Caring for an aging loved one is one of the hardest jobs there is — and you shouldn't have to do it alone. Below are 30 verified West Virginia programs offering emotional support, respite, training, financial help, peer groups, and legal planning — most of them completely free.
Last updated July 2026
Start here in West Virginia
WV Bureau of Senior Services — ADRC
One call connects West Virginia family caregivers to free counseling, respite, training, and support groups through their local Area Agency on Aging.
WV Bureau of Senior Services — ADRC
Free
Statewide — 11 Area Agencies on Aging and 4 ADRC offices covering all 55 counties
West Virginia's primary caregiver entry point. Free information, referrals, and connection to all aging and disability services through 11 AAAs and 4 regional ADRC offices. WV ADRC standalone site at www.wvadrc.com/ provides online resource locator. 26% of WV adults serve as family caregivers — one of the highest rates nationally.
Call 877-987-3646 | Local: 304-558-3317 | Also visit www.wvadrc.com/ for online resources. AARP WV reports 375,000 WV family caregivers providing $3 billion in unpaid care annually
Alzheimer's Association West Virginia Chapter — 24/7 Helpline
Free
Statewide — Charleston HQ serving all 55 West Virginia counties and 6 eastern Ohio counties
Around the clock emotional support, crisis assistance, and care consultations for dementia caregivers. WV Chapter serves all 55 counties from Charleston. 42,000+ West Virginians living with Alzheimer's; 83,000 caregivers. Walk to End Alzheimer's in 9 WV locations.
WV Chapter: 304-343-2717 | wvinfo@alz.org. Open by appointment M-F. Walk to End Alzheimer's in 9 WV communities. Chapter also serves 6 eastern Ohio counties
West Virginia's dedicated Aging and Disability Resource Center providing free, objective information and options counseling statewide. Four offices serve all 55 counties. Staff connect caregivers to WV programs, Medicare, Medicaid waivers, FAIR program, and community resources.
Charleston: 304-558-3317 | Clarksburg: 304-627-2444 | Beckley: 304-256-6740 | Huntington: 304-522-0066. No appointment needed — walk-ins welcome at all four offices
Free 24/7 confidential emotional support for caregivers experiencing burnout, distress, or crisis. Available by call or text. WV has high rates of caregiver stress — 52% of WV caregivers report financial setbacks and 57% are also working full or part time.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — call or text
Free 24/7 connection to local health and human services including emotional support, crisis intervention, and caregiver resource referrals across all 55 West Virginia counties.
Call or text 211 anytime — also available online at wv211.org/
Statewide — through WV Bureau of Senior Services and 11 AAAs
West Virginia's unique state-funded program providing relief to family caregivers of persons with a written diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. Trained volunteers provide one-on-one attention and individualized activities so caregivers can take a break. Statewide through AAA network.
Contact Bureau of Senior Services at 877-987-3646 or your local AAA. FAIR is a uniquely WV program — one of the few state-funded dementia-specific in-home respite programs in the country
NFCSP-funded temporary respite care for family caregivers of adults 60+ or any age with Alzheimer's through WV's 11 AAAs. In-home and adult day respite options available statewide. Contact Bureau of Senior Services or your local AAA.
Contact Bureau of Senior Services at 877-987-3646 to be connected to your local AAA for available respite services
Respite care available through WV's Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver for eligible individuals 65+ and adults 18-64 with physical disabilities at nursing facility level of care. Consumer-directed option available. Income limit $2,982/month effective January 2026.
Contact WV DHHR at 304-558-1700 or ADRC at 877-987-3646 to begin eligibility screening. Consumer-directed option allows family member selection as paid caregiver
At least 30 days annual respite for caregivers of eligible veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. Beckley VA, Clarksburg VA, Huntington VA, and Martinsburg VA serve West Virginia's significant veteran population.
Must be caring for veteran enrolled in VA healthcare — Beckley VA: 304-255-2121 | Clarksburg VA: 304-623-3461 | Huntington VA: 304-429-6741
Free education programs for dementia caregivers across all 55 WV counties. ALZ Talks webinars, Savvy Caregiver workshops, care consultations, and in-person programs. Virtual options available for rural WV caregivers in the coalfields and mountain communities.
Virtual options available statewide — call helpline or visit chapter website for current WV schedule. Also email wvinfo@alz.org for local program information
Statewide — WVU Extension offices in all 55 counties
Evidence-based caregiver education through West Virginia University Extension. Family caregiver programs, aging-in-place resources, and Powerful Tools for Caregivers workshops in all 55 WV counties including rural coalfields, eastern panhandle, and northern WV communities.
