Hilltop Center is a 120 unit senior community situated in Hilltop, West Virginia. The community is in a mostly working class area, with a median household income of $31,960. With approximately 1,000 individuals residing in the zip code ...
Memory Care in West Virginia
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in West Virginia
- Memory Care Directory for West Virginia
- Memory Care Costs in West Virginia
- Financial Assistance for Memory Care in West Virginia
- West Virginia Memory Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Memory Care Resources in West Virginia
In West Virginia, 20.5% of the population is over 65. That’s four percentage points higher than the national average, which means that dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia is a constant concern for the state’s professional and family caregivers. According to statistics provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, 39,000 W. Virginians aged 65 and older had Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in 2020. That figure is expected to rise to 44,000 by 2025.
Perhaps even more concerning is the cost of providing health care to seniors with memory care issues. Currently, Medicaid provides $445 million a year to treat these conditions in West Virginia, a figure likely to expand by at least 20% by 2025.
The purpose of this guide is to provide seniors and their families in West Virginia with information on where they can find financial assistance and other resources to help them deal with memory care issues like Alzheimer’s or dementia.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in West Virginia
The SeniorScore is a livability index created by SeniorAdvice that shows seniors how their most important needs are met by towns, cities and states across the nation. It is composed of four indexes: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life. The indexes are compiled from over 100 data points taken from government and private databases. West Virginia’s overall SeniorScore is 74, which is two points higher than the national average of 72.
West Virginia has a score of 61 in the Health & Safety Category. The score is based on the high number of health care providers in West Virginia who are registered with Medicare and the high number of hospitals that can be found within the state. It has an average number of senior living facilities. The overall property crime rate and the violent crime rate in West Virginia are higher than national averages.
Recreation & Leisure scores 64 points. Overall, 32% of the people who live in West Virginia are over the age of 55. This means that seniors will find recreational and leisure activities within the state. There are 119 golf courses in West Virginia and an average number of municipal and national parks. A total of 1,066 churches can be found in West Virginia.
General Quality of Life scores a 66. The state receives an average rainfall of 42.6 inches a year while enjoying warm average high temperatures of 62.9°F. Winters can be a bit cooler with an average low temperature of 40.4°F. West Virginia is not a densely populated state with only 175 people per square mile.
Top Memory Care Communities in West Virginia
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 ...
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 ...
Putnam Center is situated near the Teays neighborhood of Hurricane, West Virginia. It is a 120 bed senior housing facility. With an average per-family income of $65,312, the facility is in a mostly middle class area. It ...
Shenandoah Center is a 78 unit senior housing community located in Charles Town, West Virginia. The neighboring area has a medium-density population, with approximately 18,000 people residing in the zip code of 25414. With an average family income ...
Dunbar Center is a 120 bed senior care facility located in Dunbar, West Virginia. The surrounding area has a medium-density population, with approximately 11,000 poeple living in the 25064 zip code. With a median per-household income of $40,899, ...
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 ...
Located at 6500 Maccorkle Avenue SW in St Albans, West Virginia, Golden Living Center - Riverside is a 102 bed senior care facility. With a median family income of $40,077, the community is in a predominantly middle income area. ...
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 ...
Parkersburg Care Center is a 66 unit senior housing facility located in Parkersburg, West Virginia. The community is in a primarily lower income area, with a median per-family income of $34,545. It is densely populated, with about 31,000 ...
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. ...
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 ...
Pine Lodge is a 120 bed senior care facility located in Beckley, West Virginia. The surrounding area is densely populated, with around 35,000 poeple living in the zip code of 25801. It is a primarily middle class area, ...
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 ...
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. ...
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, ...
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 ...
The Cost of Memory Care in West Virginia
There are no official estimates of memory care costs in West Virginia or any other American state. Most estimates, however, anticipate that memory care costs 20-30% extra a month on top of the assisted-living total. These extra costs come from the additional care, added staff time, personalized activity programs and increased safety measures that are necessary to help a person with Alzheimer's/dementia.
To determine a figure that seniors and their families can use to estimate the cost of memory care, we took the assisted living costs reported in Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2019 and added 25%. In West Virginia, the monthly average cost of memory care in an ALR is $4,687, lower than in most nearby states or nationally. The national average is more expensive by $400, and in Virginia costs are nearly an additional $1,300 a month for memory care at $6,000. Ohio and Maryland are also more expensive than West Virginia at $5,423 and $5,375, respectively. Pennsylvania is a little more affordable; memory care there is only an additional $200 a month at $4,891, but Kentucky has the lowest costs in the region at $4,371 a month for memory care.
