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Assisted Living in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a popular state for seniors, with 17.7% of the population aged 65 and over, and that’s expected to grow to 25% by 2030. To meet the accompanying need for increased funding and services for the elderly population, several cities in Rhode Island have joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network as part of larger plans to improve the quality and accessibility of their communities.
The state is ranked 11th of 50 overall in our 2024 Senior Living Report and it’s in the top 10 for health care, senior living, transportation and quality of life. With a relatively high total cost of living, however, Rhode Island didn’t earn a place in the top 10 states. The cost of housing in particular is 23.4% higher than the national average, and assisted living costs are also well above the norm. Rhode Island’s assisted living facilities cost an average of $6,826 per month.
This guide helps seniors and families assess the cost of assisted living in Rhode Island, with comparisons to other states and cities in the region and possible sources of financial assistance. Useful resources and services for seniors in Rhode Island are also listed.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Rhode Island
When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of assisted living in Rhode Island and its 13 cities.
Seniors in Rhode Island pay far higher prices than the average American for assisted living care. The statewide average of $6,826 per month is 34% than that of the United States, according to the Genworth Financial 2021 Cost of Care Survey. Massachusetts isn’t far behind Rhode Island, with assisted living costs of $6,500 per month, and in New Hampshire the average drops to $6,053. Connecticut and Vermont are much more affordable, with assisted living averages in both states roughly 25% lower than those in Rhode Island.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Rhode Island's Top Cities
Costs in Rhode Island’s top cities can vary widely. At $6,790 per month, Portsmouth’s average is significantly higher than the state average. Seniors in Warwick pay $5,864 per month and in Coventry the cost is $4,758. Seniors in the state’s capital, Providence, pay significantly less than the state average at $3,648.
Rhode Island
$4,997
Providence
$3,648
Warwick
$5,864
Portsmouth
$6,790
Coventry
$4,758
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Rhode Island
From 2022 to 2023, inflation saw assisted living prices in Rhode Island rise from $4,706 to $4,997. This is an increase of 6%, however inflation's impact varied across the country. The national average rose 10% in the same time, from $4,070 to $4,459.
Other states in New England saw larger increases. In Massachusetts, costs increased by 8% to $5,599. New York’s seniors saw prices rise by 15% to $4,699 and in Connecticut costs rose 16% to $5,919. New Hampshire had one of the largest increases with prices rising by 20% to $6,217.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $4,706 | $4,997 | $5,065 |
| U.S. Average | $4,070 | $4,459 | $4,802 |
| Connecticut | $5,122 | $5,919 | $6,129 |
| Massachusetts | $5,202 | $5,599 | $6,393 |
| New Hampshire | $5,191 | $6,217 | $6,827 |
| New York | $4,091 | $4,699 | $5,431 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Senior living options in Rhode Island have different levels of amenities and care that affect the price. Independent living in Rhode Island is the most affordable at $4,250 per month, less than the assisted living cost of $4,997. Memory care, which provides specialized dementia care, is the most expensive at $7,307.
Assisted Living
$4,997
Memory Care
$7,307
Independent Living
$4,250
Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Rhode Island?
Yes, eligible seniors and people with disabilities in Rhode Island may be covered by Rhode Island Medicaid for some assisted living costs. Coverage is provided by the traditional state Medicaid plan based on functional and financial criteria, such as the amount and type of help required and the income of the applicant.
Rhode Island Medicaid provides Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) that create alternatives to nursing home care for people who can live safely in an alternate setting. Eligibility for this program is required for Medicaid recipients who prefer community-based care, such as assisted living or in-home services, rather than a nursing home. After an assessment, nurses and physicians develop a care plan that provides long-term care and preventive services in the most appropriate living environment for the individual.
