Assisted Living In West Virginia

West Virginia will appeal to many, as the state is home to an abundance of wildlife, mountains, and lakes. While the state doesn’t have any true big cities, it is home to many quaint small towns with rich histories and a unique feel. Over 15% of the population is 65 or older, and the state-backed discount programs for various products and services makes it friendly to seniors.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in West Virginia

It’s important to compare facilities when searching for an assisted living community, and our directory makes that process easier. Use the tools below to locate the right amenities, services, pricing and more for yourself or a loved one.

How to Pay for Assisted Living in West Virginia

Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in West Virginia and 7 additional cities within West Virginia.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in West Virginia

Thanks to Inflation, the average monthly cost of assisted living in West Virginia rose a staggering 23% between 2022 and 2023. That’s more than double the increase seen across the United States, where prices climbed 10% on average. Ohio’s costs have risen in-line with the national median, increasing 9% from $4,110 to $4,478.

South of the border in Virginia, prices have bucked the trend and fallen 1% over the same period. That said, looking ahead to 2024, West Virginia’s prices are forecast to rise by less than 1%, while costs in Virginia are set to rise from $4,604 to $5,013.

Assisted Living Costs in West Virginia's Top Cities

Although assisted living costs in West Virginia are higher than the national average, there are affordable locations within the state. Examples are Princeton, where the average monthly price is $1,250, and Bridgeport, where it’s $4,542. On the other hand, Lewisburg and Charleston are significantly more expensive than the state and U.S. averages, at $5,985 and $5,473 respectively. With thorough research, it’s possible to find an affordable and attractive community to call home.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

The level of care at a West Virginia senior living community influences how much residents pay. For individuals with dementia, memory care includes specialty services and trained staff, costing $5,446 on average per month. Independent living offers security and communal living for an average rate of $2,460. For seniors who require assistance with daily tasks but want to remain independent, assisted living costs $5,173. Factor in preferences, needs and budget when choosing a facility,

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in West Virginia

The Aged and Disabled Waiver

Medicaid does not cover the cost of meals or rent but will cover services that are deemed medically necessary as well as some personal care services such as hygiene maintenance, eating, and dressing in an assisted living facility. This is offered through the Aged and Disabled waiver program. The plan provides a monthly budget to hire personal attendants and other services that are needed for daily activity. The recipient will meet at regular intervals with a registered nurse to create a plan that is tailored to their specific needs.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to adults aged 65 and older who meet the income and medical necessity criteria. There is a $2,000 monthly income for single individuals and $3,000 for couples.

How to Apply

Applications may be done through the health insurance marketplace at healthcare.gov or by calling the 24hr customer service line at (800) 318-2596, and (855) 889-4325 for the hard of hearing. The state also has its own website inRoads, through which applications for Medicaid and other services can be submitted. Applicants may also submit an application via telephone at (877) 716-1212, or apply in person a local Department of Health and Human Resources office.

More Ways to Finance Assisted Living

Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policies
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgages

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in West Virginia

There are many resources in West Virginia that assist seniors in their retirement. Assistedliving.org has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

Area Agency on Aging

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance programs in West Virginia provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.

Food Assistance Programs

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help West Virginia seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Free Used Medical Equipment

Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in West Virginia collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.

Home Repair and Modifications

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in West Virginia have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Legal Resources

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to West Virginia seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.

Social Security Offices

Social Security offices in West Virginia help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they’re entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Tax Assistance

Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several West Virginia resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. West Virginia retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they’re in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Veteran’s Services

West Virginia retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they’re eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in West Virginia

Assisted living facilities in West Virginia are licensed by the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLC) which itself falls under the auspices of the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). In order to obtain licensure, facilities must adhere to a set of rules put forth by the OHFLC.

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Facilities are required to disclose the costs of all services, basic or specialized, at or before admission, and residents must have a signed assessment performed by a licensed medical professional dated no more than 60 days prior to admission. Assessments must include health status, psycho-social analysis, activity levels, and dietary needs. Residents without an assessment will need to have one completed within five days of admissions.

Facilities may not admit residents that are in need of chemical or physical restraints or that may present a danger to themselves and others. Additionally, facilities may not admit residents that need ongoing or extensive nursing care. In the event of an already admitted resident needing ongoing nursing care, discharge is mandated and the resident must receive a written notice of discharge 30 days prior to the date of discharge unless in an emergency and the resident has been transferred to a hospital or other medical facility.

Assisted Living Scope of Care

Residents must be provided with services that assist with daily tasks such as bathing, getting dressed, and eating. Intermittent or limited nursing services may also be provided at the discretion of the facility. The facility can also seek outside services for an individual whose needs they are unable to meet, and who have the financial means to afford these services. These services may include nursing or hospice services but should not impact the level of service being provided to other residents.

