Assisted Living in Charleston, West Virginia: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, Questions to Ask, Links and Resources
Residential assisted living in Charleston, West Virginia, offers a welcoming and supportive environment for seniors seeking a comfortable and enriching lifestyle. Known for its friendly communities and scenic surroundings, Charleston provides numerous assisted living options that cater to the unique needs of its residents. West Virginia ranks 20th in the nation for assisted living services, ensuring quality care and a high standard of living for its seniors.
Some are available for private pay, and others for Medicaid-paid residents. Assisted Living provides protective oversight, personal services, social care needed because of impaired capacity to live independently, and regular supervision on a 24-hour basis.
Assisted Living Communities near Charleston, West Virginia
Arthur B Hodges Center, The
Charleston, West Virginia 25302
The Ridgemont At Edgewood Summit
Charleston, West Virginia 25302
Sweetbriar Assisted Living
Dunbar, West Virginia 25064
Kanawha Place
Charleston, West Virginia 25304
Concord Ii
Charleston, West Virginia 25312
Concord I
Charleston, West Virginia 25311
Central Avenue Assisted Living
Charleston, West Virginia 25302
Brookdale Charleston Gardens
Charleston, West Virginia 25311
About Assisted Living in Charleston, WV
In Charleston, West Virginia, residential assisted living is defined as a housing option that combines personalized support services with independent living. These facilities offer assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation, ensuring that residents can maintain a high level of independence while receiving the care they need. Additionally, residents benefit from social and recreational activities, housekeeping, and transportation services, creating a vibrant and supportive community. Charleston’s assisted living facilities are designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment for seniors over the age of 55.
Considerations when looking for Senior housing in Charleston, WV
There are 8 assisted living facilities in Charleston, West Virginia. The estimated population of Charleston is 46,838 with 20.1% of that number being those ages 65 and older. In Charleston, the summers are warm and humid, the winters are short and very cold, and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 27°F to 85°F and is rarely below 11°F or above 92°F.
Cities near Charleston, WV
- South Charleston, WV – 5 miles southwest
- Dunbar, WV – 8 miles west
- St. Albans, WV – 14 miles west
- Nitro, WV – 15 miles northwest
- Hurricane, WV – 21 miles west
Pricing and How to Pay for Assisted Living
Paying for senior care depends on several factors. On average, residents can expect to pay $6,450 per month for assisted living services. These fees encompass personalized care, engaging activities, and comfortable accommodations, ensuring a fulfilling retirement experience. Keep in mind these costs may fluctuate depending on factors such as location and facility amenities.
You want to consider your payment options for assisted living, memory care, and care homes. For these services, Medicare is NOT an option for payment.
The most common payment for these services would be out of pocket Private Pay and assessing a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
Medicaid can also be an option, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
Long-Term Care insurance is also a possible option in cases of chronic conditions, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
For our Veterans and spouses of veterans, be sure to assess Veteran Aid and your eligibility for these benefits.
Medicare – NO:
- Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
Private pay – YES:
- Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.
Medicaid – MAYBE:
- Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
- Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
- Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
- National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
- The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.
Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:
Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.
- Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but 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.
Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Charleston, WV
- CAMC General Hospital
- Address: 501 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301
- Phone Number: (304) 388-5432
- Thomas Memorial Hospital
- Address: 4605 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 25309
- Phone Number: (304) 766-3600
- CAMC Memorial Hospital
- Address: 3200 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
- Phone Number: (304) 388-6200
- St. Francis Hospital
- Address: 333 Laidley St, Charleston, WV 25301
- Phone Number: (304) 347-6500
- Charleston Surgical Hospital
- Address: 1306 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25301
- Phone Number: (304) 343-4371
Questions to Ask
Finding an assisted living community can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:
- Make sure the facility is clean and well maintained. You can tell a lot about the operation by noting what is clean and maintained. Are doorknobs loose or damaged? Do you see any frayed carpet or trip hazards?
- Visit during lunch hour to observe what the residents are eating. Ask questions about the nutrition program. Is there diversity in meals, healthy fruits and vegetables served at all meals, drink options?
- Speak to residents and/or family members to learn their perspective.
- Ask about staff and resident engagement. Get a feel for how staff interact with residents.
- Ask about the life enrichment programs. Activities are crucial when it comes to quality of life and play a key role in care for older adults.
- And finally (along with a plethora of more things to consider), get to know the leadership in the building. If you feel good around the Executive Director, Head Nurse, Lead Activities Director and even the Chef or Janitor, it is a good sign you can trust them with the care of your loved one.
Resources and Links
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.