VA Benefits for Memory Care in West Virginia

Licensing Requirements for Memory Care Units

Assisted living communities that wish to offer specialized dementia care must apply for an Alzheimer’s/Dementia Special Care Unit license through the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification.

• Facilities must submit an application to the secretary before renewing their annual assisted living license.
• The application includes a detailed disclosure form describing the facility’s dementia care program.
• If the facility plans to construct or renovate a dementia care unit, architectural plans must be submitted.
• The State Fire Marshal must approve all new construction or facility modifications related to memory care units.

Required Dementia Care Program Disclosures

West Virginia requires facilities to provide detailed disclosures about how their dementia care programs operate. These disclosures must be provided to prospective residents or their legal representatives prior to admission.

• Policies outlining pre-admission screening, admission criteria, transfers, and discharge procedures.
• How the facility develops and implements individualized care plans for residents.
• Staff training requirements for caregivers working with dementia patients.
• Procedures staff follow when a resident’s condition changes.
• Design features and environmental accommodations used to support residents with dementia.
• Methods used to evaluate the dementia care program and measure its effectiveness.

In addition, a resident’s physician must provide written confirmation of the dementia diagnosis prior to admission.

Staff Training and Continuing Education

Dementia-specific training is required shortly after staff begin employment in a memory care program.

• Staff must receive dementia care training within 15 days of employment.
• Initial training must include at least two hours of instruction.
• Training topics include dementia treatment, communication techniques, caregiver burnout prevention, and abuse prevention.
• Staff must complete eight hours of continuing education annually focused on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Staffing Requirements for Dementia Care Units

While West Virginia does not mandate a strict staff-to-resident ratio for dementia care units, regulations establish minimum staffing requirements and expectations for resident care.

• At least two direct care staff members must be present when a dementia care unit houses more than five residents.
• Residents must receive at least two hours and fifteen minutes of direct care each day.
• Memory care units must employ an administrator responsible for overseeing facility operations.
• A program coordinator must be designated to manage care plans and oversee activities and services.
• Direct care staff must be available to provide hands-on care and supervision for residents.

Inspections and Compliance Monitoring

The Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification performs regular inspections to ensure assisted living facilities comply with state dementia care regulations.

• Licensure surveys typically occur approximately three months before a facility’s license expires.
• Inspection teams may include registered nurses, social workers, and life safety inspectors.
• Health investigations evaluate resident care quality and interview residents and staff.
• Life safety inspections review compliance with building safety codes and emergency exit requirements.

If deficiencies are identified, facilities receive written documentation of the violations and must implement corrective actions to restore compliance.

Complaint Investigations and Public Records

In addition to scheduled inspections, the Assisted Living Program within the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification investigates complaints against facilities.

• Serious complaints may trigger an unannounced inspection within 45 days of submission.
• If violations are found, the facility receives written notice and a list of required corrective actions.
• West Virginia maintains an online health care facility lookup tool where families can review licensure and complaint histories.
• The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program can help families interpret inspection reports and investigate facility concerns.