Seniors looking for group living in Morgantown have more options than ever.
Talk of “seniors” in Morgantown tends to revolve around college seniors. For seniors enjoying their retirement years, the city has until recently had only a few independent and assisted living facilities. But two new places opened in the past year, greatly expanding the options. Here’s our rundown of senior living around town.
Harmony at Morgantown
Whether you’re looking for independent living or memory care, Harmony Senior Services has you covered. Its Morgantown senior housing development, opened in 2018, features more than 170 apartments. For active folks 60 and older who want to enjoy their retirement without the demands of maintaining a house, the independent living apartments are ideal. Each includes a full kitchen, individually controlled thermostat, and washer and dryer. Meal plan options and housekeeping services save residents the hassle of everyday chores, and an emergency call system and on-site staff make for peace of mind. The full calendar of events includes prize bingos, trivia nights, exercise classes, and frequent 4 o’clock happy hours.
For those looking for a little additional help with daily activities, the complex offers licensed assisted living. The suites, one- or two-bedroom apartments, and companion suites all include bathrooms, and most also include kitchenettes. Staff can assist with administering medication and attending to personal care. Transportation to outings and appointments, daily housekeeping, and weekly laundry ensure errands and chores are taken care of.
The memory care apartments allow residents diagnosed with dementia to experience care in a home-like setting. They can enjoy private or companion suites, supervised access to amenities, and a secured courtyard. The memory care team provides individualized service and care to assist with personal hygiene, meals, and dressing. Team members also regularly schedule care plan meetings with loved ones.
Harmony at Morgantown doesn’t publish its rates; call for information. 50 Harmony Drive, 304.504.6585, harmonyseniorservices.com
Evergreen
Evergreen provides compassionate care in a home-like atmosphere. The assisted living facility offers temporary respite care, but most residents stay long-term. Shared suites are $2,600 a month, and private ones are $4,200. Nurses are on hand to assist with personal care and medication monitoring and administration. Daily cooked meals and housekeeping services take care of chores, leaving residents free to enjoy activities put on by local community groups. Beauty and barber services offered for an additional charge keep residents looking sharp. For family or community gatherings, Evergreen has dining and family rooms, an activity center, and an outdoor gazebo. 3705 Collins Ferry Road, 304.598.8401, evergreenassisted.com
Friendship Manor
Morgantown has lots of apartments, but finding one that’s not geared toward university students can be a struggle. Friendship Manor, on Van Voorhis Road, has provided affordable independent living for those 62 and up since 1970—even serving as the home for four generations of one current resident’s family. The building offers a variety of apartment styles. Efficiencies are $545 a month, one-bedroom apartments range from $682 to $884 depending on size, and two bedroom–two bathroom apartments go for $959. Rent includes all utilities except cable and phone.
Friendship Manor’s full-time cook, who has been with the institution for 20 years, whips up one hot meal each day. Because it’s independent living, applicants need letters from their physicians verifying that they don’t need regular medical assistance. Friendship Manor is conveniently located near public transportation as well as grocery and other shopping, restaurants, the WVU Coliseum, and Milan Puskar Stadium. 501 Van Voorhis Road, 304.599.0140, friendshipmanorwv.com
The Village at Heritage Point
Independent living is easy at The Village. Opened in 1999, the complex offers 90 maintenance-free residential apartments to seniors aged 62 and older. A monthly service fee, starting at just over $2,500 for single occupancy, covers one daily meal in the dining room, all utilities except phone and cable, bi-weekly housekeeping, and maintenance. Scheduled group and personal transportation makes getting around town easy, but even a homebody can stay busy with The Village’s packed schedule of activities. A resident council provides input for community happenings.
Some weekly events include watch parties for sporting events, movie viewings, bridge and other card games, and Bible studies. Those looking for a workout can try tai chi, take a spin on a dance night, or enjoy a stroll on the outside walking paths.
When residents at The Village are ready for more care, they receive priority access to The Suites. Also opened in 1999, The Suites is Morgantown’s only licensed residential care community—meaning it operates on a campus rather than as an individual building. Licensed practical nurses are available to assist with administering medication, and aides can help with daily activities like dressing and bathing. The 40 apartments include kitchenettes with sinks and microwaves, individual heating and cooling, and private bathrooms with walk-in showers outfitted with shower seats and safety railings. The monthly fee—which ranges from $4,799 to $5,182, depending on apartment size—covers three daily meals that residents can order from a menu as well as apartment maintenance, weekly housekeeping, personal laundry, and all utilities except phone and cable. Residents at both The Village and The Suites will soon enjoy updated apartments, as renovations are currently underway. The not-for-profit community is affiliated with Mon Health Medical Center. One Heritage Point, 304.285.5575, www.heritage-point.com
Seneca Village
In late 2018, drivers along Beechurst Avenue probably noticed the construction alongside the Seneca Center. Aptly named Seneca Village, the multi–million dollar development is new low-income housing for residents ages 55 and older as well as those with disabilities, regardless of age.
The Right Level of Care
These additional skilled nursing and other facilities in town offer services ranging from short-term rehabilitation to long-term care.
Madison Center 161 Bakers Ridge Road, 304.285.0692, genesishcc.com/madisonwv
Mapleshire 30 Mon General Drive, 304.285.2720, mapleshirewv.com
Morgantown Health & Rehabilitation 1379 Van Voorhis Road, 304.599.9480, savaseniorcare.com
Sundale Rehabilitation & Long Term Care 800 J.D. Anderson Drive, 304.599.0497, @sundalerehab
Written by Jess Walker