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WV Lighthouse Program

Published on
February 29, 2024
Last updated
April 19, 2024
Written by
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Katie Wilkinson
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This program provide services to seniors (ages 60+) who require assistance with the activities of daily living but do not qualify for assistance from Medicaid.
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Do you need help caregiving? Are you stressed and overwhelmed? Watching over a loved one aging at home is difficult. Caregiving often cuts into other family obligations and regular work hours. How can family caregivers take care of themselves? West Virginia families can get help through the Lighthouse Program. This state program helps seniors live safely and comfortably at home instead of moving to care facilities. What does the Lighthouse Program do, and can you apply? Find out if you are eligible for these valuable care services.

Overview of West Virginia's Lighthouse Program

The Lighthouse Program provides home-based care services for West Virginia residents over 60 who require help with daily living activities but do not qualify for Medicaid support. The West Virginia Lighthouse Program aims to:

  • Assist seniors with basic self-care and household tasks
  • Prevent unnecessary institutionalization 
  • Support independent at-home living for longer
  • Give family caregivers reprieve  

As loved ones age, their needs change; sometimes, they require extra support to stay home. The Lighthouse Program offers necessary services and makes a big difference for seniors and their family caregivers. From meal delivery to transportation, this program has several home services: 

  1. Personal care - bathing, dressing, medication reminders
  2. Mobility assistance - transferring, walking 
  3. Nutrition help - meal planning, cooking, shopping
  4. Homemaking - cleaning, laundry, changing linens 

Eligiblity for the Lighthouse Program   

Not everyone who cares for others can get help from the West Virginia Lighthouse Program. To be eligible, meet specific requirements like living in the state, being a certain age, having a disability, and meeting specific financial criteria. These include:

Age and residency: 

  • 60+ years old
  • West Virginia resident
  • Services are given in West Virginia only

Health and disability requirements: 

  • Requiring significant help with at least two daily activities (ex., Bathing, dressing, etc.)
  • The recipient cannot have assistance from Medicaid
  • The recipient may receive services from the Family Alzheimer's In-Home Respite Program
  • Services cannot be duplicated between programs

Lighthouse program financial criteria:

  • No strict income limits  
  • Fees based on income level 
  • Sliding scale
  • Differs by county
  • Medical expenses deducted from income
  • Spousal income counted if married
  • Joint income might be considered for married couples

The Lighthouse Program allows your care recipient to age in place comfortably. These services give caregivers much-needed rest. West Virginia's Lighthouse Program provides a beneficial service for seniors and their family caregivers. West Virginia families should look into their eligibility for The Lighthouse Program. 

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West Virginia Lighthouse Program benefits

The Lighthouse Program offers up to 60 hours of assistance each month in four different areas. These areas include personal care, mobility assistance, nutritional assistance, and homemaker services. 

For personal care, family caregivers receive help with bathing, dressing, and toileting. The extra home care assistance provides a big help for those caring for loved ones who require assistance with daily hygiene needs. Mobility assistance includes help with walking or transferring from lying or sitting to standing. 

Nutritional assistance provides essential meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation. Caregivers who care for loved ones with dietary restrictions find nutritional services improve overall wellness. Homemaker services like housekeeping, changing bed linens, dishwashing, and laundry lighten your chores. The Lighthouse Program reduces the workload for caregivers who are already stretched thin. 

How do family caregivers get paid?

The Lighthouse Program might be the perfect solution for you. This program offers free or low-cost services to eligible care recipients based on a sliding scale fee. West Virginia family caregivers can get paid hourly for delivering care through self-directed support options. The care recipient needs to select them as the family caregiver. Once the application is approved, the caregiver will receive hourly wages.

The Lighthouse Program is simple. First, a doctor and caseworker create a Plan of Care. They decide what help is needed and how often (up to 60 hours a month). Then, the county hires caregivers and trains them. Keep in mind payment policies depend on specific counties. Family caregivers must finish training and undergo background checks to receive wages for serving their loved ones if permitted in their county. 

The Lighthouse Program might be worth exploring if you seek a way to receive or provide care support. Keep in mind eligibility and payment policies vary depending on your county. Check with your local program to find out more. How can you apply?

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How to apply for the Lighthouse Program  

This program provides financial help and empowers family members to participate actively in their loved one's care. Being a caregiver can be a challenging and rewarding experience, and the Lighthouse Program makes it even more accessible and rewarding by offering paid support options. 

How can you apply? Remember, the Lighthouse Program differs depending on your county. Applying to the West Virginia Lighthouse Program involves contacting the local County Aging Provider agency and:

  1. Getting assessed medically to determine needs
  2. Developing a care plan outlining tasks required  
  3. Submitting application forms 
  4. Providing income documentation
  5. Awaiting assistance determination  

Documents needed vary per county. Expect to have a birth certificate, medical records, and financial documents ready. Your case manager will guide you and help you compile the papers you need for the Lighthouse Program application. 

Find the caregiving help you need

West Virginia's Lighthouse Program enables your loved one to live independently at home when extra help is needed with daily activities. Resources like personal care assistance and homemaking aid provide the support families require while keeping relatives out of facilities longer. Apply today and access vital services for you and your loved one.

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