WVU Extension in every WV county — critical for reaching rural caregivers across WV's diverse geographic regions
Southern West Virginia — statewide virtual resources
Southern WV nonprofit providing caregiver resources, education, stress management tools, and connection to local services. Offers online resource library including stress relief podcasts, mindfulness exercises, and TBI program resources through WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
Free online resources at br-wv.org/caregivers/ — particularly strong TBI caregiver resources in partnership with WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities
Caregiver training and education through WV DHHR's Bureau for Children and Families and Bureau of Senior Services. Covers dementia care, stress management, and navigating WV Medicaid waivers. WV Caregiver Support Program education through AAAs statewide.
Contact Bureau of Senior Services at 877-987-3646 or your local AAA for caregiver training schedule
Comprehensive caregiver education library including fact sheets, online programs, and WV-specific resource directory. Especially valuable for WV caregivers in rural coalfield communities with limited local options.
No registration required for most online resources
Free caregiver tools, guides, and education. AARP WV reports 375,000 family caregivers (26% of WV adults) providing $3 billion in unpaid care. AARP WV urging 2026 WV Legislature to pass caregiver tax credit and expand WV FAIR program funding.
AARP membership not required — AARP WV active on 2026 legislative session for caregiver tax credit and expanded FAIR program. 52% of WV caregivers report financial setbacks
WV Aged and Disabled Waiver — Paid Family Caregiver
Free
Statewide
WV Medicaid HCBS waiver for adults 65+ and 18-64 with physical disabilities. Consumer-directed option allows family members including spouses to be paid caregivers. Income limit $2,982/month effective January 2026. Both spouses eligible as paid caregivers — one of few WV programs allowing this.
Spouses eligible — contact WV DHHR at 304-558-1700 or ADRC at 877-987-3646. Income limit updated to $2,982/month effective January 1, 2026
WV Medicaid waiver for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Self-directed option allows family members including spouses to be paid support workers. Income limit $2,982/month effective January 2026. Contact WV DHHR Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities.
Spouses eligible under IDD Waiver — contact WV DHHR at 304-558-0684. Self-directed option provides flexibility to hire family member. Income limit $2,982/month effective January 2026
WV Medicaid state plan entitlement providing personal care with NO waiting list. Family members can be hired through licensed home care agencies as paid caregivers. Spouses and legally responsible persons not eligible. Requires 3+ ADL needs. Income limit $994/month individual in 2026.
No waiting list — entitlement program. Family members through licensed agency only (not directly). Contact pcs.wv.gov or call Acentra Health at 866-385-8920. Spouses NOT eligible under Personal Care
Monthly stipend for caregivers of eligible veterans with 70%+ service-connected disability. Also includes CHAMPVA health insurance. VA legacy cohort protected through September 2028.
Must be caring for veteran with 70%+ service-connected disability rating
Federal program providing information, counseling, training, respite, and supplemental services to family caregivers of adults 60+ or any age with Alzheimer's. Grandparent kinship caregiver services also available. Contact Bureau of Senior Services or local AAA.
Contact Bureau of Senior Services at 877-987-3646 or local AAA — no income limits for Older Americans Act programs in WV
Free caregiver support groups throughout West Virginia from Charleston to Morgantown to Huntington to Martinsburg. Virtual groups available statewide for rural coalfield and mountain communities. ALZConnected online 24/7.
Call helpline or visit chapter website to find group — virtual options available for rural WV communities across the Mountain State
Caregiver support groups through WV's 11 AAAs covering all 55 counties. Groups for general caregiving, Alzheimer's and dementia, and grandparent kinship caregivers. Contact Bureau of Senior Services or ADRC to find groups near you.
Contact Bureau of Senior Services at 877-987-3646 or local AAA — groups vary by region across WV's 11 AAA service areas
Peer connection and community resources for southern WV caregivers through Bridging Resources WV. Connects caregivers to local peer support, stress management tools, and community resources in the coalfields region.
Free — particularly valuable for caregivers in southern WV's rural coalfield communities where services are limited
Free online peer community of 25,000+ caregivers active 24/7. Especially valuable for WV caregivers in rural coalfield, eastern panhandle, or mountain communities where local groups may be limited or far away.
AARP membership not required — virtual peer support 24/7. AARP WV 'I Am A Caregiver' movement connects WV caregivers with advocacy community
Statewide — offices in Charleston, Morgantown, Clarksburg, Martinsburg, and other communities
Free civil legal services to adults 60+ in West Virginia. Covers advance directives, powers of attorney, Medicaid, housing, elder abuse, and consumer protection. Priority elder law services statewide.
Adults 60+ receive free legal services — income not a barrier for elder law matters. Also: Legal Aid of WV (304-342-6814) serves income-eligible adults of all ages statewide
WV SHIP — State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Free
Statewide — through WV Bureau of Senior Services
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling for WV beneficiaries and caregivers. Certified SHIP counselors help navigate Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D drug plans statewide. Also includes WV Senior Medicare Patrol for fraud prevention.
