West View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is located at 239 Legris Ave in West Warwick, Rhode Island. It is a 120 bed nursing care facility. The encompassing area is densely populated, with roughly 31,000 residents in the 02893 ...
Memory Care in Rhode Island
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Rhode Island
- Memory Care Directory for Rhode Island
- Memory Care Costs in Rhode Island
- Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Memory Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Memory Care Resources in Rhode Island
Alzheimer’s disease ranks fourth among the leading causes of death in Rhode Island, surpassing the national ranking where it places sixth throughout the United States. The Ocean State’s number of diagnosed seniors 65 and older is expected to increase by 12.5% in five years, with approximately 27,000 cases by 2025. In addition, about one out of four Rhode Islanders receiving hospice care and 22.8% of readmitted hospital patients have dementia. To satisfy the health care needs of a growing Alzheimer’s population, the state’s current number of geriatricians needs a 53% increase by 2050.
For cognitively impaired seniors who may require greater levels of care, there are memory care facilities in Rhode Island that provide secured, homelike accommodations and round-the-clock support. These specialized establishments offer a community-based alternative to institutional care, benefitting residents with calming environments, structured routines, and individualized holistic wellness programs. Memory care residents may also receive special diets, medication assistance and coordinated health care services to support aging in place. Rhode Island has an average memory care cost of $6,499 per month, higher than the U.S. average of $5,064.
This guide aims to equip seniors and families with knowledge on memory care in Rhode Island, tackling the state’s SeniorScore, memory care costs, financial assistance programs and free resources. It also touches on the state’s licensing regulations for memory care facilities.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a satisfactory final SeniorScore of 71, slightly lower but close to the U.S. average of 72. An area’s SeniorScore serves as an unbiased, data-driven indicator that grades a location’s advantage to aging adults. Calculated using over 100 data points from reliable government and private sources, this senior livability rating has four general categories, highlighting the area’s major factors to consider when it comes to retirement and memory care.
Health and Safety in Rhode Island scores the highest at 73 for the above-average life expectancy of 79.9 years, low crime rates and a high number of Medicare-registered health care providers. In fact, the Ocean State ranks high nationwide when it comes to health care and public safety. Recreation in Leisure has the highest SeniorScore of 68 for the state’s many beaches, golf courses and natural areas. Memory care facilities may offer scheduled entertainment outings, fishing activities and scenic rides along the Ten Mile Ocean Drive route.
The General Quality of Life in Rhode Island gets a SeniorScore of 57 due to a continental climate with above-average snowfall and rainfall. However, the Ocean State ranks first when it comes to air and water quality. Finances is rated lowest at 58 for the state’s high overall cost of living, high senior care costs and taxation on all forms of retirement income.
Top Memory Care Communities in Rhode Island
Located at 660 Commonwealth Ave in Warwick, Rhode Island, Kent Regency Center is a 153 unit senior care facility. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with around 30,000 individuals living in the 02886 zip code. With a median ...
Situated around the Silverlake neighborhood of Cranston, Rhode Island, The Cedars is a 156 bed senior community. With approximately 39,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 02920, the surrounding area is densely populated. It is a primarily ...
Summit Commons Rehabilitation and Health Care Center is a 130 bed nursing facility situated in the Hope area of Providence, Rhode Island. With approximately 29,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 02906, the surrounding area has a dense ...
Golden Crest Nursing Centre is a 152 room nursing care facility located in the Elmhurst neighborhood of North Providence, Rhode Island. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with about 30,000 poeple living in the zip code of 02904. ...
Hopkins Manor is a 200 bed senior housing facility. It is located near the Elmhurst area of North Providence, Rhode Island. The facility is in a predominantly middle income area, with a median family income of $44,102. ...
Evergreen House Health Center is situated near the Riverside neighborhood of East Providence, Rhode Island. It is a 160 room skilled nursing facility. The surrounding area has a dense population, with roughly 23,000 people residing in the 02914 ...
Village House Nursing and Rehabilitation is a 95 bed skilled nursing facility. It is located at 70 Harrison Ave in Newport, Rhode Island. With about 24,000 poeple living in the zip code of 02840, the surrounding area ...
