West Virginia Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in West Virginia

In West Virginia, there are 23 continuing care retirement communities. These can be found in the following locations: Huntington, Charleston, Morgantown, Princeton, Wheeling, and Parkersburg. These communities can be for-profit or non-profit, and they are developed by corporations or faith-based. Private-public partnerships can also be used to create CCRCs.

Senior age is the period in which you should be enjoying life, doing exactly the things you want. Considering that, it is logical your day should be filled with hobbies and passions, instead of handling house chores. Have you considered moving into a continuing care retirement community? Also known as life plan communities, these offer the perfect alternative to retirement living.

What is so special about CCRCs? The main advantage is that you can function and live on your own, for as long as your health allows it. All residents benefit from a continuum of care, which includes: independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care. They begin with the first level and transition to the next, in accordance to their level of independence and healthcare needs.

If you are planning on moving into such a retirement community, one of the first things you should do is check out the admittance criteria. Most CCRCs welcome residents over 60, but some communities might accept younger people (55+). They require that one has an acceptable state of health, without chronic or degenerating health conditions. Financial eligibility is also a must, with residents having to cover substantial entrance and monthly fees. Additional criteria might be imposed, such as long-term insurance plans.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in West Virginia - financing and costs

Each retirement community establishes its own payment plans, as well as the contracts that are offered. Residents can cover the required costs by selling their property or they can rely on alternative options, such as retirement funds, personal savings, or various assets.

Life care contracts, which offer access to care, housing, and services for lifetime, are the most expensive. In West Virginia, the entrance fees for such contracts vary between $160,000 and $600,000. As for the monthly fees, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,000. By comparison, the national average is around $2,500. Modified contracts have entrance fees that start at lower values, such as $80,000, but the upper limit can go as high as $750,000. The associated monthly fees vary between $1,500 and $2,500.

Fee-for-service contracts have entrance fees that vary between $100,000 and $500,000 – with such contracts, residents only pay for the services currently used. Monthly fees vary between $1,300 and $4,300. Last, but not least, there are rent-based contracts, which usually do not have entrance fees but the monthly fees are higher (market value). You expect to pay up to $10,000 per month as part of the contract agreement.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in West Virginia - care levels and services

Upon your application being accepted, you can move into the retirement community. The first level of care is known as independent living; residents choose the desired housing unit, enjoying a comfortable lifestyle, with access to the on-site services and amenities. When their health needs change, or they begin to require assistance with daily living activities, they can transition to assisted living.

Should their health take a turn for the worse, such as it sometimes happens in this stage of life, the transition to skilled nursing care is possible. Here, they might also benefit from short or long-term rehabilitation provided by certified staff. Memory care is the highest level, recommended to those who have been diagnosed with dementia. Within this level, residents benefit from treatment administration and 24/7 supervision.

Each transition is given careful consideration to, as the staff of the CCRC always has the best interest of the resident at heart. Medical evaluations might be performed, as well as assessments of one's level of independence. Usually, transitions are recommended, as the resident can no longer live or function independently. A higher level of care also means a lower risk of injury, especially since they involve round-the-clock supervision and assistance.

All retirement communities of this kind offer an impressive range of services. The list might include: general maintenance, housekeeping, laundry and linen services, Internet, cable, telephone, meal plans with dietary adjustments, transportation to/from appointments. Health services are offered to all residents, with some of the most common including: emergency response system, primary care, nursing care, social worker onsite, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, memory support.

CCRC in West Virginia - amenities and options

Residents have a lot of appealing options upon moving into a CCRC. They can choose a housing unit that suits their preferences, with common choices including one or two-bedroom apartments, studio apartments, cottages, and townhouses. They can check out photos of available units online, as well as take virtual or real tours. Couples can live together and in some CCRCs pets are allowed as well.

Amenities offered by such retirement communities include: daily meals, dining room, activity/craft room, billiard lounge, bistro, card & game room, fishing pond, hair & nail salon, event room, library, walking and hiking trails, fitness and wellness center, swimming pool, tennis court, golf course, weekly worship service, etc. Residents who suffer from dementia might be offered access to specific amenities, such as memory gardens, learning centers, or guided walks.

What are some positives and negatives of moving into a CCRC in West Virginia?

A retirement community that offers all that can be a blessing. West Virginia CCRCs offer a high standard of living, with access to excellent healthcare, as well as a wide range of services and amenities. If you are still trying to decide, consider the following pros and cons.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in WV

Peace of mind knowing that all of your needs are taken care of

Opportunity to maintain an active and independent lifestyle for as long as it is possible

Wellness as one of the main objectives

Companionship of like-minded people

Unparalleled living experiences with the possibility to transition to a higher level of care

Cons of moving to a CCRC in WV

If you have a low or medium-level income, you might not be able to cover the required fees

Some of these retirement communities might be located on isolated campuses

Taking such a big decision might lead to anxiety

You might have a hard time leaving your old life behind

Some restrictions might apply, despite the obvious freedom you are given when living in a CCRC