- West Virginia: $4,687
- Virginia: $6,000
- Kentucky: $4,371
- Maryland: $5,375
- Ohio: $5,423
- Pennsylvania: $4,891
- USA: $5,063
The Cost of Memory Care and West Virginia’s Top Cities
While the monthly average of memory care costs in West Virginia is $4,687, this price can vary throughout the state. None of West Virginia's cities or towns are densely populated, and in most cases, the smaller the city, the lower the cost of memory care. Charlestown, the state capital, is the most expensive at $5,056 a month. The next highest is Morgantown at $4,963 a month. Huntington, which is close to Kentucky, comes in at $4,418 a month, while Parkersburg, on the border with Ohio, is $4,367 a month. Wheeling, which is in the far northern tip of West Virginia, has the lowest memory care costs of the state's five biggest cities at $4,237 a month.
- Charleston: $5,056
- Huntington: $4,418
- Morgantown: $4,963
- Parkersburg: $4,367
- Wheeling: $4,237
Senior Care Cost Comparison in West Virginia
While memory care is one of the highest care options in West Virginia at $4,687 a month, about $900 more expensive than the cost of assisted living at $3,750, it is still not the most expensive option. Nursing home care in a semi-private room is $6,000 more expensive a month than memory care, costing $10,707 a month. There are three other less expensive options, including in-home care and home health care, which cost an estimated $3,432 a month. Adult day care at $1,083 is the least expensive option.
- Memory Care: $4,687
- 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 Memory Care in West Virginia
VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound Benefits
Address: 1722 I St NW, Washington, DC 20421
Phone Number: (800) 698-2411
Website: https://www.va.gov/ or https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/veterans-benefits/aid-and-attendance#application
Statistically, veterans develop dementia at a higher rate than the public. The VA’s Aid and Attendance Pension program for veterans and their surviving spouses provides money that can be added to their basic pensions. This money can be used for assistance, including at an ALR for memory care, with daily living activities such as mobility, bathing or eating. Veterans must be at least 65 (or disabled) and require assistance with daily living activities.
Before applying for a VA pension, senior veterans should take a VA online eligibility test. They can apply for a regular pension on the US Department of Veterans Affairs website. They also need to complete form 21-2680, Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance.
Home and Community Based Services Waiver (HCBSW)
Address: 350 Capitol Street, Room 251, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 558-1700
Website: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Programs/Pages/default.aspx
Administered by the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services, the HCBSW program is designed to assist seniors with necessary services at an appropriate care level. This includes waivers for Traumatic Brain Injury, Age and Disability and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
These waivers help pay the costs of caregiver assistance, medical supplies and other items. Seniors who reside in an assisted living or memory care facility are eligible for the waivers. To qualify, seniors must be aged at least 65 and show a medical need for residential care services. Seniors cannot have an income higher than 300% of the federal benefit rate, which is $2,313 a month for a single adult.
Seniors can apply for a waiver by calling (866) 767-1575 or by mailing the Director of Medicare Operations, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, WV 25305.
Legislative Initiative for the Elderly (LIFE)
Address: 1900, Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV
Phone Number: (877) 987-3646.
Website: http://www.wvseniorservices.gov/StayingHealthy/OlderAmericansActProgramsLIFE/tabid/71/Default.aspx
The LIFE program complies with the federal Older Americans Act. It provides non-medical and non-personal services for seniors with unmet needs. The program can provide up to 60 hours a month in additional services for seniors who live in an ALR or a memory care facility.
It provides help with items such as housekeeping and laundry, shopping, transportation, medication management and meal deliveries or preparation. Seniors aged 60 and older who meet their counties’ eligibility criteria are eligible for this program. Criteria changes from county to county and often year by year and include financial and need-for-care assessments.
Eligible seniors can apply for these benefits at their local senior centers or applications can be mailed to the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services.
West Virginia Memory Care Rules and Regulations
In West Virginia, memory care facilities that include special care units for seniors with Alzheimer’s/dementia need to obtain a special license. This is given by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau for Public Health, Office of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification.
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources splits memory care facilities into three categories: residential care homes that can house up to three seniors with dementia; small facilities that house between four and 16 seniors; and larger facilities that can house up to 17 or more.
