Assisted Living in Rhode Island
An Assisted Living Facility (ALF) is a housing option for people who require more assistance than Home Health Care may provide but less assistance than a Nursing Home provides. ALF’s may provide an entire apartment, a single room or a shared room, 24-hour staffing, assistance with personal care and dispensing medication, housekeeping, laundry, activities, and other services that allow adults to stay in the community. The cost varies considerably.
The Assisted Living Facility may require you to sign a rental agreement that includes the cost of your rent, what health services are included and the added cost for additional care services. The rental agreement may specify when you are no longer medically eligible to remain in the ALF. You may be required to provide 30 days notice before moving out or risk paying a penalty.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY VISIT CHECKLIST
FIRST IMPRESSIONS ☐ Residents appear comfortable, well cared for and appropriately dressed. ☐ Staff are visible, friendly and respectful; requests for help are answered promptly. ☐ The facility is clean, well maintained and free of strong odors. ☐ The overall environment feels comfortable and welcoming.
CARE & STAFFING ☐ What help is available with bathing, dressing, medications and other daily needs? ☐ How many staff are available during the day, overnight and on weekends? ☐ What training do staff receive, including dementia training? ☐ What happens if health or care needs increase? Could the resident be required to move? ☐ Can residents keep their own doctors? Are nursing, therapy or rehabilitation services available? ☐ Is specialized memory care available if needed?
ROOMS & DAILY LIFE ☐ Is the room/bathroom private or shared? Can residents bring furniture and belongings? ☐ Can the resident lock the room? Who else has access? ☐ Are heat/AC individually controlled? Are Wi-Fi, cable and telephone included? ☐ Is transportation available for appointments, shopping and activities? | MEALS & ACTIVITIES ☐ Try a meal: Is the food appealing? Are there choices and special-diet options? ☐ Are snacks/drinks available? Are activities offered daily, including evenings/weekends? ☐ Can families visit freely and occasionally join residents for meals?
COSTS – GET THESE IN WRITING ☐ What is included in the monthly rate? What costs extra? ☐ Is there a community, entrance or move-in fee? How much? Can it be reduced or waived? ☐ What causes the rate to increase? How much more does additional care cost? ☐ Is Medicaid or other financial assistance accepted? ☐ What happens to charges if the resident is hospitalized or temporarily away?
BEFORE YOU DECIDE ☐ Ask to see the most recent inspection/survey report and whether problems were corrected. ☐ Talk with residents and families, if possible, and compare more than one facility. ☐ Return unannounced at a different time, such as an evening or weekend. ☐ Read the admission agreement and all fees before signing. |
TRUST YOUR SENSES: What do you see, hear, smell, touch and taste? Most importantly, trust your gut. Does this feel like a place where you or someone you care about would feel safe, respected and comfortable?
The VA does NOT contract with any assisted living facilities.
If you are eligible, the VA Aid & Attendance Benefit may be able to defray the cost of an Assisted Living.
Suspicion of Abuse (physical, sexual, financial exploitation and property theft) should be reported to the police and to the following:
Department of Health Facilities Regulation 401-222-5200
and
RI Attorney General Medicaid Fraud & Patient Abuse Unit
(401) 222-2566 or (401) 274-4400, ext. 2269
and
RI Long Term Care Ombudsman 401-785-3340