Family Caregiver Resources for Rhode Island

Posted on 09/25/24 by AARP

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

This story is provided by AARP Rhode Island. Visit the AARP Rhode Island page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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