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Independent Living in West Virginia
Seniors contemplating retirement might not immediately think of West Virginia, but the state offers several advantages. West Virginia overflows with small, picturesque towns that make a perfect getaway, like Berkley Springs, the first spa in the United States. West Virginia is also a great location for history buffs. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is where many historians believe the first seeds of the Civil War were sewn.
Independent living is often overlooked as a choice for retirees. However, for seniors who want to live a simpler life or reduce the amount of labor needed to maintain their lifestyles, staying in an independent living community can be a very attractive option.
West Virginia has a friendly financial environment for seniors. The cost of living is 22 points below the national average. As well, the cost for independent living, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020, averages a very reasonable $2,600 a month. For seniors who need to watch their budgets, this is a real benefit.
This guide presents the cost of independent living in West Virginia and looks at similar costs in nearby states. It also lists some resources that can help seniors reduce their costs and help their budgets.
The Cost of Independent Living in West Virginia
When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in West Virginia and its 1 cities.
The Cost of Independent Living in West Virginia's Top Cities
The cost of independent living varies in the cities in and around West Virginia. Lewisburg, For example, has the same average cost, $2,460, as West Virginia generally, and costs are also similar just over the border in Winchester, VA, at $2,456. Roanoke, also in Virginia, averages $2,972 a month for independent living, while Pittsburgh, PA, averages $3,191, both significantly more expensive.
West Virginia
$2,460
Lewisburg
$2,460
Winchester, VA
$2,456
Roanoke, VA
$2,972
Pittsburgh, PA
$3,191
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in West Virginia
Inflation has hit independent living in West Virginia. Costs are increasing by 6.5%, from $2,460 to an estimated $2,620 a month in 2024. Over the same period, costs nationwide rise from $2,810 to $3,162, nearly 13%. Other states are also seeing increases. Independent living in Arizona is rising from $2,889 to $3,199, or 11% by 2024. New York has seen an 11% hike, from $2,793 to $3,875. Illinois prices are rising from $2,535 to $3,102, or 22%. Wisconsin has been more modest, from $3,130 to $3,217, just 3%.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $3,720 | $2,460 | $2,620 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Arizona | $2,889 | $3,009 | $3,199 |
| Illinois | $2,535 | $2,775 | $3,102 |
| New York | $2,793 | $3,372 | $3,875 |
| Wisconsin | $3,130 | $2,760 | $3,217 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Independent living is not the only option seniors have in West Virginia. Depending on their needs and budgets, other types of senior care might be more appropriate. While independent living costs average $2,460 a month in West Virginia, assisted living averages $5,173, or more than twice as much. Memory care in the state averages $5,446.
Assisted Living
$5,173
Memory Care
$5,446
Independent Living
$2,460
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in West Virginia?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in West Virginia.
Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.
Paying for Independent Living in West Virginia
When contemplating how to pay for the costs of living in an independent living community, seniors have several options. They can sell their current homes and use those proceeds to pay for independent living. If worried they won’t have enough income to pay the regular monthly cost, seniors could take a reverse mortgage and then can rent their homes and use that income. Seniors can also use long-term investments to help cover these costs.
These are a few of the financial options available to seniors who are thinking about selecting an independent care community for their retirement.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in West Virginia
There are many resources in West Virginia that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com 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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Area Agencies on Aging | West Virginia's Area Agencies on Aging cover four regions and are vital for helping older adults maintain their independence and age in place. Services include the Lighthouse program, which provides personal care, nutrition and mobility support and assistance with light housekeeping chores. West Virginia's AAAs also include help with Medicare planning, respite care and caregiver services. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program | 304-558-3550 | West Virginia Department of Agriculture administers this federal funded grant program to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs; and to increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities through farmers markets and roadside stands. This program also aids in the development of new and additional farmers markets and roadside stands. Program period for eligible seniors to sign up is June – October. Farmers trained for this program April – July. |
| West Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 304-205-6357 | The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is administered by DHHR and governed by federal law and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Nutrition Services. SNAP provides monthly benefits to help eligible households buy food. |
| West Virgnia Meals on Wheels | West Virginia Meals on Wheels helps seniors in their communities by providing nutritious meals and other support services. Deliveries are available to eligible homebound seniors ages 60 and over as well as those unable to prepare their own food. The program also offers balanced meals in congregate settings with peers. Additional services vary by location but may include emergency deliveries during inclement weather, pet food delivery, transportation to medical appointments and hospital readmission programs. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Assistive Technology System | 800-841-8436 | Through the West Virginia Assistive Technology System's device reuse program, seniors can receive free gently used medical equipment. Seniors who have a short-term need for medical equipment can borrow devices for up to 30 days. |
| West Virginia Community Living Services Program (CLSP) | 304-525-3324 | Mountain State Centers for Independent Living operates an assistive technology loan program. Seniors can borrow the devices they need for a short time. If seniors need help financing a device, staff can provide referrals and help with applications. |
| West Virginia Telephonic Communication Device Loan Program | 304-558-1675 | The West Virginia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing distributes free telecommunications equipment. Seniors who have a verified hearing loss can borrow an amplified phone, captioned phone or teletypewriter. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The West Virginia Homeowner Rescue Program (WVHR) | 211 | The West Virginia Homeowner Rescue Program uses funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to help seniors and other homeowners in West Virginia cover the cost of critical home repairs that make their homes livable. Homeowners can receive up to $10,000 in funding for work completed by a licensed, insured contractor. To qualify, applicants' income must not exceed 150% of the area median income, and they must have experienced financial hardship related to the COVID-19 outbreak. |
| West Virginia Housing Rehabilitation Program | 304-562-5896 | The city of Hurricane, WV, works with a variety of work camp organizations that provide home rehabilitation services for seniors, disabled individuals and those in financial need. These groups travel to various cities, including Hurricane, and typically spend a week fixing and modifying local homes in need. Groups are made up of youth and adult volunteers. Local residents can contact City Hall to apply for this free service, offered periodically throughout the year. |
| West Virginia Section 504 Home Repair Program | 800-295-8228 | The Section 504 Home Repair program provides loans to help eligible homeowners repair or modify their homes. Senior homeowners (62+) may qualify for grants to eliminate safety hazards around the home. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Aid of West Virginia | 866-255-4370 | Legal Aid of West Virginia provides free civil legal services to those aged 60 and over statewide. This agency has licensed legal professionals who specialize in applying for public benefits, understanding assisted living contracts and preparing for future care and medical needs. The agency also serves as the long-term care ombudsman for the Hurricane region and advocates on behalf of those in assisted living facilities. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Homestead Exemption | 800-982-8297 | This property tax exemption program helps reduce the cost of homeownership for eligible seniors. It exempts the first $20,000 of a home's value from property taxes. If approved, they will see the exemption on their next tax bill. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) | 304-205-6357 | The West Virginia Bureau for Family Assistance administers two programs that support low-income seniors. The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program covers heating and cooling costs via cash benefits or payments sent directly to utility providers. The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program assists those whose water services have been disconnected due to nonpayment. LIHWAP covers the costs of water and sewer charges. Income limits apply to both programs. |
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia VA Benefits and Health Care | Senior veterans can access physical and mental health care through West Virginia VA Benefits and Health Care. Outpatient clinics provide medical services, along with vet centers in cities, including Beckley and Charleston, where counseling is available. At multiple benefits' offices in West Virginia, seniors can file claims and get help accessing veterans' benefits. |
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