Area Agencies on Aging in West Virginia
Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in West Virginia (2026)
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If You Need Emergency Help
Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or being abused or neglected.
For urgent aging or disability assistance:
- West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services: 1-866-767-1575 – Statewide information and emergency assistance
- Adult Protective Services: (304) 558-7980 – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 – Free, confidential support
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 – Mental health crisis support
For immediate assistance:
- 211 West Virginia – Dial 2-1-1 for local emergency resources and crisis intervention
- Contact your local senior center or AAA office for immediate support needs
Key Takeaways
- West Virginia has 4 Area Agencies on Aging serving all 55 counties across the state’s four regions
- Each AAA coordinates services through local senior centers – the backbone of service delivery
- All core services are free or low-cost for seniors 60+ and family caregivers
- The Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) helps eligible individuals receive long-term care at home instead of nursing facilities
- Personal Options program allows participants to hire family members as paid caregivers
- Rural service delivery is adapted to West Virginia’s mountainous terrain and small communities
- No wrong door approach ensures you get connected to appropriate services regardless of where you start
What Are West Virginia’s Area Agencies on Aging?
West Virginia’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are regional organizations established under the federal Older Americans Act to coordinate and deliver essential services for older adults throughout the Mountain State. These four AAAs work closely with the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services to ensure seniors in every county have access to programs that help them maintain independence and quality of life.
Each AAA serves as a planning and coordinating hub for their multi-county region, contracting with local senior centers to deliver direct services. This system recognizes that West Virginia’s diverse geography—from the Eastern Panhandle to the coalfields—requires flexible, community-based approaches to serve seniors effectively.
West Virginia’s AAAs do more than just coordinate services; they advocate for older adults, assess community needs, and develop innovative solutions to meet the unique challenges facing seniors in Appalachian communities. They work to ensure that whether you live in Martinsburg or Beckley, you have access to nutrition programs, transportation, legal assistance, and other vital services.
The state’s aging network also includes Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) that provide single-entry access to long-term care information and services, helping seniors and their families navigate complex decisions about care options.
West Virginia’s 4 Area Agencies on Aging
Region I: Northwestern Area Agency on Aging (NWAAA)
Operated by: The Belomar Regional Council
Counties Served: Brooke, Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Hancock, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Monongalia, Ohio, Pleasants, Ritchie, Tyler, Wetzel, Wirt, Wood (16 counties)
Service Area: Northwestern West Virginia
Contact Information:
- Phone: (304) 242-1800
- Address: 1650 Eighth Street, Moundsville, WV 26041
- Service Population: Approximately 125,000 seniors
Regional Characteristics:
- Includes parts of the Northern Panhandle
- Mix of urban areas (Morgantown, Parkersburg) and rural communities
- Strong connections to Ohio and Pennsylvania
- Oil and gas industry presence
- West Virginia University partnerships in Morgantown
Region II: COMPASS (Region II Area Agency on Aging)
Counties Served: Barbour, Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan, Pendleton, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker, Upshur (14 counties)
Service Area: North-central and Eastern Panhandle
Contact Information:
- Phone: (304) 623-6850
- Address: 1026 Technology Drive, Suite 101, Fairmont, WV 26554
Regional Characteristics:
- Eastern Panhandle connection to Washington D.C. metro area
- Rural mountain counties
- Agricultural communities
- Tourism industry (Harpers Ferry area)
- Significant commuter population
Region III: Central West Virginia Aging Services
Counties Served: Braxton, Clay, Fayette, Gilmer, Lewis, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Roane, Sumner, Webster (10 counties)
Service Area: Central West Virginia
Contact Information:
- Phone: (304) 623-6850
- Address: 910 Beverage Lane, Hurricane, WV 25526
Regional Characteristics:
- Mountainous terrain with challenging transportation
- Small rural communities
- Coal mining heritage areas
- Lower population density
- Strong community networks
Region IV: Appalachian Area Agency on Aging (AAAOA)
Counties Served: Boone, Cabell, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Putnam, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, Wyoming (16 counties)
Service Area: Southern West Virginia
Contact Information:
- Phone: (304) 242-1800
- Address: 1650 Eighth Street, Moundsville, WV 26041
Regional Characteristics:
- Includes Charleston (state capital)
- Coal mining communities
- Huntington metro area
- Appalachian cultural heritage
- Economic transition challenges
Note: Contact information may change. Always verify current details by calling 1-866-767-1575.