Elmhurst Extended Care is a 206 unit senior community located within the Valley neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. The community is in a largely middle class area, with an average family income of $40,373. It is heavily ...
Cortland Place is an 80 room senior care facility located in Greenville, Rhode Island. The neighboring area has a medium-density population, with around 9,000 residents in the 02828 zip code. It is a predominantly affluent area, with a ...
Hallworth House is located in the College Hill area of Providence, Rhode Island. It is a 57 unit senior housing facility. With about 30,000 poeple living in the zip code of 02904, the neighboring area has a dense ...
Heritage Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 95 room nursing facility. It is situated near by the Elmhurst neighborhood of Smithfield, Rhode Island. The neighboring area has an average population density, with approximately 15,000 individuals residing in ...
Morgan Health Center is located in the Silverlake neighborhood of Johnston, Rhode Island. It is a 120 bed nursing facility. The facility is in a mostly middle class area, with an average per-household income of $59,408. It ...
Riverview Healthcare Community is a 190 bed nursing care facility. It is located at 546 Main St in Coventry, Rhode Island. The encompassing area is densely populated, with roughly 34,000 residents in the 02816 zip code. With ...
Grandview Center is a 72 room senior housing community. It is located in the Valley Falls area of Cumberland, Rhode Island. With around 34,000 people residing in the zip code of 02864, the neighboring area is densely populated. ...
Brookdale Smithfield is a 60 bed senior housing facility for individuals over 55. It is located at 171 Pleasant View Ave in Smithfield, Rhode Island. The surrounding area has a medium-density population, with approximately 15,000 individuals residing in ...
Wingate at Blackstone is a 55 room senior community located within the Blackstone area of Providence, Rhode Island. With approximately 29,000 people residing in the 02906 zip code, the surrounding area is heavily populated. It is a mostly ...
Sunny View Nursing Home is a 57 room skilled nursing facility situated in Warwick, Rhode Island. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with around 30,000 poeple living in the 02886 zip code. It is a primarily middle income ...
Located within the Manton neighborhood of Johnston, Rhode Island, Cherry Hill Manor Nursing and Rehab Center is a 170 unit nursing home facility. The neighboring area is densely populated, with approximately 30,000 individuals living in the zip code of ...
Located at 181 Davis Dr in Pascoag, Rhode Island, Bayberry Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation is a 110 bed skilled nursing facility. With around 8,000 individuals living in the zip code of 02859, the encompassing area is sparsely populated. ...
The Cost of Memory Care in Rhode Island
Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Rhode Island may be provided by licensed assisted living facilities that are dedicated entirely to memory care and those that have special care units. While actual costs may vary based on the location and pricing structure of different memory care facilities, they are generally estimated to be 20 to 30% higher than standard assisted living. This is due to the higher level of care provided to memory care residents, as well as the larger staff ratios, specialized services and enhanced safety measures they require. Cost comparisons are based on 25% over the cost of standard assisted living due to the lack of authoritative data on memory care costs for any given state.
According to Genworth Financial's Cost of Care Survey for 2019, Rhode Island’s average memory care cost of $6,499 per month is about $1,400 greater than the national average of $5,064. This amount makes the Ocean State among the most expensive areas for memory care nationwide, but it’s considered midrange compared to other states in New England. It’s nearly $2,300 less expensive than New Hampshire, the region’s most expensive state at $8,776. Massachusetts at $7,050 is only around $550 more costly than Rhode Island. Neighboring Connecticut is almost $400 more affordable at $6,100. Outside New England, New York is the most affordable nearby state at $5,788, saving older Rhode Islanders approximately $700 per month.
- Rhode Island: $6,499
- National: $5,064
- New York: $5,788
- Connecticut: $6,100
- Massachusetts: $7,050
- New Hampshire: $8,776
The Cost of Memory Care in Rhode Island’s Top Cities
As the country’s smallest state, Rhode Island generally has similar memory care costs across different cities. The average cost for Providence is $6,499 per month, identical to the state median. The Norwich area in Connecticut is the most affordable nearby city outside Rhode Island at $5,309. Worcester in Central Massachusetts is more expensive at $7,043, while the New York City area and Manchester in New Hampshire cost older Rhode Islanders over $2,000 more with steep average memory care costs at over $8,600.