Unbiased — not affiliated with insurance industry. Same 304-558-3317 or 877-987-3646 connects to SHIP through Bureau of Senior Services
Statewide — through WV Bureau of Senior Services and 11 AAAs
Free advocacy for caregivers with concerns about nursing home, assisted living, or specialty care facility quality. Investigates complaints and protects residents' rights across all 55 WV counties.
Toll-free: 877-987-3646 | Local: 304-558-3317. Also accessible through your local AAA. WV Ombudsman covers specialty care facilities and boarding homes
Free legal advocacy for West Virginians with disabilities and their caregivers. WV's federally designated Protection and Advocacy agency. Covers disability rights, Medicaid/waiver access, housing, employment, and abuse/neglect investigations.
Toll-free: 800-950-5250. Free services for people with disabilities and their family caregivers — all 55 WV counties
Connects West Virginia caregivers to elder law attorneys for advance directives, powers of attorney, guardianship, and Medicaid/waiver planning. Initial consultation available at reduced fee.
Referral fee may apply — income-eligible Mountaineers should contact WV Senior Legal Aid first at 800-229-5068 for services at no cost to you. Also: Legal Aid of WV at 304-342-6814
Frequently Asked Questions — West Virginia Caregivers
Honest answers to what West Virginia family caregivers ask most.
Most free caregiver help in West Virginia flows through WV Bureau of Senior Services — ADRC, which works hand-in-hand with the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services (BoSS) and the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network. Call 877-987-3646 to be connected to your county's AAA or Aging and Disability Resource Center — they provide free caregiver counseling, support groups, respite vouchers, and caregiver education statewide. West Virginia also runs Lighthouse Program — state-funded in-home services for non-Medicaid seniors, which is worth asking about by name.
In many cases, yes. The primary pathway is Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) and Personal Care Services. The ADW and West Virginia's Personal Options self-direction allow Medicaid members to hire family (other than a spouse) as paid in-home caregivers. The care recipient must meet West Virginia Medicaid's financial and functional eligibility rules. To apply or confirm what's currently available, call 877-987-3646 and ask specifically about Medicaid self-direction or consumer-directed personal-care services.
Free or low-cost respite in West Virginia comes from three main places: (1) WV Bureau of Senior Services — ADRC and your local Area Agency on Aging, which can issue respite vouchers under the National Family Caregiver Support Program — call 877-987-3646; (2) the VA Caregiver Support Program (1-855-260-3274) for caregivers of enrolled veterans; and (3) the ARCH National Respite Locator at archrespite.org, which lists licensed West Virginia respite providers by ZIP code.
West Virginia veteran caregivers can access two main VA programs. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) pays a monthly stipend of roughly $1,750–$3,200 for caregivers of post-9/11 and (now expanded) earlier-era veterans with a 70%+ service-connected disability who need help with daily activities. The Program of General Caregiver Support Services offers free training, peer mentoring, and REACH VA stress coaching for caregivers of any era veteran enrolled in VA healthcare. Call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 or visit caregiver.va.gov to apply.
Yes. The Alzheimer's Association West Virginia Chapter runs in-person and virtual support groups across the state and operates a free 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900 in English and Spanish. Local Area Agencies on Aging also coordinate dementia-specific groups through West Virginia's family caregiver support program — WV Bureau of Senior Services — ADRC can refer you. For broader caregiver support groups (not dementia-specific), the Family Caregiver Alliance and Well Spouse Association also serve West Virginia families online.
Legal Aid of West Virginia is the main free civil legal aid resource for income-eligible West Virginia residents. They can help with advance directives, financial and healthcare powers of attorney, guardianship questions, Medicare and Medicaid appeals, and consumer or housing problems facing aging adults. West Virginia State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides separate free advocacy specifically for residents (and their families) in West Virginia nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care settings. Many West Virginia bar associations also run lawyer-referral services with reduced rates for caregivers and seniors.
988 is the free, confidential 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available to anyone in the U.S., including West Virginia family caregivers who feel overwhelmed, isolated, hopeless, or in emotional distress. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. For non-crisis support — finding food, transportation, rent help, or caregiver respite — dial 211 to reach a West Virginia-trained United Way navigator who can route you to local programs.
West Virginia's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network is the single point of entry for county-level caregiver services. Call 877-987-3646 and you'll be routed to the ADRC or AAA serving your county. They handle benefits screening, options counseling, and direct connections to counseling, respite, training, transportation, and financial-help programs. West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services (BoSS) oversees the network statewide and can also help if a local office is hard to reach.
Save these West Virginia resources to your free care plan
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Source: LTCareNav.com research, updated on July 2026. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility rules change frequently — please verify contact information directly with each organization before referral. This page is informational and not legal, medical, or financial advice.