Get Pricing & Availability for Assisted Living in Charleston, WV
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Page Reviewed / Updated – July 6, 2022
Charleston, West Virginia, can be an appealing place to live for retirees on a budget. The capital city features money-saving tax laws , financial assistance programs for seniors and a cost of living that’s well below the national average. The average monthly cost of assisted living is $4,750, which is a bit higher than the national average of $4,500, but residents pay less for housing, utilities, groceries and transportation than seniors in other states.
Retirement earnings are partially taxed ; however, the state offers a deduction that can lower the amount seniors owe. West Virginia also has reasonable sales taxes and a property tax rate that’s one of the lowest nationwide at just 0.57%.
This guide covers the cost of assisted living in Charleston compared to other West Virginia cities, plus several free resources that seniors may find helpful.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Charleston, WV
According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living in Charleston costs an average of $4,750 per month. This is almost $600 more than the state average of $4,160 and $250 more than the national average of $4,500. Still, assisted living rates in Charleston are cheaper than in several other cities throughout the state. To the northwest in Huntington, rates are a little higher at $4,875. Prices in Parkersburg and Morgantown are even more expensive, costing residents $5,444 and $5,700, respectively. Wheeling is one of the cheapest cities for assisted living with prices averaging $3,675.
- Charleston: $4,750
- West Virginia: $4,160
- United States: $4,500
- Huntington: $4,875
- Parkersburg: $5,444
- Morgantown: $5,700
- Wheeling: $3,675
The Cost of Other Types of Care in Charleston, WV
In Charleston, both home care and home health care cost $4,481, which is $269 less than seniors pay for assisted living. Both of these services provide personal care and help with activities of daily living, but home health care also includes medical services, such as physical therapy and skilled nursing. Rates for adult day health care in Charleston were unavailable, but it’s typically the most affordable option. Nursing home care is much pricier than assisted living, costing residents $12,258 for a semiprivate room and $12,562 for a private room.
- In-Home Care: $4,481
- Home Health Care: $4,481
- Adult Day Health Care: N/A
- Assisted Living Facility: $4,750
- Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room): $12,258
- Nursing Home Facility (private room): $12,562
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Charleston, WV
Other Ways To Pay for Assisted Living in Charleston, WV
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For additional information and planning, read our comprehensive guide to paying for senior care in West Virginia.
Free Resources for Seniors in Charleston, WV
Seniors in Charleston have access to many free programs and resources to help them with long-term care options, public benefits and programs that can make assisted living more affordable for residents of limited financial means.
Resource |
Contact |
Service |
Metro Area Agency on Aging |
(304) 720-6861 |
The Metro Area Agency on Aging serves as a bridge to connect Charleston seniors with social services, financial assistance and helpful programs near them. It offers Medicare and Medicaid counseling, transportation, adult day services and help with transitioning to and from a long-term care facility. Its website features a comprehensive guide to senior resources in Kanawha County and a list of statewide services for older adults. |
Charleston Vet Center | (304) 303-3825 | The Charleston Vet Center offers counseling about military benefits, including pensions and service-related disability compensation that may be available to veterans and their loved ones. Service officers can help with eligibility requirements, applications and appeals. It also offers mental health support, employment programs and telehealth services, which provide answers for medical questions virtually or over the phone. |
Legal Aid of West Virginia |
(866) 255-4370 |
This organization provides no-cost legal aid to low-income residents of West Virginia. It assists with civil concerns such as government benefits, bankruptcy, family law and elder abuse. On its website, seniors can find a self-help guide with information about common legal problems. Residents who are interested in applying for assistance must meet financial eligibility requirements to qualify. |
Kanawha Valley Senior Services |
(304) 348-0707 |
Charleston residents can visit Kanawha Valley Senior Services to learn about Medicare, public assistance options and programs for people who need help paying for long-term care. It also offers door-to-door transportation to medical appointments, social activities and other destinations in the Charleston area. |
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program |
(304) 558-3317 |
The long-term care ombudsman works to protect elder rights and improve the quality of life for residents of assisted living facilities. Seniors can request help with problems such as abuse and neglect, financial exploitation, inadequate staffing, facility sanitation and billing disputes. |
Rules and Regulations for Assisted Living Facilities in Charleston, WV
Assisted Living Communities in Charleston are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined by the state. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.