West Virginia continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Continuing Care in West Virginia

Continuing care retirement communities are retirement communities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care, offering residents a continuum of care. The communities ensure a dignified place for your or your senior to stay. Depending on your location and specific needs your options may vary. Since many sponsors of CCRCs include religious, fraternal and community organizations, and other companies involved with developing these retirement communities, they often imbue their philosophies and ideals within the communities. Be sure to shop around to find the best fit for your continuing care option.

Although there is no overarching federal agency that regulates retirement communities, the private non-profit organization CARF-CCAC provides a voluntary process for individual CCRCs to become accredited.

Recreation and Attractions in West Virginia

The vast mountain ranges of Appalachia offer breathtaking views, unique landscapes, and plenty of state parks to keep nature-lovers satisfied. Throughout the state, visitors and residents can enjoy crafts such as glass-blowing, woodworking, pottery, quilts, jewelry, and more from local artisans. West Virginia’s Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is also a favorite destination with its authentic foods and museums situated amidst Civil War-era structures.

No matter your range of interests and mobility, West Virginia has new experiences waiting just outside the door of any available continuing care retirement community.

West Virginia's Climate, Geography, and Culture

West Virginia has summers with average temperatures around 80 degrees, while the winters vary between moderate and cold. The winter temperatures are typically in the 40s while spring and fall temperatures are between the 50s and 70s. The average temperature in West Virginia is 56 degrees, with an average low temperature of 46 degrees, and an average high temperature of 66 degrees. West Virginia annually receives 36 inches of snowfall and 44.02 inches of rainfall. West Virginia is filled with blue-collar workers who are prideful of their state. A peaceful retirement spot in the Appalachian woods awaits you.

West Virginia's CCRCs Regulations and Laws

Continuing care retirement communities in West Virginia are subject to a list of rules, regulations, and laws that can be found on the West Virginia Health and Human Resources website. These regulations include strict health codes and extensive background checks for employees that ensure that you or your senior get the best care possible.

Crime and Safety in West Virginia

West Virginia’s crime rates are lower in all categories including violent and property crimes compared to the national average. There are also fewer crimes per square mile in West Virginia, making it more likely that residents will find a safe location for their long-term care in the state. Listed below are a few of the safest places to receive nursing home care in West Virginia.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Weirton	1.09	14.82
Parkersburg	2.91	56.49
Grafton	1.85	4.57

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in West Virginia

The payment plans will differ at each CCRC, however, large entrance fees are to be expected and can range anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000 and even up to $1 million at a single time depending on your contract and location. The national average cost of an entrance fee based on the most recent data is $248,000, and this price is expected to continue to fluctuate based on local housing prices.

The type of contract entered into by the resident will include a monthly maintenance fee costing between $300 and $4,500 or more depending on which services are utilized. Some residents may choose a “buy-in” option, meaning they join the community through buying an actual property. Whether you buy a property or not, it’s still necessary to look out for any additional maintenance or service fees before signing a contract.

The difference in prices is largely a result of the type of contract residents enter into, as well as their individual health care costs and possible Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Extensive Contracts – Guarantee a lifetime of housing and care at any and all levels provided by the community. This includes monthly fees in exchange for a wide range of services. Because there is a relatively lower degree of risk, the upfront costs are much higher.
1. Entry Fee: $160,000 - $600,000
2. Monthly Fee: $2,500 - $5,400
Modified Contracts – Modified contracts only extend to a set number of days. After exceeding this limit, services are paid for out of pocket by the resident. Monthly fees are also still charged at an ongoing rate.
1. Entry Fee: $80,000 - $750,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,500 - $2,500
Fee-For-Service Contracts – Residents only pay for the services they currently use, however, are not safeguarded from any future changes in pricing or service availability. Most of the financial burden is born by the resident, depending on Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. These are considered to be the contracts with the highest risk, even though their upfront costs are the lowest.
1. Entry Fee: $100,000 - $500,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,300 - $4,300
Rental Agreements – Allow residents the ability to rent a housing unit on a monthly or annual basis. This type of contract does not guarantee access to health care on a fee-for-service basis, unlike other agreements.
1. Entry Fee: $1,800 - $30,000
2. Monthly Fee: $900 - $10,700
Equity Agreements – Shares of the community or association are afforded to individuals by the transferal of actual home, condominium, or townhome ownership within the CCRC. Healthcare services can still be purchased for additional fees. Through an equity agreement, the property’s appreciation benefits the individual or their estate as specified by the terms of the contract. This type of agreement relies heavily on the fluctuations of real estate in the area.

From a Report by The U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Elderly Rights for Continued Care in West Virginia

Entering a West Virginia CCRC doesn’t mean your US rights are left behind. State and federal laws guarantee that your freedoms, privacy, and ability to act autonomously are preserved while receiving care at the community's various levels. Residents have the right to manage their personal and financial affairs and air grievances. If your rights are ever violated, don’t hesitate to contact a legal advisor familiar with senior law.

WV Continued Care: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

Since the goal of CCRCs is to aid residents in living independently, most communities will require a health screening before your senior is admitted. Unfortunately, it is common for applicants with frailties and those older than 80 years of age to be denied admission, especially if their pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from the health care coverage to be provided.

Residents receiving nursing home care or any other type of medical attention in West Virginia are guaranteed a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. State and federal laws provide that residents have access to their records and health information, as well as the right to know when disclosures have been made. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 5 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.