Memory Care in West Virginia

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 39,000 seniors in West Virginia are living with the disease, and an additional 5,000 diagnoses are expected by 2025. This represents an increase of nearly 13%. Additionally, Alzheimer’s is the state’s seventh leading cause of death after conditions like heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. Dementia and age-related memory loss are serious concerns since West Virginia has an above-average population of older adults. More than one in five residents is aged 65 or older, and the state’s senior population is more than 365,500 strong. Since dementia is most common in this age group, there’s increasing demand for memory care and geriatric services such as those provided by the University of West Virginia Hospitals. On average, residents pay $5,200 for assisted living services provided in special care units, which is slightly lower than the U.S. median.

Memory care can be offered on its own in a community designed especially for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, but it’s more commonly provided as a service in a separate wing of an assisted living facility. Memory care programs are designed specifically for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

This guide provides helpful information about memory care in West Virginia with a focus on average prices, state regulations, Medicaid benefits and free resources for dementia patients and their families.

When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, 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 memory care in West Virginia and its 3 cities.

Memory care figures differ widely across West Virginia's major cities. As of 2023, Bridgeport's average ($5,443) is in-line with the statewide average of $5,446. Rates run higher in Charleston, where the current monthly fee is around $5,519. Costs are lower in Martinsburg, where seniors can expect to pay $5,413 monthly — just 0.6% under the state norm. For comparison, memory care is even cheaper in nearby Pittsburgh, PA at $4,798 monthly.

Regarding senior care in West Virginia, different care types have diverse prices. An individual's support needs and a facility's amenities are among the factors that cause varying rates. Memory care averages $5,446, which is approximately $273 higher than the monthly assisted living cost of $5,173. Specialized services, staff training and brain-booting menus may contribute to memory care's substantially higher cost than independent living ($2,460).

Note: For the purposes of this guide, when we say “Memory Care” we are referring to memory care provided in a “social setting,” such as an Assisted Living Facility. This is the most common way to receive Memory Care and is the best fit for all but the frailest seniors. Sometimes the actual service of memory care can be provided in a Nursing Home (“medical setting”), so the financial assistance options will be very different. To learn more about the financial assistance options available for memory care provided in a nursing home, read our guide to Nursing Home Care in West Virginia.

West Virginia provides limited coverage for assisted living and memory care through its Medicaid State Plan. Personal care services are also covered by the state’s Aged & Disabled waiver. However, this program only covers services that are provided in the home, so it can’t be used for assisted living or memory care. West Virginia’s Personal Care services program helps Medicaid-eligible seniors with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. While coverage is primarily for in-home assistance, there’s more flexibility in where these services are provided.

Residents of assisted living facilities, adult residential care homes and memory care units may be eligible. However, there are some restrictions. For example, Personal Care services cannot duplicate services that these facilities are legally required to provide. The state’s policy manual provides more details about the program’s benefits and limitations. Applicants must meet Medicaid’s financial eligibility requirements and require a nursing home level of care to qualify. Because this is an entitlement program, benefits are available to all who qualify. There are no waiting lists.

The Personal Care services program covers nurse-supervised care provided at home or in a residential setting, such as an assisted living or memory care facility. These services are designed to prevent or delay the need for nursing home placement while giving seniors more freedom and independence. A functional needs assessment is used to determine how many hours of assistance you require. Here are some of the services that it may cover.

• Help with daily activities of living
• Meal preparation and nutrition services
• Housekeeping and chores
• Mobility assistance
• Personal care and hygiene

Coverage is not available for skilled nursing, including wound care and help with IV medications. Standalone housekeeping services are also ineligible. If you have questions about this program, contact the Bureau of Senior Services at (866) 767-1575.

Applications for Medicaid, including Personal Care services, are handled by the Department of Health and Human Resources. The state provides several application options for your convenience.

• For the fastest processing time, apply online at www.wvpath.org.
• You can apply over the phone by calling the Customer Service Center at (877) 716-1212.
• In-person applications are accepted at DHHR field offices.
• Paper applications and disability supplements can be mailed or faxed to the Bureau for Children and Families in your county.

If you’re completing an application for someone else, make sure to complex Appendix C to designate an authorized representative who can discuss the application with the DHHR. Your primary care physician must also complete a Medical Necessity Evaluation Request that provides information about your health and confirms the diagnosis of dementia.

Information You Will Need

Medicaid eligibility is based on medical and financial need. The state asks a variety of questions about your household, income, assets and expenses to confirm your eligibility. Make sure that you have the following items available when you apply.

• Personal information, including name and date of birth
• Social Security numbers
• Proof of citizenship and in-state residency
• Details about your health coverage
• Employment information
• Tax status and deductions
• Monthly and annual income
• Household expenses
• Disability information

Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Memory Care affordable.