Consumers

Choosing to place yourself or someone you love in an assisted living community or nursing facility can be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make. You and your entire family may experience a wide range of emotions. It is important to research all of your options to ensure that your or your loved one’s needs are met and that you’ve made an informed decision based on quality research. We also recommend that you consult with a physician to determine the level of care and services needed. Nothing will take the place of visiting several facilities or communities, talking to staff, and relying on your observations and feelings about the care you see. In making the decision to seek assisted living or nursing facility care, it is important to discuss the issue thoroughly with everyone involved before the situation becomes an emergency. During the transition process, you will also likely experience an additional source of love, support, and comfort from staff at the facility. The information provided here will help you learn about:

• Where to Start
• When to Consider an Assisted Living Community or Nursing Facility
• Tools Available to Help Evaluate a Facility
• Payment Options
• A list of WVHCA Member Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living Communities
• And Other Resources Available

Consumer Guide: Helping Families Make Informed Choices About Care
The Consumer Guide is a resource published and distributed by the West Virginia Health Care Association, Bureau of Senior Services, and AARP.  We urge consumers to use this guide as a first step to making a selection – not a final step. The guide covers the whole continuum of care – from being independent and living at home to requiring some assistance to total nursing facility care. To view an electronic copy of the guide, visit the Consumer Guide tab.  To request a printed copy of the guide via regular mail, email WVHCA and include your name and mailing address.

Facility Finder
The Facility Finder tab will provide a listing of nursing facilities and/or assisted living communities within a specified radius of the area that you are seeking long term care providers.

Family Resources
Under the Family Resources tab you will find other resources and links to additional long term care information, government resources, and aging information.

Faces of Long Term Care
When visiting the Faces of Long Term Care tab, you’ll meet long term care residents, staff, and volunteers who work and live in West Virginia’s facilities. 

Holiday Gift Ideas for Long Term Care Residents
We are happy to provide you with a list of gift ideas for residents who live in nursing facilities and assisted living communities.  Be sure to ask facility staff about any special diet restrictions before bringing food to residents. Remember, the best gift you can give someone is a gift of your time. Stop by for a visit or phone your loved one to say hello.