What Assisted Living Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Rhode Island
Initial and ongoing assessments are performed to determine coverage for services received in assisted living. The list varies for eligible recipients based on their specific needs and may include the following services:
- Personal care
- Case management
- Housekeeping, laundry and cooking
- Medical supplies
- Transition care (moving from hospital or nursing home to the community)
- Physical therapy
- Skilled nursing
- Non-medical transport
Medicaid doesn’t provide coverage for room and board in an assisted living facility.
How To Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Rhode Island
Medicaid covers many vulnerable members of the community, including seniors and people with disabilities. The main eligibility requirements include income, assets and functional needs, as detailed below. All sources of income for the applicant and/or spouse count toward the limit, including Social Security payments and pensions. Countable assets include bank accounts, stocks and other financial holdings.
Single applicants have an income limit of $32,904 and an asset limit of $4,000. It’s the same for a two-person household where one person applies for Medicaid. The spouse who doesn’t apply can have assets up to $148,620 for some financial protection. In a two-person household where people apply, the individual limits double.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $4,000 | |
| Two People | 1 | $32,904** | $4,000 | $148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | $65,808*** | 8,000**** |
*Depending on the facility setting, a recipient may not be able to keep income up to this level.
**Income limit is for applicant only.
***Income is limited to $2,742 per month per spouse.
****Assets are limited to $4,000 per spouse.
Eligibility for services is based on individual needs and circumstances. In addition to the financial eligibility requirements above, to qualify for Medicaid, people must be:
- Resident of Rhode Island
- U.S. citizen and/or lawfully admitted alien or permanent resident
- Age 65+
- Blind
- Disabled
Coverage for services received by eligible residents in assisted living and other community-based care can only be granted after an assessment of the applicant’s needs. The individual must be assessed with a need for the level of care typically provided in a nursing home and able to be treated more appropriately in a less restrictive environment, such as assisted living. The Department of Human Services makes the final decision on this functional / clinical level of care requirement.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Rhode Island
Much of the application process for Medicaid and Long-Term Services and Supports can be completed by phone and online via the DHS website, which also has application forms that can be sent by mail. Rhode Island residents can also apply in person at local DHS offices throughout the state. Free programs that can help with the application process are listed below in this guide.
Information You Will Need
Applicants may be asked to provide proof of:
- Identity, age, residency and citizenship/immigration status
- Income and assets
- Housing costs
- Disability and/or blindness (if applicable)
Resources listed below can help determine what’s needed and how to obtain certain forms of proof.
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
Help with Medicaid eligibility requirements and the application process is available from the resources listed below. All assistance is provided at no cost to Rhode Island seniors and families.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| The Point | Call 211 or (401) 462-4444 or visit the website for regional office contact information | This helpline, operated by the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, provides free information, assistance and connections to Medicaid and other appropriate services for seniors and people with disabilities. |
| DHS Call Center | Call the Department of Human Services call center at 1-855-697-4347 for answers and assistance | Contact the Rhode Island DHS for help understanding Medicaid and the options available for long-term care as well as assistance with applications for benefits. |
| Medicare and Medicaid Counseling | Call the toll-free helpline at (888) 884-8721 to speak with a specialist | Rhode Island seniors can contact specialists at the Medicare-Medicaid Enrollment Supports program for free, personalized support and options counseling. |
Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living in Rhode Island?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Rhode Island. Assisted living facilities are considered to be a “residential setting” and not a “clinical setting,” (think nursing homes). While Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of care received in an assisted living community, it does still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.
For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for senior living in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Rhode Island.
Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Rhode Island
Medicaid is a nationwide program for low-income seniors that's jointly funded by the state and federal government. Rhode Island manages its own Medicaid program using guidelines put in place by the federal government. While some Medicaid programs offer assistance to children and families, the focus of the Medicaid programs discussed below are for the elderly.
Rhode Island is unique in that its state plan and Medicaid waivers are merged under what is called the Rhode Island Global Consumer Choice Compact Waiver, also known as the Rhode Island Comprehensive Demonstration.
