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 ...
Nursing Homes in Rhode Island
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Homes in Rhode Island
- Nursing Care Directory for Rhode Island
- Nursing Care Costs in Rhode Island
- Financial Assistance for Nursing Homes in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Nursing Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Nursing Care Resources in Rhode Island
Despite being the nation’s smallest state, Rhode Island has a lot to offer its senior residents. Older adults who want to experience four seasons each year will enjoy the Ocean State’s balmy summers and crisp, white winters. The cost of healthcare in the state is significantly lower than the national average, making it easier for seniors to access the Rhode Island's excellent hospitals. The state is home to just over 1 million people, 17% of whom are aged 65 and over. Its size allows retirees to enjoy the small-town feel of many Rhode Island communities, while still being close to big-city amenities.
There are 80 nursing homes across the state offering services to adults with disabilities or complex medical needs who don't require hospitalization. Nursing homes aren't ideal for individuals who can have their care needs met at home or in an assisted living setting. This guide provides information to help seniors and their families understand the cost of nursing home and other senior care options in Rhode Island, as well as the resources available to help pay for care and the regulations governing nursing homes in the state.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a SeniorScore of 71, which is one point lower than the national average of 72. This score is calculated using data on over 100 variables from public and private sources. The aim of the score is to help seniors determine how comfortable a state or city is for older adults. SeniorAdvice breaks the score down into four categories to give more detailed information about important aspects of senior life: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life.
Health & Safety is Rhode Island’s highest scoring category, with a 73. This is mainly due to the access seniors have to healthcare services. There's a high number of Medicare-registered providers in Rhode Island, and the state also has a high numbers of hospitals, home healthcare providers and senior living facilities. The Ocean State also scores well in Recreation & Leisure, which reflects the relatively high number of senior residents and good selection of golf courses and churches.
Rhode Island scores a 57 in the General Quality of Life category. Its higher-than-average rain and snowfall amounts impact this score, as does the population density. Rhode Island earns its worst score in the Finances category with a 54. The state's high cost of living is reflected in senior care costs that are higher than the national averages, however Rhode Islanders do tend to have higher-than-average incomes.
Top Nursing Care in Rhode Island
Woonsocket Health and Rehabilitation Centre is a 150 unit nursing home facility. It is situated near the Cumberland Hill neighborhood of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. With approximately 42,000 individuals residing in the 02895 zip code, the surrounding area is ...
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 ...
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 ...
Located near by the Cumberland Hill area of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Trinity Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 185 room nursing facility. The encompassing area has a dense population, with roughly 42,000 poeple living in the 02895 zip code. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
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. ...
Briarcliffe Manor is a 122 room senior care facility. It is situated around the Manton area of Johnston, Rhode Island. The surrounding area has a dense population, with about 30,000 residents in the 02919 zip code. It ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Friendly Nursing Home is a 126 bed nursing home facility. It is located at 303 Rhodes Ave in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. With a median family income of $40,457, the community is in a generally middle income area. ...
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 ...
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 ...
Bethany Home of Rhode Island is a 33 unit senior care facility. It is located in the Wayland neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. With a median family income of $64,563, the facility is in a mostly middle income ...
Apple Rehab Watch Hill is located at 79 Watch Hill Rd in Westerly, Rhode Island. It is a 60 room nursing home facility. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with roughly 22,000 people residing in the zip code ...
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Rhode Island
The Genworth Cost of Care 2020 Survey shows that nursing home care in Rhode Island costs an average of $8,669 per month. This is $913 more than the national average of $7,756. Despite this, Rhode Island has the most affordable nursing home care in New England. In Vermont, seniors pay $9,779 per month, or $1,100 more than those in Rhode Island. The median in New Hampshire is $10,646, while in Massachusetts, the average cost rises to $12,623. Connecticut has the highest nursing home cost in the region at $12,927 per month, or $4,258 more than in Rhode Island.
- Rhode Island: $8,669
- United States: $7,756
- Connecticut: $12,927
- Massachusetts: $12,623
- New Hampshire: $10,646
- Vermont: $9,779
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Rhode Island’s Top Cities
In Rhode Island’s capital of Providence, the cost of nursing home care is $9,733 per month, which is $1,064 more than the statewide average. Costs in cities close to the border in neighboring states range from $12,463 in Norwich, Connecticut, to $13,326 in Barnstable Town, Massachusetts.
