Weirton Medical Center is located at 601 Colliers Way in Weirton, West Virginia. It is a 238 unit senior care community. With around 23,000 individuals living in the zip code of 26062, the neighboring area has a dense ...
Nursing Homes in West Virginia
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Homes in West Virginia
- Nursing Care Directory for West Virginia
- Nursing Care Costs in West Virginia
- Financial Assistance for Nursing Homes in West Virginia
- West Virginia Nursing Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Nursing Care Resources in West Virginia
An abundance of natural beauty perfectly complements the small-town feel of any city in the Mountain State. Around 370,000 seniors aged 65 and older call West Virginia home, making up a significant 20.5% of the state’s population. This figure makes it among the country’s top states with the largest percentage of aging residents, ranking next to Maine and Florida. West Virginia’s 65+ age group is also expected to grow to nearly a quarter of the state population by 2030, and that’s why the state’s Aging Network is geared toward accessible, coordinated programs that address an increasing demand for elderly supportive services.
West Virginia is an attractive place to retire for its overall affordability, except for nursing home care which costs above the national average. Fortunately, a large majority of the state’s nursing home residents are subsidized by the government. There are at least 124 nursing homes in the state, and they accommodate seniors who require 24-hour skilled care, whether on a short-term basis or for indefinite periods. This guide talks about nursing home care for older West Virginians, its associated costs and financial assistance programs, as well as its regulations and free resources.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in West Virginia
Surpassing the national SeniorScore of 72, West Virginia’s overall score of 74 indicates the state as a viable choice for retirement. A SeniorScore is calculated using over 100 variables sourced from government and private databases, and these data points are classified into four general categories that explain how well an area suits the needs of older adults.
West Virginia’s Finances score the highest at 71, owing to a low cost of living and moderate tax-friendliness toward retirees. The costs of most senior care options are below their national averages, and there are large tax deductions on Social Security income, pensions and IRA withdrawals. The SeniorScore for the state’s General Quality of Life is 66 for the state’s average climate with distinct four seasons.
Recreation & Leisure in West Virginia gets a SeniorScore of 64 for the sufficient number of parks, golf courses, churches and other senior-friendly establishments. In addition to 38 senior centers, there are many accessible trails and recreational facilities throughout the Mountain State. Despite Health & Safety scoring the lowest 61, West Virginia has a high number of hospitals and Medicare-accredited doctors. In fact, the West Virginia University Health System is the state’s largest employer.
Top Nursing Care in West Virginia
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Located at 2900 1st St in Huntington, West Virginia, St. Mary's Medical Center is a 19 bed senior housing community. The facility is in a mostly working class area, with a median household income of $28,451. It has ...
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 ...
Grant Memorial Hospital is located at PO Box 1019 in Petersburg, West Virginia. It is a 20 bed nursing home facility. With around 7,000 people residing in the zip code of 26847, the surrounding area has a sparse ...
Located in the Hyde Park neighborhood, Nella's Nursing Home is a nursing care facility in Elkins, West Virginia. The facility is in a predominantly middle income area, with a median per-household income of $37,541. It has an average ...
Hampshire Memorial Hospital is a 30 room skilled nursing facility situated in Romney, West Virginia. With around 7,000 residents in the zip code of 26757, the encompassing area has a sparse population. It is a largely low income ...
Willow Tree Manor is located at 1263 South George St in Charles Town, West Virginia. It is a 104 unit senior care facility. The community is in a predominantly middle class area, with a median per-household income of ...
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 ...
Peterson Rehabilitation Hospital and Geriatric Center is a 150 bed skilled nursing facility located in Wheeling, West Virginia. The community is in a mostly middle income area, with an average per-household income of $41,655. It is densely populated, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Heartland of Martinsburg is a 120 room senior community. It is located at 209 Clover St in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The neighboring area has an average population density, with roughly 21,000 people residing in the zip code of ...
Located at 2675 36th St in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Worthington Nursing and Rehabilitation is a 105 room skilled nursing facility. With about 18,000 poeple living in the zip code of 26104, the neighboring area has an average population ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 Cost of Nursing Home Care in West Virginia
West Virginia is among the most expensive states for nursing home care in the South Atlantic region with an average monthly cost of $11,376, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey for 2020. It’s higher by over $3,600 than the U.S. average of $7,756, and it’s also the most expensive compared to its bordering states. The Mountain State costs more than twice the average nursing home care costs in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Ohio, which range from $4,300 to $5,500. Virginia at $6,000 is also nearly half the cost of West Virginia.
- West Virginia: $11,376
- United States: $7,756
- Virginia: $6,000
- Ohio: $5,424
- Kentucky: $4,371
- Pennsylvania: $4,891
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in West Virginia’s Top Cities
State capital Charleston is the most expensive at $12,106 per month. Huntington, a major city that’s similar in size and not far from Charleston, is considerably cheaper at $6,844. Morgantown in the North Central is considered steep at $11,482, while Wheeling in the Northern Panhandle is relatively affordable at $7,528. In the Mid-Ohio Valley region, Parkersburg is somewhat midrange at $9,384.
