AARP Rhode Island Caregiving
Tell Your Caregiving Story
It's important to us that your family caregiving story be heard. Tell your story by clicking here.
Need Caregiving Help?
Updated! Check out the AARP Rhode Island “Guide for Caring for Older Adults in Rhode Island.”
Free printed copies are available. Please call the AARP Family Caregiving Line at 1-877-333-5885 to order your copy today!
In 2023, the estimated total value of 113 million unpaid hours of work by Rhode Island's 121,000 family caregivers was $2.1 billion.
More Help
Visit the AARP Caregiving Resources Center
Check out the AARP CAREGIVING QUESTION & ANSWER TOOL
JOIN THE AARP FAMILY CAREGIVERS DISCUSSION GROUP ON FACEBOOK
Caregiving Support for Veterans & Their Families
Download the Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide
RHODE ISLAND LIVABLE HOMES MODIFICATION GRANTS
Rhode Island Livable Home Modification grants offer eligible homeowners and renters up to $5,000 to modify residences to make them more adaptable for caregiving. The program has renewed and expanded, in part, through the advocacy of AARP Rhode Island and its legislative volunteers.
To get more informatino or to request an application, please contact Barbara Palazzo at 401-462-0103 or email her at: barbara.palazzo@gcd.ri.gov
Paid Family Leave in Rhode Island
Caregivers in particular benefit by the law that requires businesses employing 18 or more workers to provide earned paid family leave. This includes time off to care for family members or loved ones. The law, championed by AARP Rhode Island and a determined statewide coalition of advocates, was passed by the General Assembly.
Employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 35 hours worked. Workers can begin to accrue paid sick leave July 1, or the first day after they start employment, if hired after July 1. If you believe you qualify, you should consult with your employer.
When a Paid Caregiver Doesn't Show Up
Is this you? Plan better, worry less. There are steps you can take to avoid a caregiving emergency. Read advice from Amy Goyer and AARP.
The CARE Act in Rhode Island
We CARE!
Passed in Rhode Island 2015 and put into effect in March of 2017, the CARE (Caregiver Advise, Record and Enable) Act requires hospitals to identify caregivers in three clear steps.
- Upon admission, a hospital must provide patients with the opportunity to designate a caregiver and have that caregiver’s contact information entered into the patient’s medical record.
- The hospital then must notify and alert the family caregiver if his/her loved one is being discharged home or transferred to another facility.
- The CARE Act requires hospitals to, prior to the patient’s discharge, provide the family caregiver with instructions on how to perform after-care medical and nursing tasks that the patient will need once they return home.
When accompanying a loved one being admitted to the hospital, caregivers should ask about these new responsibilities. As a reminder, download AARP Rhode Island's free CARE Act Wallet Card and carry it with you.
Download and print your card / En Espanol