- Providence: $9,733
- Norwich, CT: $12,463
- Hartford, CT: $13,079
- Worcester, MA: $12,486
- Barnstable Town, MA: $13,326
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Rhode Island
Other types of senior care offer more affordable options to Rhode Island seniors. Memory care averages $6,188 per month, while assisted living costs $4,950. Seniors living at home can access in-home care for $5,529 or home health care for $5,911 per month. In some locations, adult day care is available at an average monthly cost of $1,625.
- Memory Care: $6,188
- Assisted Living: $4,950
- In-Home Care: $5,529
- Home Health Care: $5,911
- Adult Day Care: $1,625
- Nursing Home Care: $8,669
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Rhode Island
As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.
Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Rhode Island.
Medicaid in Rhode Island
The Medicaid program in Rhode Island is jointly funded by the state and federal governments and provides health insurance to low-income residents. The coverage allows beneficiaries to access both acute and primary medical care, as well as long-term services and supports such as nursing home care. In 2013, Rhode Island expanded the program, and the number of people enrolled increased by more than 68% through November 2020. There are now almost 321,000 Rhode Islanders enrolled in Medicaid. Of the state’s 7,558 nursing home residents, around 60% are covered by Medicaid, and most of Rhode Island’s 80 nursing homes accept Medicaid payments.
Medicaid Eligibility in Rhode Island
Medicaid eligibility rules vary based on the applicant’s circumstances and the program they’re applying for. All applicants must meet financial eligibility criteria, and most programs have additional criteria. Those applying for long-term care benefits must meet the following requirements.
- Income for individuals is limited to $2,382 per month. When both spouses of a married couple are applying, they can have a monthly income of up to $2,382 each.
- Applicants must have assets of less than $4,000. If both spouses are applying, they can have up to $4,000 in assets each. Some assets, such as a vehicle or home furnishings, aren't counted when calculating an applicant’s assets.
- A nonapplicant spouse can keep up to $130,380 in assets and may also be eligible for a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance from the applicant spouse’s income.
- Applicants must be residents of Rhode Island and a U.S. citizen or legally present noncitizen.
- Individuals applying for nursing home benefits must be assessed as requiring the highest level of care.
Based on their assessed care needs, seniors who meet the above criteria can qualify for nursing home benefits or the Home and Community Care Program, which provides services that allow them to remain living in the community, such as in-home support. Applications for long-term care benefits are handled by the Department of Human Services via the online portal, HealthyRhode. Alternatively, seniors can call 855-697-4347 to apply by phone, or download a paper application and return it to their local DHS office in person or by mail or fax.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
- Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
- Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, 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. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.
Rhode Island Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
Nursing homes in Rhode Island are regulated by the Department of Health, Center for Health Facilities Regulation. The DOH also maintains the state’s registry of nursing assistants, investigates complaints about healthcare facilities and helps create the regulations that govern these facilities. Some of the requirements skilled nursing facilities in Rhode Island must follow are listed below.
Scope of Care | Nursing facilities provide 24 hour nursing care to residents, as well as therapeutic, supportive and restorative or preventive nursing. Services can be provided to people assessed as requiring continuous nursing care and supervision. All services provided should be based on person-centered principles that enhance the quality of life for residents. Facilities hire professional staff to facilitate this care, including licensed administrators, physicians, social workers, nurses and nursing assistants. Facilities can also have care units that offer additional or specialized services, such as an Alzheimer's or dementia special care unit. |
Care Planning | Care plans are created based on an initial physical examination. This should be performed within 48 hours of a resident’s admission, unless an exam was performed within five days prior to admission. The plan should include measurable goals, interventions and time frames for improving outcomes. It must be reviewed, evaluated and revised at least every three months. |
Pharmacy Services | Facilities must provide pharmaceutical services either on-site or through a contractual agreement. Methods and procedures for the procurement and dispensation of medication must be developed. All nursing homes are required to have a registered pharmacist assist in developing, coordinating and supervising all pharmaceutical services. This pharmacist must also review the drug regimen of each resident on a monthly basis, keep pharmacy records and report any irregularities. |
Staff Screening | All staff are required to undergo a national criminal records check, which includes fingerprint checks submitted to the FBI. This must be initiated prior to or within one week of a person’s employment. Disqualifying information includes assault, abuse and the neglect or exploitation of elders or vulnerable adults. If disqualifying information is found, the facility is notified. At this point, employees can provide records to the nursing home, so the facility can make a judgement regarding the person’s continued employment. |
