Assisted Living in Charleston, WV

Assisted Living Costs in Charleston

Charleston’s average assisted living cost is the most expensive in West Virginia at $4,357 per month. This is over $700 higher than the state average ($3,619) and more than $300 higher than the national average ($4,000). Charleston’s assisted living rates are also substantially more expensive than in Beckley ($3,225), Huntington ($3,360) and Parkersburg ($3,210), where assisted living costs are the lowest in the state. 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

As in most cities across the U.S., the cost of senior care in Charleston differs vastly depending on the type of care required. The most notable difference is in the cost of nursing home care ($10,737), which is more than $7,000 above home care ($3,098) and over $6,000 above the cost of assisted living ($4,357). Even though home care services appear to be less costly than assisted living, it’s important to consider related expenses, such as housing costs and groceries. These costs are typically included in the price of assisted living, which is the least expensive option for round-the-clock senior care. 

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Charleston

Medicaid in West Virginia

In West Virginia, the Medicaid program is administered by the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services. It works with the federal government to provide medical insurance to low-income residents across the state. The program is available to families with children under age 19, pregnant women, disabled persons and senior citizens over age 65. The plan covers a number of valuable health care services, including primary care, specialty care, chiropractic, emergency transportation, nursing home care and prescription medications. 

To qualify for Medicaid as an elderly resident of West Virginia, applicants should be 65 years of age or older. They also need to meet the following financial requirements: 

• A maximum income of $771 per month for individuals and $1,157 for married couples
• Up to $2,000 in countable assets if single and $3,000 as a married couple

All sources of income count toward the limit, but some assets are exempt, such as the applicant’s home, vehicle and household furnishings. 

Seniors who are Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries receive Medicaid automatically and don’t have to apply. All others can complete a Medicaid application online or contact the federal call center at (800) 318-2596. 

Medicaid Personal Care

The Medicaid Personal Care program is available to seniors who require assistance with activities of daily living. Participants may receive coverage whether they live at home or in an assisted living or nursing care facility. Services provided include assisted living, personal care, nonemergency transportation and skilled nursing care. 

To qualify for the Personal Care program, applicants must be Medicaid-eligible and complete a medical eligibility assessment with the help of their physician. 

For more information or to apply, seniors can contact the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services at (304) 558-3317.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Seniors who can’t afford the cost of assisted living upfront may find a temporary solution through a bridge loan from Elderlife Financial Services. These loans are structured as a line of credit with interest-only monthly payments. Funds are issued directly to the senior living facility as needed. Elderlife offers flexible loan terms and limits, and there’s no penalty for early repayment, so the loan can be paid off as resources become available from the sale of a home or other assets, or when benefits kick in. 

Elderlife also allows up to six people to apply on behalf of a senior to increase the likelihood of approval.

To apply for a bridge loan, seniors can contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500. 

Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit

The Department of Veterans Affairs administers the Aid and Attendance program to help qualified individuals pay for long-term care services at home or in assisted living or nursing home facilities. Once approved, the monthly benefit is included with the beneficiary’s regular VA pension.

To qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits, an applicant must be a U.S. veteran or surviving spouse and fall under one of the following categories: 

• Have corrected vision in both eyes; vision must be 5/200 or worse 
• Require assistance with activities of daily living
• Be bedridden because of a chronic illness or disability 
• Reside in a nursing facility
• Live with a concentric contraction to five or fewer degrees of their visual field

This program isn’t available to veterans who receive a VA disability pension. 

For more information or assistance filing an application, seniors can call the Huntington Regional Benefit Office at (304) 399-9395. Seniors living in West Virginia can submit a completed application to the Philadelphia VA Regional Office. 

Assisted Living Resources in Charleston

Senior Center in Charleston

The Tiskelwah Senior Center is open to seniors living in the Charleston area. The center offers a variety of fun and enriching activities, including a walking club, craft clubs, hot lunches and sing-alongs. 

KVSS Tiskelwah Senior Center
600 Florida St., Charleston, WV 25302
(304) 345-9700

Aging Services in Charleston

The West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services provides seniors living in Charleston and throughout the state with access to a variety of resources and programs including legal aid, the state’s long-term care ombudsman, disease prevention programs and nutrition programs. 

West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services
Town Center Mall, 3rd level, Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-3317

Veterans Services in Charleston

Veterans in Charleston can access a variety of resources and benefits including financial aid, support groups and social activities. To apply for aid and benefits, seniors may contact the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance. To learn about events and programs, they may contact the Charleston Veterans Center. Those who are eligible can receive medical services including primary care and laboratory services at the local VA Outpatient Clinic.

West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance
1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-3661

Charleston Veterans Center
521 Central Ave., Charleston, WV 25302
(304) 343-3825

VA Outpatient Clinic 
700 Technology Dr., South Charleston, WV 25309
(304) 746-5300