- Providence Area: $6,499
- Norwich Area, CT: $5,309
- Worcester, MA: $7,043
- New York Area, NY: $8,688
- Manchester, NH: $8,978
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Rhode Island
Memory care in Rhode Island is considered steep at $6,499 per month when compared to other senior care options, but it’s nearly $3,500 less expensive than nursing home care, which costs $9,961 for semi-private accommodations. Standard assisted living is $1,300 more affordable at $5,199, somewhat comparable to in-home care and home health care, which have similar costs at $5,148. This significant price difference compensates for the specialized care services provided in memory care facilities, as well as the accommodations, complete meals and 24-hour support. Seniors with mild cognitive conditions and family caregivers at home may find adult day care to be a cost-effective care option at $1,771 per month.
- Memory Care: $6,499
- Assisted Living: $5,199
- In-Home Care: $5,148
- Home Health Care: $5,148
- Adult Day Care: $1,771
- Nursing Home Care: $9,961
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Rhode Island
Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports
Address: 206 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907
Phone Number: (401) 415-8455
Website: http://www.dhs.ri.gov/Programs/LTCProgramInfo.php
The Medicaid LTSS program of Rhode Island pays for a comprehensive range of home and community-based services provided in assisted living residences, including memory care facilities. These services include case management, personal care, CNA services, respite care and special medical equipment or assistive devices. This program also covers services provided in private homes and nursing facilities, letting eligible recipients continue receiving support when transitioning to institutional care. Seniors who qualify for LTSS must be clinically eligible for nursing facility level of care or home and community-based care. Financial eligibility is based on income and asset limits.
Home and Community Care Co-Pay Program
Address: 25 Howard Avenue, Building 57, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone Number: (401) 462-3000
Website: http://www.dhs.ri.gov/Programs/LTCCoPayProgram.php
For low-income older Rhode Islanders who do not qualify for Medicaid LTSS, they may be eligible for the Home and Community Care Co-Pay Program, which partially covers the costs of personal care and adult day services. Enrollees must meet functional eligibility and be financially qualified based on a set income limit. There is no maximum asset requirement for this program.
SSI Enhanced Assisted Living Program
Address: 74 West Road, Hazard Building, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone Number: (401) 462-4444
Website: http://www.dhs.ri.gov/Programs/SSIEnhancedAssistedLivingProgramEligibility.php
The SSI Enhanced Assisted Living Program grants a minimum personal needs allowances to eligible memory care residents, helping them pay for room and board in licensed assisted living facilities. Qualified SSI recipients must be Rhode Island residents 65 and older. They should require assistance with activities of daily living but shouldn't be in need of extensive medical services like those provided in nursing homes. Financial eligibility is based on maximum income, resources and whole life insurance face value.
Rhode Island Memory Care Rules and Regulations
Assisted living residences in the Ocean State are licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Customer Services, Center for Health Facilities Regulation. The licensure levels for these ALRs vary based on the range of services they provide, including memory care and limited health services. These facilities must comply with the state’s ALR regulations, which include additional licensing requirements for Alzheimer’s/dementia special care units/programs.
