1 Assisted Living Community in Charles Town, West Virginia

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $5,045 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 1 Assisted Living Community in Charles Town and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Charles Town, WV

• Assisted Living: $5,045
• Nursing Home Care: $9,353
• In-home Care: $3,813
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,712

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, Charles Town’s average monthly cost for assisted living is more than $1,000 above the national average of $4,000 and over $400 more expensive than the state average of $3,619. Charles Town is one of the most expensive cities in the state for assisted living, especially compared to Beckley at $3,225 and the Parkersburg area at $3,210. 

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Charles Town, so data for the closest area, Hagerstown, MD, was used.

The type of care needed is the biggest factor influencing the cost of senior care, especially in Charles Town, where the cost of nursing home care is almost double that of assisted living and triple that of home care. Compared to assisted living, in-home services are significantly cheaper ($1,232 less), with home health aide and homemaker services costing about the same. Deciding what services are needed, as well as the costs of continuing to live in your home, are important factors when it comes to choosing between care options. Seniors should closely examine their living costs, such as rent, mortgage, utilities and insurance, before making a decision about senior care. After combining existing bills, it might be more affordable to stay in an assisted living facility despite the initial expense.

 

Medicaid assistance is available for aged, blind or disabled people in Charles Town through the Department of Health & Human Services Medicaid program. It’s beneficial to use for long-term services and support and also covers various health necessities, such as inpatient and outpatient hospital services, primary physician care and laboratory and X-ray services. 

Seniors who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically qualified for Medicaid services. For those without SSI, income is limited to $2,313 per month for an individual and $4,626 per month for couples. Assets, including cash, stocks, savings and checking accounts, are limited to $2,000 per month for individuals and $3,000 for couples.

For those with high medical expenses, there may be an option to pay into the Medicaid program if a senior’s income or assets are above the state limits. The Medically Needy Pathway, or spend-down program, involves spending down one’s income by paying the excessive earnings on medical bills and health insurance premiums. Once the income limit is reached, Medicaid picks up the remainder of expenses. 

Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver

Individuals may also receive a Medicaid Aged and Disabled waiver that helps to pay for assisted living services, including case management, long-term direct care and support services, transportation, RN assessments and a monthly budget for personal options. Eligibility is determined based on a medical assessment and an on-site review. 

Alternatively, some seniors may qualify for Medicaid Planning, which involves working with a Medicaid planning professional who helps with the application process and finds the benefits that best serve each individual’s needs. To sign up for Medicaid call (877) 716-1212, apply online or visit the local DHHR office.

Elderlife Bridge Loans

Elderlife bridge loans are designed to help seniors bridge the gap in funding to pay for assisted living care while awaiting permanent funding solutions, such as the sale of a home or a pension to begin. With no up-front costs or application fees, Elderlife makes funds available within 24 hours of approval and can set up payments directly to the assisted living facility. Eligibility is dependant upon credit ratings and a long-term plan to pay for assisted living, and an applicant can have up to six cosigners on the loan agreement.   

For more information about Elderlife bridge loans, call (888) 228-4500 or apply online. 

Veterans Aid and Attendance and Household Benefits

Senior veterans and survivors who currently receive a VA pension have multiple options through the Veterans Benefit Administration. Those seeking additional financial aid to help pay for assisted living should consider the Aid & Attendance program, which can increase the monthly pension for a senior who is bedridden, disabled, in a nursing home, in need of aid from another person for activities of daily living or legally blind.

For veterans or surviving spouses who are primarily confined to their homes due to a disability, the Housebound benefit adds additional funds to their existing pension to help cover the cost of support. To be eligible for either program, veterans must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period; they must also have received an honorable discharge. Veterans who receive a VA disability pension aren’t eligible. Applications for these programs can be made through the Pension Management Center or by contacting the local Veterans Administration at (304) 267-0040.

State Supplementation

The state of West Virginia provides financial support for those with special needs who qualify for Supplemental Security Income and reside in certain residential facilities. It’s added to the monthly SSI payment, and the maximum increase for an individual is $351.32.  For Charles Town, the closest Social Security office is in Martinsburg, and the phone number is (800) 772-1213.

Eligible veterans in Charles Town may qualify for medical assistance, pensions and other programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs, and they can also visit the VA hospital for medical needs. 

Department of Veterans Assistance Office
115 Aikens Center, Suite 17, Martinsburg, WV 25404
(304) 267-0040

Martinsburg VA Medical Center
510 Butler Ave., Martinsburg, WV 25405
(304) 263-0811

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