West Virginia Assisted Living for Couples

Assisted living in West Virginia for couples

Assisted living facilities are modern communities designed to meet the complex needs of senior adults. Welcoming retirees over the ages of 55 or 62, these senior living centers provide access to housing, healthcare, and additional services. Residents can fill their time as they desire, enjoying the diversity of available amenities. It is worth mentioning that couples are allowed to live together, as long as their health allows it. Pets are accepted in most facilities, but the recommendation is to make inquiries about such policies.

How many ALFs are there in WV? In the state of West Virginia, there are over 90 assisted living facilities. These retirement communities can be found in the following locations: Beckley, Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, and Weirton. All these senior living facilities are licensed and regulated by the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification, which belongs to the Department of Health and Human Resources.

Prior to admission, prospective residents undergo a thorough evaluation, to identify their needs and requirements. Among the factors considered, there are: health status, level of activity, analysis of psycho-social status, dietary needs. Based on the results of this assessment, an individual care plan is developed. The plan is updated on a regular basis and especially once a major health event has occurred.

Each senior living facility reserves the right to establish its own acceptance criteria. However, as a general rule, ALFs do not usually accept seniors who require restraints and those who might pose a danger to themselves and others. Moreover, they do not accept residents who require 24/7 skilled nursing care, those who suffer from infectious conditions, or are bedridden. Additional reasons for refusal might include: limited mobility, need for complete assistance, advanced pressure ulcers, requirement for certain treatments.

Financing and costs of assisted living in West Virginia

The average monthly cost of assisted living in West Virginia is of $3,600. By comparison, the national median is around $4,000. Compared to certain neighboring states, such as Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, West Virginia has more affordable costs. On the other hand, Kentucky has more affordable rates, with an average of $3,500 per month.

Within the state of West Virginia, the cost of assisted living varies considerably. The most expensive assisted living facilities can be found in Charleston, with a monthly average of $4,400. In Parkersburg, however, you can find the cheapest ALFs, averaging at approximately $3,200 per month. Assisted living is considerably cheaper than nursing home care, which goes over $10,000 per month. Both memory care and independent living are also more expensive, even though the difference is not that noticeable. In-home care, on the other hand, is more affordable.

Assisted living costs in West Virginia

Assisted living facilities welcome seniors, providing them with adapted housing, healthcare, and assistance with ADLs. Residents also benefit from specialized care and support, not to mention a wide array of services and amenities. Exceptions are present, for example skilled nursing care is either not available or offered for a limited period of time (maximum three months). In the state of West Virginia, there are different types of assisted living communities seniors can choose from. Care packages are available for prospective residents, with corresponding costs. In the paragraphs below, you can find out more information regarding the costs of assisted living in West Virginia.

Average costs of assisted living and memory care in West Virginia

How much does assisted living cost in WV? In the state of West Virginia, the average cost of assisted living is $4,100 per month or $49,000 per year. This is a bit lower than the national median of $4,500 per month or $54,000 per year. Within the state, the most expensive assisted living communities are found in Morgantown, with an average cost of $5,700 per month or $68,000 per year. Wheeling has the most affordable facilities of this kind, averaging at $3,600 per month or $43,000 per year.

How much does memory care cost in WV? When it comes to memory care, the average cost in the state of West Virginia is $5,200 per month or $62,000 per year. This is a bit lower than the national median of $5,600 per month or $67,000 per year. Within the state, the most expensive memory care facilities are located in $7,100 per month or $85,000 per year. Wheeling has the most affordable communities of this kind, with an average cost of $4,500 per month or $54,000 per year.

Assisted living costs more than adult day health care, home care, and home health care, but it is more affordable than nursing home care. Memory care costs more than adult day health care, home care, home health care, and assisted living. It is only surpassed by nursing home care, which averages at $11,000 per month or $132,000 per year.

What goes into assisted living costs?

Most assisted living communities require seniors to cover a deposit fee, which is normally returned when the seniors move into the respective centers. Aside from the monthly fees, there are no other costs to be covered. For instance, there are no entrance fees. The overall costs are calculated in accordance with the following factors: marital status, available amenities and services, living unit type and size. Residents have access to utilities and services, such as meal plans, general maintenance, laundry and linen service, and housekeeping. For additional payment, other services might be offered.

