State Profile: West Virginia
Welcome to the West Virginia State Profile Page! This page features a sample of survey and research results from a comprehensive review of state and local home modification activities across the country. It has a special focus on the aging population and the efforts of State Units on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, and Native American aging service programs that are funded by the Older Americans Act Title VI Grants for Indian Tribal Organizations.
Check back as new updates will be posted periodically! Have any changes or additions? Please contact homemods@usc.edu
SPOTLIGHT ON STATE LEVEL HOME MODIFICATION ACTIVITIES
This section shares information that demonstrates the need for home modification in this state and highlights some of the state's important home modification efforts, policies, and funding sources.
This report by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence and ADvancing States reports on a national survey
WEST VIRGINIA BUREAU OF SENIOR SERVICES (State Unit on Aging)
State Units on Aging (SUAs) are designated state-level agencies that develop and administer state plans that advocate for and provide assistance, including home modifications or repairs, to older residents, their families, and adults with physical disabilities. SUAs administer funds, including Older Americans Act funds, which may be used to support home modification or repair services through local Area Agencies on Aging and other state and local entities.
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Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver
The West Virginia Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) Program, administered by the State Unit on Aging, provides in-home and community services to individuals age 18 and older who need support services to maintain their independence. Home modifications are an eligible supportive service.
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Take Me Home (TMH) Transition Program
The West Virginia Department of Human Resources Bureau for Medical Services administers the Money Follows the Person demonstration program, Take Me Home, under the Aged and Disabled and Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver programs, assisting individuals transitioning from long-term care facilities to receive long-term services and supports in the community. The program developed a guide, “Navigating Accessible Community Housing: A Guide for Individuals with Disabilities and their Support Teams Seeking Housing in the Community.” This document includes guidelines for how to request reasonable accommodations and reasonable home modifications from landlords; descriptions of ADA requirements for buildings; and design elements to look for to support independence in the new housing setting.
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West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS)
The State Assistive Technology Grant Program, funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, supports comprehensive, statewide programs in each state that improve the provision of assistive technology (often home modification-related) to individuals with disabilities of all ages.
SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL HOME MODIFICATION EFFORTS
This section shares information that demonstrates the need for home modification in this state and highlights some of the state's important home modification efforts, policies, and funding sources.
This Data Brief highlights key findings from the 2019 National Survey of Area Agencies on Aging on how Area Agencies on Aging are providing and funding home modification and repair activities. It was developed by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging as part of the Administration for Community Living project, “Promoting Aging in Place by Enhancing Access to Home Modifications.”
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Community Living Services Program
The Community Living Services Program of the Appalachian Center for Independent Living helps individuals with disabilities to function more independently in their homes and communities. The program purchases assistive devices, durable medical equipment, home modifications, wheelchair ramps, and vehicle modifications for people with disabilities who meet income requirements.