Staff Training | All staff must be licensed or certified to undertake the work they're hired to perform. Facilities must verify that the employee has the relevant certification. People hired as resident attendants are required to complete a basic training program conducted by a registered nurse. It should include at least eight hours of classroom instruction covering topics such as assistance with eating and hydration, infection control and appropriate responses to residents. It must also include a minimum of four hours of practical experience supervised by a registered nurse. All nursing homes are required to provide in-service education to staff on an annual basis. Topics to be covered include emergency preparedness and resident-directed care. |
Medicaid Coverage | Rhode Island Medicaid covers nursing home care through its long-term services and support. Beneficiaries must meet income and asset requirements and complete an assessment showing they need a nursing home level of care. |
Reporting Abuse | Employees of nursing facilities must report any suspected abuse, exploitation, neglect or mistreatment of residents within 24 hours of receiving this information. A report should also be made if a resident has an injury of unknown origin. This report must be made to both the licensing agency in the Department of Health and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Family, friends and visitors can also report concerns to the Ombudsman by calling (401) 785-3340 or (888) 351-0808. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Health Care Association
The Rhode Island Health Care Association (RIHCA) is an industry group that represents more than 80% of the state’s nursing homes. It advocates for improving nursing home funding and works to make improvements in the long-term care sector. The RIHCA also has resources available to help consumers make decisions about long-term care, such as finding a facility, financing long-term care and having conversations with family about senior living options.
Rhode Island Legal Services (RILS) has a number of programs to help low-income residents access legal assistance. In particular, the Public Benefits Group helps people obtain and preserve government benefits, including Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. RILS also has an Elder Protection Project that helps older adults facing abuse, neglect or exploitation. It provides social work services and direct legal assistance to people and has an attorney assigned to the Division of Elderly Affairs to help seniors access legal aid. This program is aimed at people aged 60 and older throughout the state.
Rhode Island Agencies
Rhode Island Department of Human Services
Address: P.O. Box 8709, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone Number: (800) 745-6575
Website: https://dhs.ri.gov/
The Department of Human Services (DHS) operates a number of programs that provide support to individuals and families in Rhode Island. DHS manages applications for Medicaid and looks after long-term services and supports for older adults, including nursing home and community-based care. DHS offers Community Transition Services, which can help people move out of an institutional care environment and into a private residence.
Other programs include RIte Resources, energy assistance, SSI State Supplemental Payments and General Public Assistance. Eligibility criteria differs between programs, but the department aims to help all Rhode Islanders who are in need.
Office of Healthy Aging
Address: 25 Howard Avenue, Building 57, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone Number: (401) 462-3000
Website: https://oha.ri.gov
The Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) offers a comprehensive suite of programs to help Rhode Islanders as they age. The helpline assists seniors with accessing information and resources in their local area and learning out how to apply for public and private programs. The office also provides food and nutrition programs, home care and assistance in understanding long-term care options.
OHA provides health insurance counseling, which can help seniors understand their Medicare and Medicaid options, assists with enrollment in health plans and cost-saving programs for prescription medication. In addition, OHA administers the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which advocates on behalf of seniors living in long-term care facilities and can help resolve complaints and concerns.
Area Agencies on Aging in Rhode Island
Area Agency on Aging services in Rhode Island are provided by the POINT offices of the Office of Healthy Aging. These offices have specialists available to provide information and connect residents aged 55 and older with resources in their local area. POINT specialists can assist with housing, transportation and nutrition resources, among others. It also helps manage senior centers located throughout Rhode Island that offer a range of educational and recreational opportunities. Seniors can call (401) 462-4444 or visit their local POINT office to access services.
Veteran Affairs Office in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services has a number of resources available to help people who've served in the military identify and apply for benefits they've earned. It also provides referrals to other resources in Rhode Island that can help veterans with different aspects of their life, including housing, health care and financial assistance. The Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol provides skilled nursing and residential care, which may be an option for eligible veterans searching for a nursing home. Seniors can get more information or access services by calling (401) 921-2119.
Social Security Offices in Rhode Island
The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages a number of programs that can help older Rhode Islanders and disabled adults. This includes Social Security retirement and disability benefits, Medicare enrollment and survivor’s payments. Some seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income may also be eligible for the State Supplemental Payment, which helps people with limited resources pay for living expenses. Seniors can contact their local SSA office to discuss their options and eligibility.
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