Eldercare of West Virginia in Ripley, WV

Pros

• The wheelchair is great for him.

Cons

• The reviewer describes the place as unlike anything they've seen and notes residents are left to their own devices.
• The grandfather is immobile and repeatedly slouched in a wheelchair, with welts after an hour of repositioning.
• The mattresses are paper-thin and smell awful, like camping gear.
• An egg crate topper was brought in but staff won't allow it to be used, leaving it in the room.
• Haircuts are not provided despite weekly requests and beauty shop days.
• Residents are ignored and sit in their own urine for hours; the place is described as a nightmare.

Review

This community is best suited for residents with exceptionally light care needs and for families that can be physically present and relentlessly advocate for daily, hands-on oversight. In practice, it serves only as a last-resort option for those who are able to monitor care in real time and push for nonstop accountability. For anyone whose loved one requires reliable repositioning, consistent hygiene support, mobility assistance, or cognitive-support measures, this facility is not a fit. The combination of minimal staffing signals and a culture of letting residents "get by" makes it unsuitable for most seniors who rely on steady care.

Families should seriously consider alternatives if the resident requires dependable ADL assistance, regular grooming, or a safe, clean living environment. The reviews describe chronic gaps in basic care - delays in repositioning, pressure-related skin issues, and a pervasive sense that residents are left largely unattended. The fear is not simply a misstep here and there; it is a pattern that places vulnerable individuals at real risk. When a facility repeatedly falls short on essential services like hygiene, dignity, and timely intervention, other nearby options deserve evaluation, even if those alternatives require more effort to secure a bed.

The most troubling aspects are not isolated incidents but systematic failures that undermine safety and dignity. An immobile resident was repeatedly left in an awkward seating position, producing welts from prolonged pressure, while attempts to address the issue were repeatedly delayed for hours. Mattresses described as thin and outdated compound discomfort, and one family found a nonfunctional lack of housekeeping support to the point of visible, untreated deteriorations. The sense conveyed is that staff are overwhelmed or inadequately trained to meet even basic needs, and that policies - such as not allowing families to supplement comfort items - leak into daily harm. Additionally, essential cues of respect - being acknowledged by the name a resident has always used - are overlooked, eroding trust and communication.

In weighing the few redeeming details against the overwhelming negatives, the positives barely offset the core risks. There are occasional instances where mobility assistance or routine activities are performed, but these are outweighed by chronic underperformance and inconsistent responses. The contrast between what should be standard practice - regular hair care, timely grooming, and prompt repositioning - and what is actually delivered is stark. The facility's strengths, if any, do not reliably translate into safer, more comfortable days for residents who depend on steady care, and that mismatch is decisive for a family choosing where to place a loved one.

For families navigating this decision, the prudent move is to seek alternatives with verified staffing stability, transparent care plans, and clear accountability. Schedule a candid tour focused on staffing levels, response times, and how daily care logs are generated and reviewed. Probe state inspection histories and current deficiency records, and request to speak with current front-line staff about day-to-day routines. If a move is being considered, prioritize facilities where care is consistently proactive rather than reactive, and where basic dignity is upheld through timely assistance and attentive supervision.

The verdict is clear: Eldercare of West Virginia in Ripley is not a reliable choice for anyone who requires dependable, compassionate, and consistent assisted living care. It appears as a setting where neglect is not a rare error but an established pattern, with families forced into a constant battle to safeguard their loved ones. Alternatives with stronger staffing, higher accountability, and demonstrable commitment to resident dignity should be pursued first, even if it means longer travel or waiting lists. For any family facing a limited pool of options, the decision hinges on whether a resident can tolerate ongoing risk and compromised care; otherwise, look to other communities that prioritize steady, respectful support every day.

This part of Ripley, West Virginia, offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With a variety of dining options such as Long John Silver's, KFC, McDonald's, and Ponderosa Steakhouse within walking distance, residents can enjoy a diverse selection of meals. Nearby pharmacies like Walgreens and Walmart Pharmacy provide easy access to medication and healthcare services. The proximity of places of worship like Living Water Church and West Ripley Baptist Church offers opportunities for spiritual growth and community involvement. Additionally, nearby healthcare facilities such as Morad Hughes Health Clinic and Jackson General Hospital ensure prompt medical attention when needed. For recreational activities, cafes like Boomers Hot Spot offer a cozy atmosphere to socialize with friends. Overall, this area in Ripley provides convenience, accessibility, and essential amenities for seniors looking to settle in a welcoming community.

Restaurants

• Long John Silver's (0.1 miles)
• KFC (0.1 miles)
• McDonald's (0.1 miles)
• Ponderosa Steakhouse (0.1 miles)
• Shoney's (0.2 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.2 miles)
• Las Trancas Mexican Restaurant - Ripley (0.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.1 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Ripley Drug (0.6 miles)
• Fruth Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (9.2 miles)
• Ravenswood Drug (9.2 miles)
• River Valley Pharmacy (9.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Living Water Church (0.2 miles)
• West Ripley Baptist Church (0.3 miles)
• St John's Episcopal Church (0.3 miles)
• Epworth United Methodist Church (0.8 miles)
• Church of Christ (0.9 miles)
• Ripley Baptist Temple (1.1 miles)
• Grace Gospel Church (1.6 miles)

Physicians

• Morad Hughes Health Clinic (0.2 miles)
• Millcreek Family Medicine (0.8 miles)
• Ripley Family Medicine (1.9 miles)
• Wv Asthma & Allergy Ce (2 miles)
• First Care of Ravenswood (9.5 miles)
• Westbrook Health Services (20.2 miles)
• Family Health Care (20.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Jackson General Hospital (0.3 miles)
• Lakin Hospital (21.4 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (0.9 miles)
• T & T Taxidermy (5.2 miles)
• Hunter's Paradise (17.5 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (20.3 miles)

Cafes

• Boomers Hot Spot (1.1 miles)
• Country Corner Cafe (12.3 miles)

Parks

• Washington Park (20.1 miles)
• Krodel Park (20.2 miles)
• Heritage Park (20.3 miles)

Theaters

• Robey Theatre (20.2 miles)