Under this global waiver, a number of services are available, including:
- Personal care
- Homemaker services
- Meal delivery
- Assisted living services
While this waiver may not cover room and board costs at an assisted living community, it may cover other costs associated with living there, such as meals or medical expenses. It's important to check with an individual assisted living community to find out what Medicaid plans they accept and what components of assisted living Medicaid will cover.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be aged 65 or older
- Be a resident of Rhode Island
- Be basically homebound, so they are unable to leave home without considerable assistance.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, visit the state's Health and Human Services website, where you can view and print the appropriate PDF to apply for Medicaid benefits. For help with the application, you can call the Department of Human Services Medicaid Provider Help Desk at 401-784-8100 or toll-free 1-800-964-6211.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Rhode Island
Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Assisted Living affordable.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Assisted Living. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Assisted Living. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Assisted Living. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Assisted Living will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Rhode Island
There are many resources in Rhode Island that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging | 401-462-3000 | The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging is the state's designated unit on aging. Its vision is to ensure all Rhode Islanders age strongly and have the information and resources they need. Seniors aged 55 and older can receive help obtaining housing, at-home companionship and care, home-delivered meals, transportation and respite care. They can also get legal assistance and referrals and assistance with the cost of prescription drugs, chronic disease management and free health care insurance counseling. |
| Point: My Options RI ADRC | 401-444-0600 | This free resource provides a range of services for older adults in Rhode Island. People ages 55 and older as well as those living with disabilities can access 24/7 phone support from trained professional counselors. Interpreters at the Point ADRC provide assistance in more than 100 different languages. Family members can seek referrals if a loved one has memory or cognitive symptoms. Other services include help with Medicare, caregiver support, long-term care help and assistance with nutrition, energy and health care. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Rhode Island provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Rhode Island seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Nursing Home Transition Program | 401-462-6393 | The NHTP is an initiative of the Health and Human Services Department that helps current nursing home residents who are moving back to their homes or other community-based settings, such as memory care programs and assisted living. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Rhode Island seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 855-697-4347 | The Rhode Island Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income seniors and families obtain healthy food to meet their nutritional needs. To be eligible, households must meet specific income, expenses and resources guidelines. Electronic benefits transfer cards are given to recipients, who can use them like debit cards to purchase qualifying food and beverage items at supermarkets, grocery stores and farmers markets statewide as well as at participating online retailers. It can't be used for alcohol, tobacco or prepared food items. |
| Rhode Island Community Food Bank | 401-942-6325 | The Rhode Island Community Food Bank works with over 140 member agencies to serve roughly 80,000 state residents per month. Seniors and other Rhode Island residents experiencing food insecurity can contact the RICFB for help finding local food distribution points, applying for SNAP benefits and receiving the federal-level Commodity Supplemental Food Program. The organization also maintains a spice box program that helps participants keep their kitchen pantries stocked with flavoring elements. |
| Rhode Island Meals on Wheels | 401-351-6700 | In Rhode Island, a single organization provides Meals on Wheels throughout the state. Meals are delivered each weekday and provide one-third of the participant's recommended daily dietary intake. The program also provides a daily well-being check and helps to lessen isolation. Other programs offered include cafe programs and pet food delivery. |
| Rhode Island Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) | 401-222-4700 | The Rhode Island Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a USDA-run and locally officiated initiative aimed at bolstering senior nutrition with seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. It provides eligible Rhode Island adults over 60 with twice-yearly food parcels consisting of fresh produce, honey and herbs sourced from local farmers. Low-income seniors who meet certain household income thresholds can sign up at various locations or online. Pickup locations are situated across Rhode Island, with details also accessible online. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Living
