Rhode Island Memory Care Facilities

Rhode Island may be tiny in stature, yet it packs a lot inside its small grounds. The smallest state in the United States is also one of the more sought after in the nation for senior living. Some extraordinary assisted living facilities exist in Rhode Island with fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean. And, for those needing more specialized and hands-on care, a variety of terrific nursing homes and memory care communities in Rhode Island exist as well.

Rhode Island dementia care homes currently rank within the Top 10 for most expensive. It is due to the high demand of the east coast senior living where some of the best healthcare in America is based. Rhode Island Alzheimer’s care homes and dementia care facilities are eighth in the nation in terms of highest monthly costs for memory care, though still much cheaper than surrounding states like Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Detailed Cost of Memory Care in Rhode Island

The average monthly cost for dementia care homes in Rhode Island is just over $5,200, or $174 per day. The national average for memory care is $5,000 per month, thus Rhode Island represents slightly higher than the norm for Alzheimer’s care costs.

Affordable dementia care is available in the state. The lowest ten percent of costs in Rhode Island for dementia care facilities is comparable to other parts of the United States. At just under $3,000 per month, the most affordable Rhode Island Alzheimer’s care homes are very reasonable and can be found in cities like North Providence ($2,832 per month), Cranston ($2,949 per month), East Providence ($2,955 per month) and Providence ($2,991 per month).

The biggest problem with Rhode Island is it lacks size. While somewhat dense, there simply isn’t a ton of options for dementia care, so open beds are sometimes limited. If you are looking to relocate a loved one to this small state with a slower pace of living compared to other parts of New England, then you may have to be put on a waiting list. It just depends on the season and individual care provider. The table below shows average monthly memory care costs in Rhode Island:

Rhode Island Dementia Care - Amenities

Along with cheaper dementia care facilities in Rhode Island, some very luxurious and expensive ones also exist. There are reports of Alzheimer’s care homes that can reach prices of nearly $9,000 per month, or $300 per day. Still, even at some of the more expensive places, the average rates for memory care is better in Rhode Island than other parts of the northeast.

For example, while Rhode Island only ranks a few spots behind New Hampshire on the list of most expensive states for dementia care, New Hampshire residents are surprisingly going to spend at least $500 more on average each month on memory care compared to residents in Rhode Island. Those savings are substantial, which is why many seniors that can’t afford Connecticut or Massachusetts want to take advantage of the lower prices in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island provides the highly prestigious healthcare that the northeast is known for in America, while also offering cheaper rates with very clean and comfortable rooms for residents dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Admission Requirements to Memory Care Facilities in Rhode Island

In the State of Rhode Island, residents are defined as individuals who require lodging, meals and personal assistance provided in health care facilities. They may or may not need help with administration of medication and/or limited health services. However, those requiring medical or nursing care which are not available in said facilities cannot be admitted.

In addition, an applicant’s capability for self-preservation is a requirement for admission in most assisted living facilities in Rhode Island. This means having the physical mobility and judgmental ability to act appropriately during an emergency. Residences with more stringent Life Safety Code regulations may admit potential residents who lack this capability.

The admission process into a memory care facility involves the signing of a residency agreement between the facility’s administrator and the applicant. Pre-requisite to this agreement is a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s health, physical, social, functional, activity and cognitive needs and preferences. This must be conducted and signed by a registered nurse and will be the basis for determining whether the residence’s services, according to its licensure level, can meet the individual’s needs and preferences.

Conclusions of the assessment will be shared with the potential resident or their representative. Once compatibility between them and the residence is established, both parties will proceed with developing an individualized service plan for the individual.

Emergency admissions into Rhode Island dementia care homes are acceptable under the following conditions: (1) natural disaster, crisis or threat to public safety at the person’s current living facility, (2) sudden and unexpected inability of the person’s current caregiver to provide care and assistance, and (3) other circumstances as approved by the Center for Health Facilities Regulation staff within 48 hours.

Security in Rhode Island Memory Care Units

A Dementia Care level licensed residence in Rhode Island must secure Level F1 Fire Code Classification and Level M1 Medication Classification licensure.

Level F1 is for facilities offering services to residents’ incapable of self-preservation. They are required to implement a stricter Rhode Island Life Safety Code (current applicable version).

Level M1 is for assisted living residences where at least one resident requires central storage and/or administration of medications.

In addition, an assisted living residence must create and maintain an email address specific to the facility and forward the information to the Rhode Island Department of Health. This ensures a high managerial employee of the facility can be contacted with routine communications as well as emergency notices.

During or while preparing for an on-site, local area or statewide emergency or natural disaster, a residence is required to provide information and/or status reports requested by the Department and/or the designated situation/incident commander.