Core Services Provided by West Virginia AAAs
Nutrition Programs
West Virginia’s nutrition programs address food insecurity while providing social connection opportunities crucial for rural seniors.
Congregate Meal Programs: Nutritious meals served at senior centers throughout West Virginia. These programs provide more than food—they offer social interaction, health monitoring, and information about other services. Meals typically cost $3-4 for seniors 60+, but no one is turned away for inability to pay.
Home-Delivered Meals: For seniors who cannot attend congregate sites due to mobility, health, or transportation issues. Volunteers navigate mountain roads and rural routes to deliver hot meals directly to homes, often providing the only regular contact some isolated seniors have.
Emergency Food Programs: Food pantries and emergency meal delivery coordinated through senior centers, especially important during severe weather when deliveries to remote areas may be delayed.
Nutrition Education: Programs adapted for Appalachian food traditions, teaching healthy meal preparation on limited budgets and managing special diets for chronic conditions.
Mountain State Reality: Weather and geography can significantly impact meal delivery. Emergency food supplies are maintained at senior centers, and volunteers are trained for challenging driving conditions.
Transportation Services
Transportation is often the biggest barrier to services in West Virginia due to mountainous terrain, limited public transit, and long distances between communities.
Medical Transportation: Priority service for healthcare appointments, dialysis, physical therapy, and other medical needs. May include long-distance trips to specialists in Charleston, Morgantown, or out-of-state medical centers.
General Transportation: Scheduled service for shopping, banking, social activities, and essential errands. Service typically operates on set schedules due to the coordination required for rural routes.
Volunteer Driver Programs: Community volunteers provide transportation, especially crucial in counties where commercial services are unavailable. Drivers are trained for mountain driving conditions and emergency procedures.
Group Transportation: Scheduled trips for multiple seniors to shopping centers, medical facilities, or social events, maximizing resources and providing social opportunities.
Transportation Challenges: Mountain weather, winding roads, and long distances between destinations mean transportation often requires advance scheduling and weather-dependent cancellations.
Information and Assistance
Every AAA provides comprehensive information and assistance to help West Virginia seniors understand their options and access appropriate services.
Services Include:
- Information about available programs and eligibility requirements
- Benefits counseling for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP
- Assistance with benefit applications and appeals
- Referrals to appropriate service providers
- Crisis intervention and emergency planning
- Connection to family caregiver resources
Specialized Assistance:
- Coal miners’ benefits and black lung compensation
- Veterans’ benefits coordination
- Healthcare navigation for rural residents
- Insurance counseling adapted for limited options in rural areas
Legal Services
Free legal assistance for seniors addressing civil legal issues common in rural Appalachian communities.
Legal Issues Addressed:
- Medicare and Medicaid problems and appeals
- Social Security disability and miners’ benefits
- Consumer protection against scams targeting seniors
- Housing issues including landlord-tenant problems and property disputes
- Estate planning basics (wills, advance directives)
- Family law issues affecting seniors
- Healthcare decision-making rights
- Utility shutoff and debt collection issues
Service Delivery: Legal aid attorneys travel to rural communities and provide telephone consultations to overcome geographic barriers.
Family Caregiver Support
Comprehensive support recognizing that family caregivers are essential in West Virginia’s rural communities where formal services may be limited.
National Family Caregiver Support Program Services:
- Information and education about caregiving
- Support groups (in-person and telephone-based)
- Respite care to give caregivers temporary relief
- Limited financial assistance for respite and support services
- Training on caring for persons with dementia
- Emergency respite during family crises
Rural Adaptations:
- Telephone support groups for isolated caregivers
- Mobile respite services
- Coordination with faith-based support networks
- Training for caring at home with limited medical resources nearby
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Programs designed to help seniors maintain health and prevent complications from chronic diseases common in West Virginia.
