Family Caregiver Resources for Rhode Island
En español | Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.
AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.
To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.
Caregiver Support
Rhode Island CareBreaks Respite Services Program (401-421-7833)
Connects unpaid family caregivers with trained respite care professionals who can periodically fill in and offer a break to those who are caring for their loved ones.
Finances
Home Energy Assistance Programs (855-697-4347)
Helps low-income individuals and families manage and pay utility bills, apply for weatherization assistance.
Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly (401-462-0560 | )
Helps low-income residents access affordable prescription drugs.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (888-884-8721)
Provides one-on-one counseling and assistance to people eligible for Medicare, including help with obtaining benefits, filing claims and understanding health care options.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (855-697-4347)
Eligible households receive food assistance through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to cover a portion of their food budget, as well as nutritional education.
Temporary Caregiver Insurance (401-462-8420)
Offers up to six weeks of caregiver benefits for residents caring for a seriously ill parent, in-law, grandparent, spouse, domestic partner or child.
Legal
Elder Protective Services (401-462-0555; 401-462-0740)
Investigates and fields reports of elder abuse and exploitation.
Rhode Island Legal Services (401-274-265; 800-662-5034)
Offers free or low-cost legal help, information and resources to low- income residents and older adults.
Health
HealthSource RI (855-840-4774)
Allows residents to shop and compare available health and dental plans.
Medicare Premium Payment Program (855-697-4347)
Helps low-income adults 65-plus cover certain Medicare costs.
Rhode Island Medical Assistance Program (855-697-4347)
Program manages state’s Medicaid distribution for low-income residents; covers medical and health- related care and services.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (888-884-8721)
Provides one-on-one counseling and assistance to people eligible for Medicare and their families. Helps residents obtain benefits, file claims and understand health care options.
Veterans Affairs Providence Healthcare System (401-273-7100; 866-363-4486)
Helps veterans and their families access federal, state and local resources and benefits.
Housing and Care Facilities
Nursing Home Transition Program and Money Follows the Person Program (401-462-6393)
Supports Medicaid-eligible adults as they return to the community from a nursing home or long-term care facility.
Point Aging and Disability Resource Center (401-462-4444)
Aids older adults with some expenses related to adult day health centers, housekeeping, meal preparation and personal care, among other services.
Rite at Home (401-462-6393)
Supports residents who are unable to live alone and need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and eating.
Rhode Island Livable Home Modification Grant (401-462-0100)
Helps homeowners and renters pay for assistive home modifications, such as widening doorways or installing accessible light fixtures.
Information and Services
Alliance for Better Long-Term Care (401-785-3340; 888-351-0808)
Advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes and assisted living facilities.
Office of Veterans Services (401-921-2119)
Provides information and services to help veterans access available social, health care, employment and volunteer opportunities.
Rhode Island Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (855-330-9131)
Provides eligible Medicaid recipients with transportation to and from Medicaid-covered services. Also provides transportation to qualified residents 60-plus for nonemergency medical appointments and certain other services.
Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (401-462-3000)
Manages resources related to aging and caregiving for older adults and people living with disabilities as well as their loved ones.
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (401-784-9500; 800-745-5555)
Offers discounted fares to seniors and individuals with disabilities during certain hours of the day and additional assistance to low-income individuals 65 and older.
Veterans Affairs Providence Healthcare System (401-273-7100; 866-363-4486)
Network of outpatient clinics provides health information and services to veterans.
End of Life
Department of Health Hospice Care (401-222-5960)
Provides information for terminally ill patients, their families and caregivers. Includes a Find a Hospice Provider tool.
Department of Health Palliative Care (401-222-5960)
Offers information about palliative care to patients with serious illnesses and chronic diseases, as well as their families and caregivers.