Rhode Island – Regulations for Memory Care Establishments

The State of Rhode Island requires the following assisted living residences to secure a license to operate: (1) residences with an Alzheimer Dementia or Special Care Unit or Program and (2) residences providing services for individuals who are bed-bound and receiving hospice services or in need of ambulation assistance from more than one staff person.

Levels of licensure are determined according to Fire Code, Medication, Dementia Care, and Limited Health Care Classifications.

A licensed residence is not allowed to exceed the maximum occupancy indicated in their licensed resident capacity. Specifications include location of beds and proper space for furnishings.

For the Dementia Care category of licensure, a residence may accommodate individuals with dementia symptoms that affect their functional abilities, such as: elopement risk, inappropriate social behaviors which have a negative impact on the rights of others, and the lack of self-preservation ability due to dementia.

To obtain this license, a residence must demonstrate its capability to address conditions specific to dementia patients with the following services:

• Staff training specific to dementia care in accordance with the requirements of the Rhode Island Department of Health
• One registered nurse (RN) on staff available for consultation 24/7
• Secure environment appropriate to residents with dementia

When Is Your Loved One Ready for Memory Care in Rhode Island?

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2015 Data in Rhode Island indicate the following statistics on cognitive decline in its population:

11.5% - One in nine of adults aged 45-above experienced subjective cognitive decline. This means confusion or memory loss occurring often or worsening.

48.4% - Nearly half of the afflicted adults have not consulted with any health care professional about their condition.

54.7% - A majority of them said SCD has caused them to stop doing their daily activities and/or has affected their work or social activities.

39.9% - More than one third of those who admitted it caused them difficulties and burden already needed assistance with their previously normal and routine daily functions.

30.1% - Almost a third of Rhode Island adults who are suffering from memory problems live alone.

75.3% - Most adults with SCD also have one or more other chronic condition. These include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis, COPD and asthma.

Cognitive functions involve a person’s thinking, reasoning and remembering. Its components are memory, attention, executive functions and performing remembered skills such as driving.

When a person’s cognitive functioning declines, there will be serious effects on their health. Severe cognitive issues affect those afflicted with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Often, memory loss is the first sign.

If your loved one belongs to the Rhode Island adults described above, it is recommended that you place them in an assisted living residence. This arrangement is especially advised for those who live alone as they have a high risk of accidents in the absence of a companion.

Questions to Ask RI Memory Care Communities During a Tour

The option to place your loved one in a memory care facility must already be considered during the early onset of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. This ensures they are still capable of informing you of their wishes and can actively participate in the selection of their next residence.

It is also a good idea to create a list of their needs and preferences. Then, you can narrow down your selection to their preferred location. Search online for the facilities available in the area and carefully study each one based on your list. This will be a long and tedious process, so you would need to make time for it.

Call each of the residences you have selected and make an appointment for a tour. Bring your list when visiting them with your loved one. Meet with the director and staff, ask them to explain how they can provide each item on your list. Allow them to give you as much information as possible and take any available brochure or disclosure form.

After the meeting, conduct an inspection of the grounds and the building. As you go about, inquire about the facility’s safety measures on the perimeter, food preparation in the dining hall, and activities in the recreational hall. Have a look in the dwelling units as well, and interview residents and their families about their experience in the residence.

Rhode Island Memory Care vs Assisted Living

In as much as the statistics on the occurrence of SCG in Rhode Island’s adults is a cause for concern, so is the number of these adults’ caregivers. These are the data from a report of the BRFSS conducted 3 years ago:

63% - Almost two-thirds of all adults provide unpaid care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. More than half of them take care of a parent or parent-in-law.

2 Years - The minimum amount of time these adults have spent in caregiving.

20 Hours - 1/3 of these caregivers provide this minimum number of hours each week to the care of their loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

To address the need for relieving caregivers of this enormous responsibility, the State of Rhode Island laid down strict regulations on minimum standards for licensed assisted living residences. This effort is partly aimed at encouraging family members to transition their loved ones from home care to long-term residential care.

The state of Rhode Island requires memory care facilities to provide their residents (1) dignity, individuality, independence, privacy and autonomy; (2) an environment that is safe and home-like; and (3) protection, health and welfare to promote quality of life.

Alzheimer Dementia Special Care Unit/Program

This specific living space within an assisted living residence is adapted to the particular needs and behaviors of individuals with dementia. It provides staffing which undergoes ongoing training on the effective management of the physical and behavioral problems of the residents. Additionally, it offers therapeutic activities according to their needs.

Assisted Living Residence

This facility provides meals and lodging to six or more adults. Services include personal assistance, whether directly or indirectly, and may include limited health care.

Transitioning your loved one from your home to a memory care facility may be a difficult decision to make. But you can be assured that with the full support of the state, they will be in the good hands of professionals who can assure their highest possible quality of life.