Rhode Island has a population that’s just slightly older than average for the country, with an estimated 17.7% of the population aged 65 or over. Even so, the impact of Alzheimer’s disease in the state has been relatively high. In 2019, there were 456 deaths attributed to the disease, and it ranked fifth in leading causes of death for Rhode Island residents.
Although the state has a generally high cost of living, Rhode Island’s average health cost is 19.9% lower than the U.S. average. Short-term hospital care is often required for people with Alzheimer’s, due to a fall or accident, but shouldn’t be considered an alternative to the types of services and living environments of memory care programs. These specialized programs are relatively expensive, however, with an average cost of $8,533 for memory care in Rhode Island.
Memory care can either be offered on its own in a community designed especially for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or, more often, it’s provided as a service in a separate wing of an assisted living facility. Memory care programs are designed specifically for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
This guide gives seniors and families an overview of memory care costs in Rhode Island and the wider region, as well as an explanation of the state’s financial assistance and other resources.