Evidence-Based Programs:
- Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
- Diabetes Self-Management Education
- Matter of Balance (fall prevention)
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers
- Stepping On fall prevention classes
Health Promotion Activities:
- Health screenings at senior centers
- Immunization clinics
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Medication management education
- Mental health awareness programs
- Substance abuse prevention (including prescription drug abuse)
West Virginia’s Medicaid Long-Term Care Programs
West Virginia operates Medicaid waiver programs to help eligible individuals receive long-term care in their homes and communities rather than nursing facilities.
Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW)
The ADW is West Virginia’s primary home and community-based services program for seniors and adults with disabilities who need nursing home level care but prefer to remain in the community.
Services Provided:
- Personal attendant services for activities of daily living
- Adult medical day care programs
- Skilled nursing services in the home
- Personal emergency response systems
- Home modifications and accessibility adaptations
- Vehicle modifications for accessibility
- Non-medical transportation
- Case management and care coordination
- Pest eradication services (unique to West Virginia)
- Community transition services for nursing home residents
Personal Options Program: The ADW includes a consumer-directed option called Personal Options that allows participants significant control over their care:
- Hire Family Members: Participants can hire family members (excluding spouses and legal guardians) as paid caregivers
- Set Pay Rates: Participants determine caregiver wages (minimum $8.75/hour in 2025)
- Choose Schedules: Flexible scheduling based on participant needs
- Manage Care: Participants act as employers with support from program staff
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be eligible for West Virginia Medicaid
- Must need nursing facility level of care (5 functional deficits required)
- Age 18+ for disabled individuals; 65+ for elderly participants
- Must live in own home or family member’s home (not assisted living)
- Income limit: $2,901/month (2025)
- Asset limit: $2,000 for individuals
Enrollment: The ADW has approximately 6,400 slots statewide. When full, eligible applicants are placed on the Managed Enrollment List (MEL).
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
Serves individuals with traumatic brain injuries who need nursing facility level care.
Services Include:
- Personal attendant services
- Case management
- Community transition services
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Personal emergency response systems
- Transportation services
Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Waiver
Serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan.
Services Focus:
- Day habilitation and employment support
- Residential services
- Respite care
- Behavior support services
- Transportation services
Service Delivery Through Senior Centers
West Virginia delivers aging services primarily through a network of senior centers located in communities throughout the state. These centers serve as the local face of the aging network.
Senior Center Services
Core Programs:
- Congregate meal programs with social activities
- Information and assistance
- Benefits counseling and application assistance
- Transportation coordination
- Health promotion activities
- Social and recreational programming
- Volunteer coordination
Community Connections:
- Partnership with local healthcare providers
- Coordination with faith-based organizations
- Collaboration with community action agencies
- Links to local veterans’ organizations
- Connection to volunteer fire departments for emergency services
Rural Service Adaptations
Geographic Challenges:
- Mobile services for remote communities
- Satellite locations in outlying areas
- Telephone-based services for isolated seniors
- Coordination with local stores and post offices for service delivery
- Weather-dependent service modifications
Community Partnerships:
- Churches and faith communities
- Local businesses and banks
- Volunteer fire departments
- Community action agencies
- Healthcare providers
Special Population Services
Coal Miners and Their Families
West Virginia’s coal mining heritage creates unique needs among the senior population.
Specialized Services:
- Assistance with black lung benefits and miners’ pensions
- Healthcare coordination for mining-related health conditions
- Benefits counseling for union benefits and pensions
- Support for widows of miners
- Connection to specialized medical care for occupational diseases
Key Resources:
- Coal miners’ health plans coordination
- Union benefit assistance
- Workers’ compensation appeals
- Social Security disability for mining-related conditions
Rural and Isolated Seniors
Many West Virginia seniors live in remote areas with limited access to services and social connections.
Rural Adaptations:
- Mobile service delivery to remote areas
- Telephone-based support and check-in services
- Coordination with local postal workers for wellness checks
- Emergency communication systems
- Volunteer neighbor networks
- Seasonal service adjustments for winter conditions
Veterans
West Virginia has a high percentage of veterans among its senior population.