Low-income elderly individuals in senior living communities can access financial assistance through local-run programs. These Rhode Island resources offer advice, guidance and support to help older adults pay for the services offered by long-term care providers.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| LeadingAge Rhode Island (LARI) | 401-490-7612 | LeadingAge Rhode Island is a not-for-profit organization made up of a group of aging services providers, including nursing homes, day health service providers, senior housing providers and other organizations. It connects seniors to service providers and offers information and advocacy services to help people maintain a high quality of life as they age. |
| Rhode Island Assisted Living Association | 401-435-8888 | RIALA is a nonprofit membership organization comprised mostly of professionals in the assisted living sector. The website can be a great source of information for anyone else interested in learning more about assisted living, such as how it works, how it's paid for and which particular facilities accept public funding sources. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Rhode Island collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan (ATEL) Program | 401-486-3325 | ATEL provides adaptive home telephone and wireless to people who are deaf or hard of hearing or who have a speech disability or a neuromuscular condition that stops them from using a standard telephone. |
| Rhode Island Assistive Technology, Equipment & Home Modifications Program | 866-857-1161 | OSCIL identifies assistive technology that can help people in their daily lives. It can also help people acquire the right devices through loan and reutilization programs. |
| Rhode Island Robert J. Allen Medical Equipment Distribution Center | 401-738-1013 | Located in Warwick, the Robert J. Allen Medical Equipment Distribution Center offers secondhand medical equipment free of charge, including wheelchairs, commodes, lift chairs and hospital beds |
| Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP) | 401-871-1145 | ATAP is an umbrella organization that helps groups around the state provide assistive technology to residents. Its device reuse program can help people access durable medical equipment. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Rhode Island have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) | WAP reduces heating bills by making homes more energy-efficient. Services include installing insulation, reducing drafts and providing proper ventilation. It can also install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. | |
| Rhode Island Livable Homes Modification Grant Program | 401-737-1238 | RI Livable grants can reimburse part of the cost of modifying an existing residence. Modifications can include adding ramps, widening doorways, adding home monitoring systems or installing a back-up electric generator for life-sustaining equipment such as respirators. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Rhode Island seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Disability Rights Rhode Island | 800-733-5332 | DRRI is an advocacy group that provides representation to disabled people throughout the state. Although it doesn't provide durable medical equipment directly, it can help people find funding from public sources and may also represent people who have been denied or who are incurring delays in acquiring equipment from Medicare and Medicaid. |
| Rhode Island Alliance for Better Long Term Care Ombudsman Program | 401-785-3340 | The Rhode Island Alliance for Better Long Term Care Ombudsman Program provides dedicated advocates for seniors residing in shared living situations such as memory care facilities, assisted living communities and nursing homes. Ombudsmen help seniors avoid or fight back against elder abuse and ensure that they're receiving an adequate quality of care. They're also tasked with representing senior interests to local, state and federal government agencies and helping educate the public about issues important to seniors. |
Medicaid Resources
Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Rhode Island resources help older adults by providing advice on Medicaid options, waiver programs and eligibility criteria to help seniors receive the right health care benefits.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| RIte @ Home | 401-462-5274 | The RIte@Home program is a shared living option available to seniors who can't live independently. Those on the program are matched with a caregiver whom they live with. Their caregiver can be someone they already know, such as a relative or neighbor. The caregiver receives training, support and a stipend for providing services, including personal care, meals, transportation and homemaker services. While the program pays for the caregiver's stipend, funds for room and board are not provided. Some recipients may need to pay a share of the cost, depending on their income. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Rhode Island help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Rhode Island resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Property Tax Relief Program | 401-574-8829 | Rhode Island provides property tax relief to seniors through a tax credit on personal income tax. A percentage of income is allowable as credit, based on the household income. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Rhode Island retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) | LIHWAP helps low-income households maintain access to drinking water and wastewater. One-time payments can be made directly to utility companies for people who have past-due bills and are at risk of having services terminated. | |