Facility Scope of Care | Board and care and routine caregiver services may be provided for residents by memory care facilities in West Virginia. If more intensive nursing care is required, a resident may remain in an ALR for up to 90 days, provided their condition is temporary. Memory care facilities may provide other forms of non-medical care, including transportation outside the facility, meal service and memory-specific activities related to dementia. |
Admission Requirements | There are restrictions on those who can and cannot be admitted to an ALR that provides memory care services. Those who can be admitted: Seniors with a disability that requires 24-hour care, including Alzheimer's or dementia, traumatic brain injury, mental health conditions or developmental disabilities. Those who will not be admitted: Anyone under the age of 18, individuals who require care in a nursing home, have mental conditions outside the scope of an ALR, demonstrate behaviors that cannot be managed with medication or non-medical interventions or those who cannot evacuate in case of an emergency. |
Care Plan Requirements | All residents admitted to a West Virginia memory care facility must have a detailed care plan before their admission. These plans should outline all the costs associated with memory care. They are created in consultation with the ALR physician. ALRs that provide special care for Alzheimer’s or dementia must prepare written policies that explain the facilities pre-admission screening process, how they decide who to admit, to transfer or to discharge. The plan also needs to explain the level of care permitted at the facility and any reasons why an admitted resident may be discharged or transferred. |
Medication Management Requirements | ALRs with special care units for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients may administer medication allowed by their licenses. A facility needs to follow the published state guidelines for administering these medicines or for non-medical interventions. An ALR also needs to ensure that the senior’s diagnosis justifies the use of any medication. It also has to provide daily checks for adverse side effects and report them to the patient’s physician. Medicated residents need to be evaluated monthly by a health care provider and their medication plan must be reviewed by a doctor at least every six months. |
Facility requirements | Any facility licensed for memory care can provide shared or private rooms. No more than two residents can occupy a room. These facilities must have a sink and a toilet for every six residents and one bathtub or shower per floor for every 10. Facility staff needs to be able to help residents follow prepared diets and their daily activity regimen. They are also responsible for booking dental or medical appointments as needed. The special care units also need to provide behavior management services that meet each resident's need to prevent self-harm or harm to others. |
Staffing Requirements | Memory care units must employ administrators and caregiver staff. If nursing care is provided, a registered nurse must be employed. While there are no specific caregiver-to-resident ratios, the state requires that facilities have full-time staff to handle all the residents’ needs, both physical and therapeutic. Any facility with more than four residents needing memory care services must have at least one staff member awake and on duty 24 hours a day. |
Medicare policy | West Virginia doesn’t provide Medicare funds for any type of ALR, even those that provide memory services. However, a special benefit is available for seniors who qualify for Supplemental Security Income, but for some reason cannot receive these benefits. State benefits may provide as much as $879.90 a month, along with an additional $1,122.32 a month for eligible ALRs. |
Free Memory Care Resources in West Virginia
West Virginia Alzheimer’s Association
The West Virginia chapter provides free educational resources and important community resources. The Alzheimer’s Association of West Virginia chapter also supports funding and research efforts to improve the lives of seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Anyone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia or their families or caregivers is welcome to use all the Alzheimer’s Association’s resources applicable to their situation.
West Virginia Aging and Disability Resource Network (ADRN)
The ADRN provides no-cost professional services to help financially and medically needy seniors find appropriate residential care. ADRN staff research ALRs and maintain lists of resources for seniors who need therapeutic and social assistance. Other assistance includes nutritional support, adult day care, memory screenings and dementia-friendly community events.
State Agencies
Area Agencies on Aging in West Virginia
West Virginia's four Area Agencies on Aging work together to provide seniors over 60 and those with dementia with low-cost and free services. These services include transportation and nutrition, vouchers for food and clothing and monitoring programs and financial compliance of other non-profit organizations.
Veterans Affairs Offices in West Virginia
The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance provides benefits assistance and services to veterans and family members who qualify for similar benefits. The department operates several service offices throughout the state, with staff members conducting daily benefits consultations. The department also connects veterans with community support programs like WVABLE that can provide a way to create tax-free savings accounts to help veterans with costs like memory care.
Social Security Offices in West Virginia
The West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services is a cabinet-level agency that acts as the hub for all programs involving 140 local agencies and groups serving older West Virginians. This includes connections to resources about food and nutrition, the LIFE program, COVID-19 protection, senior legal aid and connections to senior centers throughout West Virginia and the four Area Agencies on Aging chapters in the state.
Your Information is Processing