Veteran-Specific Services:
- Assistance applying for VA benefits and healthcare
- Transportation to VA medical centers in Martinsburg, Beckley, and Huntington
- Coordination between VA and state Medicaid programs
- Help with VA pension applications
- Honor guard services and burial assistance
- Family support for veteran widows
Key VA Resources:
- Martinsburg VA Medical Center
- Beckley VA Medical Center
- Huntington VA Medical Center
- Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center (Clarksburg)
Appalachian Cultural Considerations
Services are delivered with understanding of Appalachian culture and traditions.
Cultural Sensitivity:
- Respect for independence and self-reliance values
- Understanding of extended family networks
- Appreciation for local traditions and heritage
- Language and communication style adaptations
- Integration with faith community support systems
How to Access Services in West Virginia
Step 1: Find Your Local Access Point
Primary Contact Methods:
- West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services: 1-866-767-1575
- Local Senior Center: Find through your county government or regional AAA
- 211 West Virginia: Dial 2-1-1 for comprehensive resource information
- West Virginia ADRC: Contact for long-term care information
Step 2: Initial Assessment
Staff will gather information about:
- Your location and county of residence
- Type of assistance needed
- Current living situation and support system
- Urgency of needs
- Basic income and resource information (for certain programs)
- Transportation needs and barriers
Step 3: Service Coordination
Based on your needs, you may receive:
- Information about available services and programs
- Referrals to appropriate local providers
- Assistance with benefit applications
- Scheduling for assessments (ADW waiver, etc.)
- Connection to volunteer services
- Emergency assistance coordination
Step 4: Ongoing Support
The aging network provides:
- Regular contact and reassessment
- Help accessing new services as needs change
- Advocacy when service problems arise
- Emergency assistance during crises
- Coordination with healthcare providers
Costs and Financial Assistance
Free Services
Available at no cost to eligible participants:
- Information and assistance through AAAs and senior centers
- Benefits counseling and application assistance
- Legal consultations and advice
- Case management services
- Caregiver education and support
Donation-Based Services
Suggested donations help sustain programs, but services cannot be denied for inability to pay:
- Congregate meals ($3-4 suggested donation)
- Home-delivered meals ($3-5 suggested donation)
- Transportation services ($2-5 suggested donation per trip)
Medicaid-Funded Services
Long-term care services funded through West Virginia Medicaid:
- Aged and Disabled Waiver services
- Personal Options consumer-directed services
- Nursing home care when appropriate
- Adult day care programs
Cost-Sharing: ADW participants may have small cost-sharing requirements based on income.
State and Federal Benefits
State Programs:
- Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
- Pharmaceutical Assistance Program
Federal Programs:
- Medicare and Medicare Extra Help
- Social Security and SSI
- SNAP (Food Stamps)
- Housing assistance programs
Financial Eligibility for West Virginia Medicaid Programs
2026 ADW Income and Asset Limits
Income Limits:
- Single applicant: $2,901/month
- Married couple (both applying): $5,802/month
- Married couple (one applying): $2,901/month for applicant; spouse income not counted
Asset Limits:
- Single applicant: $2,000 in countable assets
- Married couple (both applying): $4,000 combined
- Married couple (one applying): $2,000 for applicant; up to $154,140 for spouse
Alternative Pathways
Medically Needy Program: For those over income limits, West Virginia’s Medically Needy program allows qualification when medical expenses consume most of their income.
- Income limit: $200/month individual, $275/month couple
Medicaid Planning: Professional Medicaid planners can help families restructure assets and income to qualify for benefits while protecting family resources.
Quality and Accountability
Program Standards
West Virginia’s aging services operate under multiple oversight systems:
- Federal Older Americans Act requirements
- West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services standards
- Medicaid quality assurance requirements
- Professional licensing standards for service providers
Monitoring and Quality Assurance
Regular Oversight:
- Annual AAA performance reviews
- Consumer satisfaction surveys
- Financial audits and compliance monitoring
- Service provider quality assessments
- Complaint investigation procedures
Your Rights as a Service Recipient
Fundamental Rights:
- Receive services without discrimination
- Have personal information kept confidential
- Participate in decisions about services and care
- File complaints without fear of retaliation
- Receive services that meet professional standards
- Be treated with dignity and respect
Complaint and Appeals Process
For General Aging Services:
- Contact your senior center director or AAA staff
- Contact your regional AAA director
- Contact West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services
- Contact federal Administration for Community Living if needed
For Medicaid Services:
- Contact your case manager or service provider
- File formal grievance with West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services
- Request fair hearing for benefit decisions
- Contact West Virginia Health Rights for advocacy assistance
Key Advocacy Resources:
- West Virginia Health Rights: (304) 346-9881
- West Virginia Center for Budget and Policy: (304) 720-8682
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Contact through Bureau of Senior Services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do services work in very rural areas where the nearest senior center might be an hour away?