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Medicaid does not cover the cost of meals or rent but will cover services deemed medically necessary as well as some personal care services through the Aged and Disabled waiver program.

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Medicaid does not cover the cost of meals or rent but will cover services deemed medically necessary as well as some personal care services through the Aged and Disabled waiver program.

Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Facilities in West Virginia are licensed by the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification. In order to obtain licensure:

• All facilities constructed or renovated after May 2006 must have at least 100 sq ft of open space per resident in a private occupancy room and no room may have more than two occupants.
• Rooms with two residents must have at least 90 sq ft per resident. In small facilities constructed before 2006, there must be 60 sq ft per resident in a semi-private room, and 80 sq ft per resident in a private room.
• There must be a minimum of one sink, toilet, and bath or shower per floor for every ten residents. All private rooms must have a toilet, sink, and a shower or bathtub.
• All facilities must have smoke detectors in all resident rooms and corridors. Facilities that have equipment that emits carbon monoxide, or that have fuel-burning appliances are required to install carbon monoxide detectors. Manual pull stations, a fire alarm system, and a written emergency preparedness and disaster plan, with procedures, are required.
• Facilities with four or more beds are required to have a fire alarm system, a fire suppression system, and alarms. Facilities with 4-16 beds are required by law to have a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13D or 13R sprinkler system. Larger facilities with 17 or more beds must have an NFPA 13 type system.

Medication Management Regulations

Licensed staff may supervise residents that have been assessed as capable of administering their own medications by a medical professional. This supervision may come in the form of reminders, opening bottles and reading labels, and checking the dosage against the prescription label.

Staff that have completed Assistive Medication Personnel training may administer medications. An attending physician or pharmacist must review each resident’s medication regimen at least once per year.

Staffing Requirements

Facilities are required to have a licensed administrator and must have at least one personal care assistant on premises 24 hours a day in addition to one awake staff unless all residents have been certified by a physician or psychologist as not needing sleep monitoring. One staff member with up to date CPR and first aid training must be on duty at all times.

A sufficient staff to resident ratio, at the discretion of the facility, should be maintained at all times to ensure that residents receive all the help that they need. A registered supervising nurse must be employed if nursing services are provided.

Staff Training Requirements

All staff must complete orientation and a minimum of 15 hours of documented training before having direct, supervised contact with residents. An additional 15 hours of training is also required before unsupervised resident contact. At minimum, orientation topics must include:

• Emergency procedures and disaster plans
• Resident rights
• Facility policies and procedures
• Abuse prevention
• Resident confidentiality
• Complaint procedures
• The role of the ombudsman
• Reporting requirements
• Specialty training on individualized resident needs
• Infection prevention

An additional 8 hours of training is required for staff members before the end of their first year and is to serve as a refresher course of all topics covered during orientation

Background Checks for Assisted Living

All staff employed at an assisted living facility are required to submit to a registry check that may consist of a criminal registry or professional registry in the case of healthcare professionals. A mandatory federal fingerprint-based background check is also required.

Requirements for Reporting Abuse

Anyone may make a report of abuse to adult protective services if they observe or suspect that a resident is being harmed in some way. In West Virginia facilities, mandated reporters are doctors, nurses, mental health professionals and any other employee of the facility. Failure to on the part of mandated reporters to alert authorities to abuse will result in a fine of up to $100, ten days in jail or both.

Abuse can take the form of:

• Physical or sexual
• Psychological
• Financial
• Neglect
• Failure to provide food and other necessities
• Unnecessary restraints

Reporters or residents and their families should immediately call their local adult protective services (APS) office if they believe the resident to be in imminent danger or the local police. If unable to make contact with their local APS office, they may make a report by calling (800) 352-6513.

Facilities operating outside their scope of licensure or in an unlawful manner may also be reported by residents, their families, or employees of the facility. Examples of reportable actions may be:

• Unsafe areas of the facility buildings or its grounds
• Failure to comply with safety fire and safety laws
• Failure to report resident injuries
• Insufficient staff, or staff that are inadequately trained to help residents
• Refusal to comply with medical orders

Facility complaints are handled by the Department of Licensure and Certification, parties wishing to report a facility are encouraged to first seek help with their grievance through the office of the ombudsman. If the ombudsman is unable to rectify the situation, they may then contact the Healthcare Facilities Complaint Line at (304) 558-0050.

West Virginia COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living Facilities

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/15/22. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your assisted living facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.

Source: dhhr.wv.gov

*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.