
Contact Information
For more information about weatherization services, call (304) 957-2007.
Senior Citizen Tax Credit
Senior homeowners aged 65 and up can take advantage of a refundable credit on their property taxes. To qualify for the credit, residents must have a household income less than 150% of the federal poverty guidelines and participate in the Homestead Exemption program. Seniors must also have paid more than 4% of their income for the year in property taxes. The maximum credit amount is $1,000.
Contact Information
Eligible seniors will receive a copy of the SCTC-1 form every year; the form must be filed with that year's income taxes to claim the credit. For further information, contact the West Virginia State Tax Department at (304) 558-3333.
Meals on Wheels
Staffed by teams of dedicated volunteers, Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals to seniors throughout West Virginia. Meals may be free or discounted depending on the ability to pay. Other services may include safety checks, social visits, minor home repairs and transportation to medical appointments. Each Meals on Wheels team is run independently, so services can vary. In general, seniors aged 60 and up are eligible for service.
Contact Information
To apply for meal delivery, seniors can contact the Meals on Wheels location nearest them.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
West Virginia Medicaid members of any age are eligible for free transportation to and from medical appointments. Transportation methods include rides from a private driver or public bus route; seniors who can drive themselves may receive a gas mileage reimbursement. Trips can be scheduled Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact Information
Eligible seniors can call 1 (844) 549-3133 or visit the LogistiCare member portal to schedule a ride.
Golden Mountaineer Card
Available for free to all West Virginia residents 60 and up, the Golden Mountaineer Card provides seniors with discounts for a variety of services and businesses across the state. The card can be used to save money on medical supplies, food, home maintenance and other necessities. Seniors who are eligible for a card receive an application in the month of their 60th birthday.
Contact Information
To request a new or replacement card, call (888) 968-4462 or fill out the online application.
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