West Virginia’s aging network adapts to rural geography through mobile services, volunteer networks, and creative partnerships. Many services can be delivered by telephone, volunteers may travel to you, and some senior centers operate satellite programs in remote communities. The AAAs work with local churches, community centers, and even post offices to bring services closer to rural residents.
Can I hire my adult children as caregivers through the Personal Options program?
Yes, the ADW Personal Options program allows you to hire adult children and other family members (except spouses and legal guardians) as paid caregivers. You set their wages (minimum $8.75/hour), determine their schedule, and manage their work. The program provides training and support, and you’re responsible for employment tasks with assistance from program staff.
What assistance is available for former coal miners and their families?
West Virginia’s aging network provides specialized help for coal miners including assistance with black lung benefits, miners’ pensions, union benefits, and healthcare coordination for mining-related conditions. Staff are trained to understand the unique benefits available to coal miners and their widows, and can help navigate complex federal and union benefit systems.
How does severe weather affect services in mountainous areas?
West Virginia’s aging services are designed around weather realities. Emergency protocols include stockpiling supplies, alternative communication methods, and priority clearing of routes to seniors in greatest need. Home-delivered meals may switch to weekly delivery of shelf-stable items during severe weather, and emergency contact systems ensure isolated seniors receive welfare checks.
What if I need services that require traveling to Charleston, Morgantown, or other cities?
The aging network coordinates transportation for medical appointments and specialized services in urban areas. This may include group transportation, coordination with medical transport companies, or volunteer drivers. Some AAAs arrange monthly trips to major medical centers, and emergency medical transportation is available when needed.
Are there services specifically adapted for Appalachian culture and traditions?
Yes, West Virginia’s aging services are delivered with deep understanding of Appalachian culture, including respect for independence, extended family networks, and local traditions. Staff understand the importance of community connections and work with faith communities, extended families, and local networks that are central to Appalachian life.
How do I transition from working in coal mining or other industries to retirement with health issues?
The aging network provides specialized assistance for industrial workers transitioning to retirement, including help with disability benefits, workers’ compensation, union pensions, and healthcare coordination. Benefits specialists understand the complex interaction between various industrial benefits, Social Security, Medicare, and state programs.
What support exists for family caregivers in remote areas who feel isolated?
West Virginia offers telephone-based caregiver support groups, mobile respite services, and connections to local volunteer networks. The Powerful Tools for Caregivers program can be delivered by phone or online, and emergency respite services are available. AAAs work with faith communities and local volunteers to provide support in the most remote areas.
How are services coordinated between West Virginia and neighboring states for border residents?
For residents near state borders, West Virginia AAAs coordinate with aging agencies in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Maryland, and Virginia for certain services, especially specialized medical care. However, ongoing services generally require West Virginia residency. Emergency services are available to any resident temporarily in the state.
What happens if I’m on the waiting list for the ADW waiver and my situation becomes urgent?
While the ADW waiver has enrollment limits, emergency situations receive priority consideration. Crisis circumstances may qualify you for immediate enrollment or alternative services. The aging network can also connect you with other resources, emergency assistance programs, and community supports while you wait for waiver services.
Disclaimer
Service availability, contact information, and program details can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current information available as of January 2026, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with your local AAA, senior center, or the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services before making decisions or applying for services.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.
For the most current information, contact:
- West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services: 1-866-767-1575
- 211 West Virginia: Dial 2-1-1
- Your local Area Agency on Aging
- Your local senior center
About This Guide
Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors
This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking assistance programs.
Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services, federal agency websites (HHS, Administration for Community Living, CMS), state government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.
Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements and service availability.
Information Currency:
• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: April 2026
Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.
Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying.
This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available assistance programs in West Virginia.
About the Authors