- Charleston: $12,106
- Huntington Area: $6,844
- Morgantown: $11,482
- Parkersburg Area: $9,384
- Wheeling: $7,528
Senior Care Cost Comparison in West Virginia
All other senior care options in West Virginia are less than half the cost of nursing home care. In-home and home health care have similar costs at $3,527, the latter option covering non-continuous skilled nursing services. Adult day care costs less at $2,257 but may vary based on daily or hourly rates. Residential care facilities are also affordable with assisted living and memory care costing $4,000 and $5,000, respectively.
- Memory Care: $5,000
- Assisted Living: $4,000
- In-Home Care: $3,527
- Home Health Care: $3,527
- Adult Day Care: $2,243
- Nursing Home Care: $11,376
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in West Virginia
As you can see above, nursing home care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.
Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in West Virginia.
Medicaid in West Virginia
Medicaid for Long-Term Care is West Virginia’s medical assistance program which pays for nursing home care. Almost all of the state’s 124 nursing homes are Medicaid-certified, and there are more than 9,000 nursing home residents in the state. About 75% of these residents are Medicaid recipients. As of November 2020, the state reported a net increase in Medicaid and CHIP enrollees by at least 56% since its adoption of the Medicaid coverage expansion in 2013.
Medicaid Eligibility in West Virginia
Eligibility guidelines for WV Medicaid’s long-term care coverage include financial and clinical criteria as provided below:
- For SSI recipients, the maximum income for long-term care applicants must be up to 300% of the monthly SSI payment received. Applicants earning above the limit may be qualified through a monthly spenddown which equals or exceeds the Medicaid rate paid to their respective nursing homes.
- The asset limit is $2,000 for single applicants and $3,000 for couples. There is a lookback period of 60 months to determine eligibility based on permissible asset transfers.
- Medicaid’s monthly personal needs allowances for nursing home residents are $50 for non-SSI recipients, $30 for SSI beneficiaries and $90 for those receiving VA pensions of $90.
- Income deductions for family members of an institutionalized recipient may include a monthly community spouse maintenance allowance of up to $3,259.50, and family maintenance allowances of up to $718 per dependent. Outside living expenses may be deducted for those determined by their physicians to require only up to 6 months of nursing home placement.
- Community spouses are attributed a minimum of $26,076 worth of resources and a maximum spousal share of $130,380.
- Applicants must be West Virginians aged 65 and over, who are U.S. citizens or legal aliens.
- Medical eligibility is determined through a Pre-Admission Screening for nursing facility level of care.
SSI recipients are automatically eligible for West Virginia Medicaid. Non-SSI beneficiaries may initially apply for Medicaid online or through a local Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) field office. Existing Medicaid recipients must submit their long-term care application forms to their local DHHR field offices. To request a home visit for assistance with applications, seniors may call DHHR Client Services at (800) 642-8589.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
- Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
- Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.
West Virginia Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
Nursing homes in West Virginia are regulated by the Department of Health & Human Resources through the Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification. These facilities are inspected annually to ensure their compliance with the state’s nursing home licensure rules as summarized below.
Scope of Care | Each nursing home resident shall receive the necessary care and services for attaining optimal physical, mental, psychosocial and spiritual well-being. Nursing services shall be provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse aides, while medical care must be under a physician’s supervision. Residents shall also receive dietary services, medically related social services and an ongoing program of activities. Nursing homes may directly provide or obtain the following from outside providers: specialized rehabilitative services, dental services, and laboratory, radiology and other diagnostic services. |
Care Planning | A nursing home shall develop a comprehensive care plan for each resident, containing measurable objectives and appropriate services that meet the resident’s medical, nursing, mental and psychosocial needs. This care plan shall be developed by an interdisciplinary team within 7 days after the completion of the resident’s comprehensive assessment, which must be done within 14 days after admission. Care plan reviews and revisions must be done accordingly, based on subsequent comprehensive assessments which shall be completed no less than every 366 days, or within 14 days after determining a significant change in the resident’s physical or mental condition. There shall also be periodic assessment reviews at least every 92 days to ensure their accuracy. |
Pharmacy Services | A licensed pharmacist shall be employed or contracted on a consultant basis to perform drug regimen reviews for each resident at least every 37 days, in addition to providing consultations on all aspects of a facility’s pharmaceutical services. |
Staff Screening | All individuals applying as direct-access nursing personnel must be prescreened through criminal background checks with state and federal fingerprinting records, as well as appropriate registries and licensure databases. Applicants with negative findings shall not be employed, but may be subject to conditional employment, variance or appeals, based on certain circumstances. |
Staff Training | All new employees and contracted personnel shall receive at least 2 hours of orientation within 30 days of employment. In-service training programs shall be scheduled regularly for all nursing home staff, to be developed based on their performance reviews which shall occur at least once every 12 months. Registered nursing assistants shall have at least 12 hours of in-serving education per year to ensure continuing competence. There shall also be at least 2 hours per year of Alzheimer’s disease training/education for all employees and contractors. |
Medicaid Coverage | West Virginia’s Medicaid for Long-Term Care covers nursing home care for low-income seniors, as well as the costs of some medical services not covered by Medicare or other health care insurance. Recipients must meet the financial and medical eligibility requirements for this program. |
Reporting Abuse | Nursing home employees are mandated reporters of suspected neglect, abuse and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. Such cases must be immediately reported to Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect at (800) 352-6513, and the Adult Protective Services Mandatory Reporting Form must be completed within 48 hours, for submission to a local DHHR-APS office. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in West Virginia
The West Virginia Health Care Association maintains WV Senior Care, a free online directory of senior care providers, as well as support groups and government resources that can help older West Virginians and their families make informed long-term care choices. These providers can be searched by facility/service type, county and city. Care facilities include nursing homes, residential and continuing care communities, and hospitals.
