Discover Independent Living in Rhode Island

Independent living communities in Rhode Island are great places for older adults still able to carry out their normal routine but who enjoy the added benefit of receiving care as needed. This type of senior care allows individuals to maintain their unique lifestyles in communities devoted to social enrichment, support, and overall well-being. Although each location varies, seniors are sure to find a range of amenities and opportunities for recreation.

Find INDEPENDENT LIVING Facilities In RHODE ISLAND

Find Senior Caring Options by County

Cost Comparisons of Rhode Island's Independent Living

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Providence $2,500 $3,750 $3,125
Greenville $2,340 $3,450 $2,895
Warwick $2,200 $3,257 $2,729

Rhode Island has 17 independent living communities with the average cost of $3,383 per month.

Every independent living community offers a unique range of amenities and services. You’ll likely find housekeeping and linen services, transportation, meal plans, and fitness centers. Medical services are available but often come at an extra cost. When it comes to costs for independent living, it is about finding the best services for your needs. Here you can compare several cities in Rhode Island to choose the best option for your loved one.

Recreation & Attractions in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has many attractions that keep residents interested and busy, such as  Rodger Williams Park, Newport Cliff Walk, the Providence Performing Arts Center, and Green Animals Topiary Garden. The Roger Williams Park is a 427-acre city park in Providence. Within the park, you can visit the nationally-recognized Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, the Botanical Center, a casino, and much more.

One of the top attractions in Newport, RI is the Newport Cliff Walk. It is is a 3.5-mile public walkway that borders the shoreline. It has some of the most beautiful views available in Rhode Island. In some areas of the trail, cliffs have a drop off of over 70 feet! The Providence Performing Arts Center is a great place to watch all kinds of entertainment such as musical events, comedy acts, plays, and more. The Green Animals Topiary Garden has all kinds of animals sculptured out of plants. The details of some of these animals are incredible and a must see for locals and tourists alike.

Rhode Island's Climate, Geography & Culture

Rhode Island experiences cold winters and short summers. Winter brings cold weather and snow with temperature averaging in the 30s. The state receives about 35 inches of snowfall annually. Though the summertime brings humidity, the season can actually be quite chilly. The summers are short and mild with temperatures averaging in the 70s. This state receives an average of 103 inches of rainfall annually!

Originally, Rhode Island was inhabited by the Wampanoag, Narragansett, and Ninantic tribes until the French arrived in 1618. With a long history of rebellion and political progression, Rhode Island's demographics are largely Catholic and heavily Democratic. This state is also one of the creative capitals of New England with a large population of artists and musicians. 

Rhode Island's Independent Living Regulations and Laws

All rules and regulations of Rhode Island independent living communities are overseen by The Department of Health. These regulations ensure that all communities meet the appropriate health, safety, and medical conditions. Annual reports can be made to the public upon request. These reports detail any past violations and the steps taken to correct them. 

Crime & Safety in Rhode Island

Compared to the national average, Rhode Island’s rates are much lower in terms of violent and property crimes. Crimes per square mile are typically higher than the average, but this is most likely due to the fact that Rhode Island itself is a very small state (1,212 mi²). When considering a location for independent living it is best to find an option within a safe community. Listed here are some of the safest cities found throughout Rhode Island.

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Glocester0.614.31
Scituate0.388.43
South Kingston0.858.94

Payment Options for Rhode Island Independent Living 

Since Medicare and Medicaid will not pay for an independent living option, most seniors pay using their own savings, pensions, or by selling their assets. If these options are unavailable to you, it may be necessary to consider other payment methods. 

U.S. veterans can receive around $1,644 monthly, while couples can collect as much as $1,949 a month. For surviving spouses of veterans, the monthly amount is closer to $1,056. Citizens of the U.S. over 65 may also be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To qualify, seniors must have a disability (including blindness), support a dependent, or lack a sustainable income otherwise. 

Another option that is gaining in popularity is to open a senior living line of credit which allows up to $50,000 of unsecured credit payable directly to an independent living community. With flexible repayment terms and the ability to use money as needed, this can be a viable path for those who qualify. 

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in Rhode Island

Moving to independent living also means that your Constitutional rights and the liberties afforded to you by the Bill of Rights follow. You are to be treated with dignity and respect at all times and can fully participate in your medical care and financial matters. If you believe your rights have been violated, don't hesitate to contact a lawyer familiar with elder law. 

 You can review the Rhode Island Ombudsman for more details on your state-specific rights and resources to help. 

RI Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Any adult receiving medical attention in a hospital or senior living community in Rhode Island is entitled to an accurate and comprehensive record of these services. These records must be maintained for at least 7 years following an individual's discharge from a facility or community and can be reviewed and amended by request and under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Since this information is highly personal and private, use your discretion and judgment when sharing this information. 

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.