| Rhode Island Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | 855-697-4347 | Rhode Island's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps state seniors stay warm during the winter months by providing financial support for heating bills. In addition to making direct payments to energy and utility companies on behalf of program participants, the LIHEAP can assist seniors experiencing heating emergencies due to shutoff notices or malfunctioning equipment. To qualify, seniors must make no more than 60% of the Rhode Island median income level. The application period is from September to May. |
Veteran's Services
Rhode Island retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island VA Benefits and Health Care | Seniors who served in the military can receive a wide range of assistance through the Rhode Island VA Benefits and Health Care program. These benefits include long-term support, routine and specialized care at VA medical centers and income support, including service-connected disability payments and retirement pensions. Veterans can access services at offices and clinics in Providence, Warwick and Middletown. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s Department of Health licenses assisted living facilities and assisted living residences (ALRs) and ensures the regulations are followed. The complete regulations can be viewed online, and summaries of some relevant points are included below.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements | An RN conducts a comprehensive assessment of each prospective resident. This evaluation covers each applicant's needs and preferences in physical, social, or functional activity and cognitive areas. The facility must create an individualized plan in writing based on the health and social needs of each new resident. Family may discuss everything in the plan, including the list of services expected, financial terms, residency agreements, and discharge criteria. |
| Assisted Living Admission Requirements | The 2015 edition of the Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy states that admission to assisted living communities in Rhode Island is 'limited to persons with the physical mobility and decision-making ability to take appropriate action in emergency situations.' In other words, if an individual's medical needs are beyond what an ALR can provide, that person is better off seeking senior care in a facility that can handle acute medical needs. |
| Assisted Living Scope of Care | Light, intermittent medical care is provided in assisted living. Residents must not have an unstable condition that requires constant medical care. Assisted living facilities that offer memory care units must have increased staffing, therapeutic activities and appropriate safeguards against wandering and other behaviors. |
| Assisted Living Medicaid Policy | Participation in the state Medicaid program is voluntary for assisted living facilities in Rhode Island. Facilities that accept Medicaid recipients are paid a set daily rate for the care and services provided. Medicaid recipients have a personal needs allowance of $100 per month and remain eligible for full Medicaid benefits while in an assisted living facility. |
| Assisted Living Facility Requirements | Assisted living facilities must be able to provide light medical care, all daily meals and accommodation to each resident. Facilities must prevent vulnerable residents from wandering or encountering hazards within the building. |
| Medication Management Regulations | Medication management is a main criterion for ALR licensing. At M1-level ALRs, licensed employees and RNs may administer medication. For M2-level ALRs, unlicensed staff can help residents self-administer by reminding them to take their meds and observing them. A resident who self-administers medication can ask for assistance, and they can request that the facility provide them with a 1-week medi-set; the medi-sets may only be prepared by a licensed nurse or pharmacist. |
| Staffing Requirements | A certified administrator must be employed at an ALR, and responsible for the safe and proper operation of the assisted living community. At least one employee who has completed CPR training must be awake and at the ALR at all times, and must be capable of communicating with emergency personnel. |
| Staff Training Requirements | All new employees must receive a 2-hour orientation within 10 days of being hired and before they're permitted to work unsupervised. Orientation includes emergency procedures, medication assistance, record keeping, service plans, cultural sensitivity, and basic knowledge of aging. Administrators must complete at least 32 hours of continuing education every two years. |
| Background Checks for Assisted Living | All employees of assisted living facilities in Rhode Island must submit to a criminal background check by the FBI within 1 week of employment. Employees are also subject to a statewide criminal background check completed through state or local police departments. Fingerprinting is not required in this process. If any disqualifying information is found, the administrator is required to make a judgment call about how to proceed and whether or not to hire that person. |
| Requirements for Reporting Abuse | Abuse, neglect, mistreatment and accidents must be reported by facility staff to the Department of Health and have a detailed incident report filed within 24 hours. Failure to report abuse of a person age 60 or older may face a fine up to $1,000.Residents of ALRs, administrators, relatives or other loved ones are encouraged to file a case of elderly abuse or neglect with the Adult Protective Services Unit at 401-462-0555 or online through a Protective Services Report. |
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