West Virginia Senior Legal Aid, Inc.
WVSLA provides free civil legal services to West Virginians 60 and older, regardless of income. It can provide free legal information on elder law topics such as nursing home care, Medicaid and Medicare coverage, Social Security, advance directives, wills and elder abuse. Seniors with the most social or economic needs may receive full legal advice, court representation and out-of-court advocacy services for free.
West Virginia Agencies
West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services
Address: Town Center Mall, 3rd level, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25305
Phone Number: (304) 558-3317
Website: http://www.wvseniorservices.gov/
Serving West Virginians 60 and older, the WV BoSS administers state and federal senior programs, primarily home and community-based services that offer alternatives to or help delay nursing home placement. It handles the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program which advocates the welfare of seniors residing in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The WV BoSS office is also the main office for the West Virginia’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program and Senior Medicare Patrol. SHIP counselors are available in all counties to provide free information and assistance on Medicare, Medigap and other long-term care insurance.
West Virginia Aging and Disability Resource Network
Address: 1400 Ohio Avenue, Suite B, Dunbar, WV 25064
Phone Number: (866) 981-2372
Website: https://www.wvnavigate.org/
The West Virginia ADRN connects seniors and disabled adults to local long-term services and supports based on their needs. Its 24/7 resource database lets visitors search for available programs based on their location, and trained ADRN staff are also available to provide comprehensive needs assessments, service referrals and assistance with program applications for free. In addition to the main office in Dunbar, there are ADRN regional offices in Princeton, Whitehall and Petersburg.
West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services
Address: 350 Capitol Street, Room 251, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone Number: (304) 558-1700
Website: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/
WV BMS administers the state’s Medicaid programs and provides the guidelines in determining the medical eligibility of nursing facility care applicants. Its useful publications page includes brochures and booklets on WV Medicaid and other medical assistance programs.
West Virginia People’s Access to Health
Address: One Davis Square, Suite 100, East, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone Number: (844) 451-3515
Website: https://www.wvpath.org/
WV PATH is an online platform for self-screening and submitting applications for various programs and services under the Department of Health and Human Resources, including Medicaid and Medicare Premium Assistance. A PATH account also lets users view their current benefits and submit review forms. No signup is required for online prescreening.
Area Agencies on Aging in West Virginia
The Mountain State’s four AAAs contract with county aging providers (senior centers) in providing social services as required by the Older Americans Act, and these may include adult day care, nutrition programs and coordinated in-home supports as an alternative to institutionalization. These agencies also function as ADRCs that provide free information and assistance in navigating long-term care options. Some senior centers have SHIP counselors who can provide free benefits counseling to Medicare recipients.
Veteran Affairs Office in West Virginia
The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance has 16 service offices that provide free benefits consultations, as well as assistance with applications for state and federal benefits. These benefits include disability compensation, pensions and health care coverage. The WV Veterans Resource Guide provides comprehensive information on all available services and programs for West Virginian vets and their dependents. WV DVA also operates the WV Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg, which is conveniently adjacent to Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center.
Social Security Offices in West Virginia
West Virginians receiving SSI are automatically eligible for Medicaid and should be medical card ID holders, while those who are low-income but not SSI-eligible may still apply for applicable Medicaid benefits. Although West Virginia does not currently provide state supplementation payments to SSI recipients, there are other forms of state assistance available. SSI/SSDI and Medicare applications may be done online or through The Mountain State’s SSA field office liaisons. Applicants can also use SSA Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (SSA BEST) to check which Social Security benefits they might qualify for.
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