Home Health in Charleston, WV

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Home Health in Charleston, West Virginia

Home Health in Charleston, West Virginia: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask

Charleston, West Virginia, is a welcoming capital city that combines the charm of Appalachian living with the conveniences of an urban center. West Virginia ranks in the middle tier nationally for assisted living, reflecting its ongoing efforts to provide quality care for older adults. The city sits at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, offering scenic riverfront views and outdoor opportunities such as boating, fishing, and walking trails. Charleston’s cultural life includes the Clay Center for the Arts, the West Virginia State Museum, and a variety of seasonal festivals. Its balance of affordability, small-town friendliness, and access to healthcare makes it an appealing option for retirees considering home health services.

Home Health in Charleston, West Virginia

About Home Health in Charleston, WV

Home health in Charleston, WV offers skilled medical and supportive services in the comfort of a patient’s residence. These services often include skilled nursing, home health aide assistance, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. Care is designed to promote recovery from illness or injury, manage long-term health conditions, and maintain independence. Coordination between healthcare providers and family members ensures a comprehensive, individualized approach to care.

Considerations when looking for Home Health Care Agencies in Charleston, WV

There are 5 Home Health providers within 10 miles of Charleston, West Virginia. Charleston has a population of approximately 48,018 residents, with 19.2% aged 65 and older. In Charleston, the summers are warm and humid, the winters are cold and snowy, and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 27°F to 86°F and is rarely below 12°F or above 92°F.

Cities near Charleston, WV

  • South Charleston, WV – 5 miles SW
  • Dunbar, WV – 7 miles W
  • St. Albans, WV – 12 miles W
  • Nitro, WV – 14 miles W
  • Cross Lanes, WV – 15 miles NW

Pricing and How to Pay for Home Health Services

Paying for senior care involves several factors, including the type of services needed and coverage options available. On average, seniors can expect to pay $5,339 per month for home health services, which typically include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and medical social services. These essential services help ensure a comfortable and well-supported aging experience. Costs may vary based on location, level of care required, and agency offerings.

Many home health care agencies choose to become Medicare-certified, allowing them to receive reimbursement for eligible services. Additionally, home health providers may educate individuals and their families on self-care techniques to promote independence. When prescribed by a physician, home health services are often covered by medical insurance and are commonly provided after a hospital stay or skilled rehabilitation.

How to pay for Home Health and available coverage

Medicare:

Generally Medicare reimburses the cost of Home health services. Medicare typically covers your loved one when recovering from an illness or an accident or a surgery.

*Medicare covers the specific ailment. When treatment is completed Medicare coverage stops. 

Medicare is not a long-term care solution. 

Medicaid:

Medicaid programs are put in place on a state-by-state basis. Each state will have their own regulations regarding the coverage of care. Some individuals at a certain low-income level may qualify for Medicaid Home and Community Based Service Waivers.

Veteran Aid and Attendance:

This benefit is available to some military veterans or surviving spouses. 

  • A veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month. 
  • A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month. 
  • If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.

Private Insurance:

  • Most health insurance companies typically cover some services for acute medical needs. 
  • Do be aware, long-term coverage vary by plan. Not all long-term insurance will assist with home health services as the needs of the person tend to be temporary. 

Private pay:

Families which can afford to do so may pay for care with private funds. Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, pension payments and family members may contribute funds toward a loved one’s care as well.

Definitions of types of care

Home Care: Caregiver assistance related to activities of daily living, including: mobility, eating, toileting, bathing and personal hygiene, dressing and grooming or cognition support. These services are typically not covered by medical insurance and do not require a physician’s order.

Home Health: includes skilled nursing services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language therapy and medical social services. A home health care agency may choose to be Medicare certified to be reimbursed for their services. Home health agencies may also teach you how to care for yourself. Services ordered by a physician, covered by Medical Insurance and typically provided following a hospital or skilled rehab stay.

Rehabilitation & Therapy: treatment for an injury, illness, or pain with the goal of restoring function, including nursing and therapy services. Rehab is ordered by
a physician and services are provided by nurses and physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Examples include working with a physical therapist to help you walk and with an occupational therapist to help you get dressed.

Respite Care: short term relief for family caregivers to take a break from the caregiving responsibilities and allows for a healthier and better quality of life for both the caregiver and care receiver. Respite services include: companionship, personal care, recreational activities and security. Respite care can be provided as short stay or for a longer period that allows the family caregiver to go on vacation or a business trip. Longer duration respite care is generally found at select senior housing communities although some Companion services may provide this service in the home.

Hospice Care (Palliative Care): emphasizes comfort measures and counseling to provide social, spiritual and physical support to the dying patient and his or her family. The goals of hospice are to keep the patient as comfortable as possible by relieving pain and other symptoms. Hospice care, is typically offered in the last six months of life and covered under Medicare Part A .

Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Charleston, WV

CAMC General Hospital
501 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 388-5432

CAMC Memorial Hospital
3200 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
(304) 388-5432

CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital
800 Pennsylvania Ave, Charleston, WV 25302
(304) 388-5432

Thomas Memorial Hospital
4605 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 25309
(304) 766-3600

Saint Francis Hospital
333 Laidley St, Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 347-6500

Questions to ask when looking for Home Health

  • How long has the agency been serving this community? 
  • Does the agency have any printed brochures describing the services it offers and how much they cost? 
  • Is the agency an approved Medicare provider?
  • Is the agency currently licensed to practice (if required in the state where you live)? 
  • Does a national accrediting body certify the quality of care?  
  • Does the agency offer seniors a “Patients’ Bill of Rights” that describes the rights and responsibilities of both the agency and the senior being cared for? 
  • Is there a care plan in place that outline the patient’s course of treatment, describing the specific tasks to be performed by each caregiver? 
  • How closely do supervisors oversee care to ensure quality? 
  • Will agency caregivers keep family members informed about the kind of care their loved one is getting?
  • Are agency staff members available around the clock, seven days a week, if necessary? 
  • Does the agency have a nursing supervisor available to provide on-call assistance 24 hours a day? 
  • How does the agency ensure patient confidentiality? 
  • How are agency caregivers hired and trained? 
  • What is the procedure for resolving problems when they occur?
  • How does the agency handle billing? 
  • Is there a sliding fee schedule based on ability to pay, and is financial assistance available to pay for services? 
  • Will the agency provide a list of references for its caregivers? 
  • Who does the agency call if the home health care worker cannot come when scheduled? 
  • What type of employee screening is done? 

West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services The West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services, the federally recognized state unit on aging, is a cabinet-level agency within state government and acts as the lead entity for programs serving older West Virginians. A Commissioner appointed by the Governor is the chief administrative officer who oversees all program and fiscal operations.

Bureau for Children and Families Abuse and Neglect Intake Center  In addition to the state office, individual’s wishing to contact Adult Protective Services may call any of the county human resource offices.

West Virginia Senior Health Insurance Network This program assists older people to improve their understanding of Medicare and supplemental policies.

WV State Long Term Care Ombudsman The Purpose of the Program and How It Works. States’ Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman programs work to resolve problems related to the health, safety, welfare, and rights of individuals who live in LTC facilities, such as nursing homes, board and care and assisted living facilities, and other residential care communities 

Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings

Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.

Search other areas for Home Health


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Care Availability

Written by The Care Availability Team
Experts in the senior care & retirement living industries

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