Guide to Independent Living in Rhode Island
Rhode Island, which is the smallest state by area in the United States, is home to a little over 1 million residents and a retirement-aged community that makes up nearly 18% of the population. Dubbed the Ocean State, it has over 400 miles of coastline and walkable cities, public art displays and picturesque villages, offering a welcoming environment for retirement living. Overall, the state’s cost of living is about 10% higher than the national average, mainly due to high housing prices. For those with fixed incomes, independent living provides predictable living costs, which may help seniors make the most of their retirement incomes.
Independent living communities accommodate active adults seeking maintenance-free lifestyles. While these facilities don’t provide medical monitoring or services or help with daily living activities, they provide convenient services, such as daily meals, house and yard care and transportation. Some communities have resort-style amenities, such as restaurant-style dining, social clubs and fitness centers.
This guide outlines how much independent living costs in Rhode Island and cities in nearby states, helping seniors make informed decisions regarding their retirement plans. It also gives an overview of the most common ways to pay for services and highlights some nonprofit organizations that serve older adults.
How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Rhode Island?
Note: There currently isn’t authoritative data on the average cost of Independent Living Facilities nationwide, so instead, we use the cost of Assisted Living to estimate it. Since the cost of Independent Living is typically 30-40% lower than the cost of Assisted Living, the numbers below were calculated by subtracting 35% from the cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
Rhode Island is among the most expensive states in the nation for independent living services. On average, residents pay $4,437 per month versus the national average of $2,925. Monthly services tend to be more affordable in nearby states. In Massachusetts and New Jersey, rates are a couple of hundred dollars lower at $4,225 and $4,222, respectively. In Connecticut, costs are over $1,000 cheaper than in Rhode Island at $3,334, and in New York, rates are comparable to the national average at $2,977.
The Cost of Independent Living in Rhode Island’s Top Cities
In Rhode Island’s capital city of Providence, independent living rates are several hundred dollars cheaper than the state median at $3,941. Because of the state’s size, this is the only surveyed city, so we look at cities in nearby states to draw price comparisons. In Pittsfield, Massachusetts, communities charge some of the lowest rates in the nation at $1,355. In Hartford, Connecticut, and New York City, fees are higher but still affordable compared to Rhode Island at $3,396 and $3,738, respectively. Care costs in Trenton, New Jersey, are considerably higher than in Providence at $5,240.
The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care
The most affordable senior care option in Rhode Island is adult day health care, with care costs coming in at $1,798. Independent living is the second-most affordable option at $4,437, and those who obtain in-home care pay $5,720 for homemaker services and $5,958 for home health care. Assisted living is considerably more expensive at $6,826, and those who need medical care and monitoring pay $9,429 for semiprivate rooms in nursing homes.
Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Rhode Island?
The short answer is no, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in an independent living community. That being said, those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), may be able to take advantage of financial assistance programs in Rhode Island to partially or fully cover the cost of care in Assisted Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need help with ADLs, read our guide to Assisted Living in Rhode Island.
For more information about other ways to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc, read the section below.
How to Make Independent Living More Affordable in Rhode Island
Because independent living communities don’t provide medical or personal care services, health insurance doesn’t cover any of the monthly fees. Even so, retirees in Rhode Island have several options for paying for independent living. Those who own their own homes but don’t want to sell may be good candidates for reverse mortgage loans, which let them use some of their home’s equity for living expenses. Annuities can also increase monthly retirement income by converting lump sums of cash to regular payments. Seniors may be able to sell their life insurance policies to third parties for cash or access their policy’s death benefit to use toward long-term care. Finally, some long-term care insurance policies cover certain services in independent living communities, reducing overall monthly expenses.
Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Rhode Island
Seniors in Rhode Island can connect with a range of statewide nonprofit agencies and government programs for help with navigating retirement-related issues. Through the following table, older adults can learn more about independent living communities in their region and ways to pay for services. It also includes financial and legal advisors and options counselors who help older adults resolve issues regarding public benefits.
| Resource | Contact | Description |
| Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging | (401) 462-3000 | The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging administers a range of programs to older adults, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life throughout their retirement years. Through this agency, individuals access digiAGE, a program that promotes access to reliable internet service, adaptive telephone equipment and discount programs for cell phone service. |
| AARP Rhode Island | (866) 542-8170 | AARP Rhode Island supports older adults in the state through access to social and recreational programs, discount programs and information and education services. Through AARP, those aged 50 and over can enroll in safe driver classes and access free income tax preparation services. The organization also publishes up-to-date information on policies and legislative bills that impact seniors. |
| RI State Health Insurance Assistance Program | (888) 884-8721 | SHIP is a volunteer-based program that offers free health insurance counseling to Medicare-eligible individuals. Seniors can speak with a SHIP counselor for help with understanding their Medicare benefits and researching private Medicare options in their regions. |
| Retired Senior Volunteer Program | (401) 585-0509 | RSVP provides volunteer opportunities to those aged 55 and over, enabling them to use their time, talents and interests to improve their communities. Participants have access to a range of volunteer activities, such as serving as teacher’s aides, leading tour groups in museums and organizing and distributing food in local food pantries. |
| Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services | (401) 921-2119 | The state’s Office of Veterans Services supports older veterans by helping them determine eligibility and apply for state and federal benefits. Local offices can also connect veterans with community-based services, such as transportation and social organizations. |
| Rhode Island Legal Services | (800) 662-5034 | Rhode Island Legal Services provides free civil legal services to those aged 60 and over. Through this program, older adults obtain public benefits counseling, help with understanding independent living community contracts and resolving issues, such as Social Security overpayment. Legal professionals can also help with estate planning and drafting wills. |
COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Rhode Island Independent Living Communities
The following rules and guidelines were obtained from health.ri.gov, as well as other state-level government sites. Among others, these rules apply to independent living communities and assisted living facilities.
This data has been most recently updated on 2/13/2022, but keep in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, so all of the below information can change at any time. For additional questions and up-to-date information, you can contact your loved one’s senior living facility or your local Area Agency on Aging.
Visiting Loved Ones
| Can I visit my relative in person if he/she wants emotional support from me? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care? | Yes |
| Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her? | No |
| Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person? | Yes |
| Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities? | Yes |
| Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives? | Yes |
| Are visitors being screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
| Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact? | Yes |
Outings and Group Activities
| Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons? | Yes |
| Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine? | No (Conditions Apply) |
| Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings? | No |
| Are residents still eating together in the dining hall? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors
| Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
| Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus? | Not Available* |
| Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact? | Yes |
*NOTE: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.