5 Assisted Living Communities in Morgantown, West Virginia

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,308 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 5 Assisted Living Communities in Morgantown and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $3,308
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $9,201
• In-home care: $3,241
• Adult day health services: n/a

The average monthly cost for assisted living in Morgantown is $3,308 per the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study, which is considerably lower than the national average ($4,000) and well under the West Virginia average of $3,619. Costs in Morgantown are moderately lower than in other cities, including Wheeling ($3,660) and Weirton ($3,600), but slightly more than Parkersburg ($3,210) and Beckley ($3,225). Only Charleston, at $4,357, is significantly more expensive. 

Monthly costs for senior care are influenced by location and the level of care needed. A semiprivate room in a Morgantown nursing home is almost triple the cost of assisted living. Homemaker services cost slightly less, but in-home care costs increase significantly if health aide services are needed. Plus, at-home care doesn’t cover general living expenses, such as utilities, meals and maintenance, which are included with assisted living. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,308

• Homemaker services: $3,241

• Home health aide: $3,718

• Adult day health: n/a

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $9,201

 

For low-income Americans who can’t afford medical insurance, Medicaid is a government-funded program that may cover the health care services they need. Medicaid in West Virginia is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau for Medical Services.

West Virginia seniors eligible for Medicaid must have a total monthly income below $2,313, including employment wages, retirement, pensions, stock dividends, alimony and Social Security or disability payments. For couples, the individual income limit applies to each spouse.

Assets are limited to $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples applying for benefits. Countable assets include cash, bank accounts, investments, real estate, stocks and bonds. A personal residence with equity less than $585,000 is exempt, along with a vehicle, burial trusts, life insurance, personal belongings and household furnishings.

West Virginia Medicaid Personal Care is available for those who are Medicaid-eligible and need help performing activities of daily living. Assistance is provided to eligible applicants whether they reside at home, a family member’s home or in an adult foster care or assisted living facility. Covered services can include assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, meals, nutrition counseling, light housekeeping and health-related tasks. Room-and-board costs for assisted living aren’t covered. To determine eligibility, seniors must have their physician complete a Personal Care Medical Necessity Evaluation Request. 

To find out more about Medicaid in West Virginia, contact the Bureau for Medical Services at (304) 558-1700.

Reverse Mortgage

For seniors over the age of 62 who own a home with established equity, a reverse mortgage could provide the funds needed to pay for assisted living. With this type of mortgage, homeowners receive payments from their lender based on equity and home value. The mortgage can be repaid from the homeowner’s estate or when the home is sold. To learn more about your options, find a reverse mortgage counselor by calling (800) 569-4287.

Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits

Seniors who have served their country may get help with the cost of assisted living care through their veteran’s benefits. The VA Aid and Attendance program is available to senior veterans who need assistance with activities of daily living or require nursing home care. Being bedridden, having a debilitating physical or mental disability or reduced visual capacity can all be qualifying factors. Applicants must be eligible for their pension and not already receiving a disability pension. If approved, a top-up is added to the regular monthly pension payment to help cover needed services. To find out more about the Aid and Attendance benefits program, call the Department of Veterans Affairs at (800) 827-1000.

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Seniors who need temporary financial assistance for the initial transition to assisted living might qualify for a bridge loan. Offered through Elderlife Financial Services, the loans are an excellent solution for seniors waiting for a benefit payout or cash from the sale of a home. These loans have terms of 12 months or less and applications can be completed over the phone. After credit approval, funds can be disbursed as a lump sum payment or made available as a line of credit. To find out more about assisted living bridge loans, contact Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500.

Seniors who have served in the armed forces will find a number of resources in Morgantown. Veterans can access counseling services at the U.S. Veterans Center, get help with VA benefits at the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance or socialize at a local VFW post.

U.S. Veterans Center
34 Commerce Dr, Ste 101, Morgantown, WV 26501
(304) 291-4303

Department of Veterans Assistance
90 Army Band Way, Morgantown, WV 26501
(304) 285-3480

VFW Post 9916
340 Holland Ave, Morgantown, WV 26501
(304) 296-5981

The West Virginia Agency on Aging partners with local senior centers, like the Senior Monongalians center listed above, to provide state health insurance counseling and social services to help residents 60 and older access beneficial programs and resources. No-cost civil legal services are available through West Virginia Senior Legal Aid. West Virginia Senior Legal Aid
235 High St, Ste 519, Morgantown, WV 26505
(800) 229-5068

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.