Nursing homes and assisted living in West Virginia

West Virginia has several state programs that help older adults stay at home as long as possible. When it's time to look for a residence, it also helps to know the official names.

What care settings are called here

The Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC), part of the state's Office of Inspector General, licenses these places. Its phone number is (304) 558-0050.

• Assisted Living Residence: this is assisted living. It serves 4 or more people with personal care, supervision and, at most, limited and occasional nursing care. It can be small (4 to 16 beds) or large (17 or more). Since 2003, the former personal care homes and board and care homes have had this license.
• Residential Care Community: 17 or more apartments within a larger community for people who live independently.
• Medical Adult Day Care Center: an adult day center with health services.
• Nursing Home: a nursing home, just as the name says.

With the OHFLAC facility search tool, you can look up each place and its inspection information. It's a useful tool that helps you choose with peace of mind.

How Medicaid helps in West Virginia

The Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) pays for nursing home care for people who qualify. For those who would rather stay at home, there are two programs:

• Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW): home and community services for adults 18 and older who need the level of care a nursing home provides. It includes adult day care with health services. There is a waiting list (the Managed Enrollment List). According to the program, the average wait in the last fiscal year was 44 days. To request it, you send in a Medical Necessity Evaluation Request. ADW help line: 1-866-767-1575.
• Personal Care Services: help at home with daily activities. Toll-free line: 1-866-385-8920.

The official websites describe these programs for people who live in their own homes.

How to apply for Medicaid: through WV PATH, at your county's Department of Human Services office or by calling 1-877-716-1212.

How much care costs in West Virginia

These are the state medians from CareScout's Cost of Care Survey 2025 (data from July to November 2025):

• Assisted living (private room, one bedroom): $6,340 a month
• Nursing home, semi-private room: $422 a day (about $12,836 a month)
• Nursing home, private room: $436 a day
• In-home caregiver (non-medical): $30 an hour

CareScout did not publish a median for adult day centers in this state.

Who to call

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman (a free advocate for residents): 1-800-834-0598. There are nine regional ombudsmen.
• WV Bureau of Senior Services (the state office on aging): (877) 987-3646 or (304) 558-3317. The state has four Area Agencies on Aging.
• West Virginia Aging and Disability Network: 1-866-981-2372.
• Eldercare Locator (national line): 1-800-677-1116.

Tips for your family

• If your loved one has Alzheimer's, ask about FAIR (Family Alzheimer's In-Home Respite). It provides up to 16 hours a week of respite care at home, in every county. The cost depends on income.
• If income is over the Medicaid limit, ask about Lighthouse. It's a state program of in-home help for people 60 and older, with up to 60 hours a month and a fee based on income.
• Request the ADW assessment early. That way, services can start sooner.
• Ask about the size of the residence. A small Assisted Living Residence and a large one offer different experiences. Visit both before you decide.

This is general information and does not replace medical or legal advice.