AARP Eye Center
En español | Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.
AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.
To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.
Caregiver Support
Family Alzheimer’s In-Home Respite (FAIR) Program (304-558-3317)
Offers relief to family caregivers and provides one-on-one attention and individualized activities for persons with a written diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
Finances
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (304-205-6357)
Helps eligible households with home energy expenses, which may include heating/cooling bill payment, crisis bill payment and/or heating/cooling equipment repair/replacement.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (304-205-6357)
Eligible households receive food assistance through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to cover a portion of their food budget, as well as nutritional education.
Legal
West Virginia Senior Legal Aid (800-229-5068)
Provides free legal services to low- income adults 60-plus. Services include protection of homes, income, security, access to health care benefits and more.
Health
Alzheimer’s Association — West Virginia Chapter (24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900; 304-343-2717)
Provides people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia and their caregivers a 24-hour telephone helpline, family education and outreach programs, financial and legal planning information, support groups and care navigation tools.
West Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol (304-558-3317; 877-987-4463)
Provides outreach and education to help Medicare beneficiaries recognize and report healthcare fraud.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (304-558-3317)
Provides Medicare beneficiaries and their families confidential and objective information about benefits, supplemental plans, long-term care insurance and Medicare costs.
Housing and Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Ombudsman (304-558-3317; 877-987-3646)
Provides consumer protection advocacy services to residents of long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty care facilities and boarding homes. Anyone can use an ombudsman to report a concern and get help resolving problems, including residents, residents’ family members and friends, and long-term care facility employees.
Information and Services
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (866-981-2372)
Provide information or resources about long-term services and supports.
West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services (304-558-3317; 877-987-3646)
Services to older adults include transportation, meals, in-home help, exercise classes and more.
West Virginia Care Planning Council
Provides care planning information and a list of government and private services that help families handle the challenges of long-term care.
End of Life
Hospice Care (304-768-8523; 800-560-8523)
Offers hospice patients and their families resources to help make better choices regarding serious illness and end-of-life care.
Hospice of Southern West Virginia (304-255-6404)
Provides inpatient hospice and palliative care, as well as bereavement care.