Terra Alta, WV senior services
The front door to senior services in Terra Alta is the Area Agency on Aging for Preston County: free information and referral, home-delivered meals, rides and in-home help under the Older Americans Act. Below: how to reach it, plus every Medicare-certified care option that serves Terra Alta, from the public record.
Who to call first
Eldercare Locator
A free service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living. Give them "Terra Alta, WV" or a zip code and they connect you to the Area Agency on Aging for Preston County: information and referral, home-delivered meals, rides, caregiver support and an in-home needs assessment, all under the Older Americans Act.
Paying for care in West Virginia
Medicare pays for short-term skilled care: up to 100 days of nursing-home rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay, home health when a doctor certifies the need, and hospice in full. Medicaid, West Virginia's Medicaid program, pays for long-term nursing home care once assets are spent down and, through home and community-based services waivers, for some help at home. The Area Agency on Aging and the state's SHIP Medicare counselors (free, through the Eldercare Locator) explain which applies.
Care options serving Terra Alta
Staying at home in Terra Alta
Most people would rather stay home. What makes that possible in Terra Alta: the local aging agency, in-home help, Medicare home health, home modification programs and technology that keeps family in the loop between visits.
Common questions
Who do I call first for help for an older adult in Terra Alta?
Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (a free service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living), which connects you to the Area Agency on Aging for Terra Alta. The Area Agency on Aging does information and referral, arranges home-delivered meals, rides and in-home help under the Older Americans Act, and can explain how Medicaid home and community-based services work in West Virginia.
How many nursing homes serve Terra Alta?
5 Medicare-certified nursing homes are within 12 miles of Terra Alta. Each is listed on this site with its CMS star ratings, bed count, ownership, staffing turnover and inspection date from Care Compare.
Does Medicare pay for home health care in Terra Alta?
Yes, when a doctor certifies that the person is homebound and needs skilled nursing or therapy. Medicare covers it in full, and you may choose any of the 6 Medicare-certified home health agencies that serve Terra Alta. Non-medical home care (companions, homemakers) is a separate, mostly private-pay service.
What does hospice cost in Terra Alta?
The Medicare hospice benefit covers hospice care in full, including medications and equipment for the terminal illness, usually at home. 4 Medicare-certified hospices serve Terra Alta. Medicaid and most private insurance also cover hospice.
How should I read the CMS star ratings?
Look at the health inspection rating and the staffing rating before the overall rating; the quality-measure rating is self-reported by the facility. Read the latest inspection report on Medicare Care Compare before visiting, and visit unannounced at a mealtime.