Rhode Island Assisted Living

In Rhode Island, facilities that offer assisted living care are officially called Assisted Living Residences, some of which may also be licensed as Alzheimer’s Dementia Special Care Programs. The Department of Health’s Center for Health Facility Regulation is the licensing body that licenses all such facilities in addition to nursing homes in Rhode Island. There are levels of licenses available depending on what realm of service the licensee wants to operate in. When licensed as an assisted living facility, the facility cannot give skilled medical care but it does provide basic personal services to all its residents.

There are 2 different levels given to assisted living facilities in Rhode Island, which are based on fire codes and classifications of medication distribution. They are also classed according to whether or not they provide dementia care. Level 1 is for those residents that cannot save themselves in any way during an emergency, and Level 2 is for those who can. Level 1 for medication is based on whether or not the resident needs central storage for medication or administration of medication. Level 2 medication is for those who can administer their own medication.

If a care home publicly advertises itself as a dementia care facility, then a license for that is required. If they separate residents with dementia from other assisted living residents, then they have to have that license as well. 

Cost and Payment Options

Assisted living cost in Rhode Island is $4,350 monthly, which is $350 above the average cost of assisted living facilities in other U.S. states. Providence, RI is most expensive for assisted living at $4,900. The rest of the state is relatively on par with the state average, without too much fluctuation between cities. There is an SSI waiver that will pay for Assisted Living in Rhode Island, which has a personal asset cap of $4,000 liquid funds to qualify. There is a look back law that penalizes ridding yourself of assets to meet the cap requirements of the SSI waiver.

Though there is a good waiver to help assist with basic services, there are other ways of paying for Rhode Island assisted living and you may not have to look very far for them. Ask about career and retiree benefits that your loved one may have access to. If the senior was a public servant like police and fire or military vet, there are nonprofit organizations that will pay a sum in cash or grant for senior living in Rhode Island.

Some benefits may come from the pension plan itself. Also, if the senior has a home that is paid off or any property to sell or rent out, that is also a good option. Reverse mortgages, LTC insurance and annuities can also be used to pay for assisted living costs in the state of Rhode Island.

List of Assisted Living Facilities in Rhode Island:

Don't see your city/town/village on the list? Please use our search bar at the top of the page to search through 143 senior living options from 34 cities, towns and villages in Rhode Island. Simply enter your city name or zip code.

Assisted Living Unit Regulations in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island assisted living communities, 100 square feet for single rooms in areas of at least 8 feet wide is required. A shared bedroom must have 160 square feet and an area 10 feet wide. This does not count bathrooms, closets, alcoves, lockers, wardrobes or any recessed rooms.

For each 10 residents, each assisted living unit must have one bathing facility, and one toilet facility per 8 elderly residents. Keep in mind that residential care units in Rhode Island can vary greatly from one facility to another. They can house anyone at any level so some will be dormitory-like facilities with shared bedrooms and bathrooms. So, the way that the shower and bathing are set up will depend entirely on the individual facility licensing.

What Is the Difference Between Rhode Island Assisted Living and Nursing Homes?

Are you considering the best senior living options in Rhode Island? At some point, you must have thought that assisted living is just another beautiful name for nursing homes. You are not alone. Many seniors, including their loved ones, feel the same way too. If your parents have escalating health and personal care needs, you must understand the difference between these two senior living options to enable you to decide the best one of them. Assisted living and nursing homes in Rhode Island provide different care services, and their staff requires different training. What is the difference between them? Which one should you choose for your aged parents? We will provide an overview of these two senior living care options in the state.

What Is an Assisted Living Facility in Rhode Island?

An assisted living facility in Rhode Island is designed for people with a relatively independent lifestyle. Basically, they assist with daily living. They provide care services that range from housing and personal support. Seniors that need help with daily activities such as bathing, toileting, eating, and medication may consider this senior living care option. There are quite a few assisted living communities in Rhode Island that offer such care services to their residents for a flat fee.

Before you decide whether your aged parent should move to a Rhode Island assisted living community, you need to ascertain their healthcare needs. If you observe that they need regular medical care and attention, then a nursing home would be more appropriate.

What is a Rhode Island nursing home?

A nursing home is mostly recommended for seniors with serious health challenges and mental illness such as dementia, Alzheimer's, or visual impairment. Residents in these facilities require long term care. And they provide a high level of medical assistance, memory care, and personal support. If your elderly parents experience fluctuating health conditions or you suspect that their health status might worsen in the nearest future, you should consider moving them to a nursing home.

Significant Differences Between Rhode Island Assisted Living and Nursing Homes

• Assisted living facilities in Rhode Island offer limited assistance with daily living, while a nursing home provides round-the-clock support with personal and healthcare needs.
• Assisted living facilities typically provide private apartments for their residents, but nursing homes usually have shared accommodation for their residents.
• Caregivers and healthcare aides may be provided during specific times of the day for assisted living. But for nursing homes, caregivers and other care team are available 24/7.

Which One Should You Choose?

This is not as difficult as most people think. It only requires a careful evaluation of the overall healthcare needs of your aged parents. If they are still mobile and can even cater for themselves to an extent, then they would be better off in an assisted living facility in the state of Rhode Island. But if they have a chronic illness and can barely move around, then consider moving them to a nursing home where they will have access to specialized care services for their health condition.

A visit to either a nursing home or an assisted living facility in Rhode Island will give you a better idea of the kind of care services they provide.