Scope of Care | In addition to lodging, meals and personal assistance provided in ALRs, Alzheimer’s/dementia care units shall provide increased staffing, therapeutic activities specially designed for residents with dementia. These special care units must deliver services in accordance with the prevailing community standards for dementia care. ALRs may provide limited health services to meet the resident's changing needs and preferences. Such services may include any or all of the following:
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Care Plan Requirements | Based on a comprehensive assessment of an ALR client’s health, cognitive needs and preferences, a written individualized service plan shall be developed and include at least:
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Medication Management Requirements | Only ALRs with an M1 level of licensure may administer medications to their residents. Medication administration services for an M1 ALR resident administration must be subject to the following:
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Staff Screening Requirements | Within one week of employment, all ALR personnel that have routine contact with residents or access to a resident's belongings or funds shall undergo national criminal background records checks. |
Staff Training Requirements | All new ALR employees shall receive orientation and training prior to beginning their work alone, in addition to any training required for their specific jobs. One of the topics that shall be included in their training is the basic knowledge of aging-related behaviors, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. They shall also have ongoing in-service training at intervals not exceeding 12 months, as appropriate for their job classifications. In addition, all new employees hired to provide personal care to memory care residents shall receive orientation, training and continued education on the following:
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Medicaid Coverage | Rhode Island’s LTSS program covers the costs of services provided to Medicaid-eligible memory care residents. Clinically qualified recipients may include those who do not necessarily require nursing home level of care. |
Reporting Abuse | ALR employees shall report suspected resident abuse, neglect, exploitation or mistreatment to the Director of the RI Department of Health and to the Office of the Long- Term Care Ombudsman within 24 hours of learning such incidents. Telephone reports at (401) 785-3340 are acknowledged but shall be followed up in writing and sent to [email protected]. |
Free Memory Care Resources in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Agencies
The POINT
Address: 50 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02909
Phone Number: (401) 462-4444
Website: http://oha.ri.gov/what-we-do/access/
As Rhode Island’s Aging and Disability Resource Center, the POINT functions as a 24/7 help desk for 55+ seniors, adults with disabilities and caregivers. It provides free information and tailored assistance on long-term care options, connecting clients to appropriate public and private programs, social services and resources based on their needs. The POINT specialists are also trained to provide:
- Medicare benefits counseling services under the State Health Insurance Assistance Program
- One-on-one options counseling under Rhode Island’s Medicare-Medicaid Enrollment Supports Program
- Enrollment assistance under the state’s Medicare Premium Payment Program and Low-Income Subsidy Program
- Intake of elder abuse reports on behalf of the Elder Rights and Safety Unit during non-business hours, weekends and holidays
In addition to its main office at United Way of Rhode Island in Providence, the POINT has five regional offices operating as satellite call and walk-in centers.
Alliance for Better Long Term Care
Address: 50 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02909
Phone Number: (401) 462-4444
Website: http://oha.ri.gov/what-we-do/access/
In partnership with the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, the Alliance is the designated office for the state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. This nonprofit organization is responsible for investigating and resolving complaints regarding long-term care facilities, including ALRs and nursing homes. It advocates the rights of facility residents to quality services and dignified care, representing their interests in claiming administrative and legal remedies.
Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter
Address: 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906
Phone Number: (800) 272-3900
Website: https://www.alz.org/ri
The Rhode Island chapter of Alzheimer’s Association actively supports seniors, families and caregivers affected by dementia. Statewide programs include care consultation services, support groups, local resources and referrals, educational programs and volunteer opportunities. It has its own quarterly newsletter available online and hosts the Early-Stage Social Engagement Program, which provides weekly activities for Rhode Islanders diagnosed with early-stage dementia.
Area Agencies on Aging in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging is the designated state unit on aging and functions as the statewide AAA, administering a full range of senior programs and services mandated by the Older Americans Act. In addition to information and assistance through the state’s ADRC, OHA sponsors home and community-based services, including the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to Elders program, nutrition services, senior center programs and transportation services. It also partners with law organizations to provide legal assistance to low-income Rhode Islanders 55 and older.
Veteran Affairs Offices in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services in Warwick serves as a coordination center and smooth access point for services and programs that benefit veterans and their families partners. Its case managers assist eligible veterans and dependents in navigating various benefits, supports and resources available to them. In addition, the VA Regional Office in Providence provides counseling services on eligibility and application for VA benefits. Veterans may use the online scheduler when requesting appointments with a benefits representative who can provide telephone assistance on concerns regarding compensation, pensions and survivor benefits and claims processing.
Social Security Offices in Rhode Island
Older Rhode Islanders who are SSI recipients may be entitled to optional state supplementation payments, which can be used to pay for memory care. Eligible OSS recipients include those residing in licensed assisted living residences and Medicaid facilities. For more information, eligibility determination and application for SSI and OSS, seniors may contact one of Rhode Island’s five SSA field offices located in Providence, Newport, Warwick, Pawtucket and Woonsocket.
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