In accordance with the daily living activities seniors receive assistance with, it is expected for certain care fees to be paid as well. Care packages include physical and occupational therapy, daily planned activities, medication management, emergency response systems, scheduled transportation, etc. For spouses to live together, a second occupancy fee must be covered as well. Some communities require for certain utilities to be paid separately, such as the Internet and cable access. Healthcare often comes from third-party providers, usually at extra cost and at a limited extent.

What goes into memory care costs?

Dementia seniors thrive best within the safe and structured environment of memory care communities. Among the advantages offered, there are: healthcare, 24/7 monitoring and support, room and board, amenities and services. The assistance with ADLs is guaranteed, but seniors are also encouraged to maintain their independence. Specialists cater to their specific needs, contributing to the highest possible quality of life. Care packages are customized, after having considered both the type of dementia and the illness stage. Safe features help seniors feel less confused and also reduce the risk of self-harm and/or wandering.

Memory care communities offer, among other services, daily therapy sessions. These are meant to help seniors delay the progression of dementia, as they work on their speech, cognitive, and memory skills. General services might be offered as well, including housekeeping, laundry and linen service, scheduled transportation, meal planning and preparation, and general maintenance. Additional services include wound care, diabetes care, incontinence care, and mobility assistance.

Senior living in West Virginia - cost comparison with other states

The average cost of assisted living in West Virginia is a bit below the national median. West Virginia is more affordable than Ohio, Virginia, and Maryland. It has an equal cost with Pennsylvania, but it is more expensive than Kentucky. The overall costs are as follows: Ohio - $4,600 per month or $55,000 per year; Virginia - $5,250 per month or $63,000 per year; Pennsylvania - $4,100 per month or $49,000; Maryland – $4,900 per month or $58,000 per year; Kentucky - $3,500 per month or $42,000 per year.

As for memory care, the cost in West Virginia is a bit below the national median as well. West Virginia is more affordable than Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland, but more expensive than Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The overall costs are as follows: Virginia - $6,500 per month or $78,000 per year; Ohio – $5,700 per month or $68,000 per year; Maryland - $6,100 per month or $73,000 per year; Kentucky - $4,300 per month or $51,000 per year; Pennsylvania – $5,100 per month or $61,000 per year.

Finding the right senior living facility in West Virginia for your needs

Whether you are interested in assisted living or memory care facilities, please remember that the overall costs will vary from one center to the other. The costs to be paid depend on the available care packages. Careful research will help you identify the best options for you or your senior.

Contact us and we will offer detailed information on the costs demanded by each senior living facility. We are pleased to guide you through the decision-making process, matching seniors with the best long-term care communities, in accordance with their budget and needs. If necessary, we will also offer details on the factors influencing the overall costs.

Services provided to married couples by assisted living facilities in West Virginia

All ALF residents benefit from the same range of services, regardless of their age, background, or marital status. Among the general services provided, there are: emergency response system, 24/7 security, meal planning and preparation, housekeeping, laundry and linen service, Internet and telephone access, errand running and shopping, chore assistance, general maintenance, scheduled transportation.

Minimal assistance with ADLs, such as eating, dressing, and bathing, is available to all residents. The staff might also offer assistance with toileting, grooming, and oral hygiene, as well as specialized care, such as diabetes care, wound care, or tracheostomy services. Licensed personnel might supervise residents while taking their medication, offering reminders or helping them open various bottles/blisters. They might also administer certain medication, should the resident in question prove unable to handle this task.

Dementia residents are accepted in ALFs that have integrated memory care units, benefitting from a similar range of services. However, they might receive added assistance with the activities of daily living and benefit from constant monitoring. The latter is necessary to keep the risk of injury down to a minimum.

Amenities for couples moving to an assisted living in West Virginia

Facilities in West Virginia offer living units to both married couples and single adults. These must guarantee a minimum square footage for each resident, a bathroom with accessibility features, and smoke detectors. Emergency evacuations are practiced on a regular basis, according to a written plan. Most ALFs also have fire alarms and fire suppression systems.

When it comes to spending their time, ALF residents have access to a wide range of choices. The amenities available might include, but are not limited to: computer room, library, weekly religious service with chaplain, swimming pool, woodworking shop, fitness center, learning center, painting studio, social club, gardening, etc. For dementia residents, amenities might include: guided walks, memory gardens, various therapies at the learning center, adapted painting courses.