Nursing Homes and Senior Care in Rhode Island

Nursing Homes by City in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island cities with the most CMS-certified nursing homes. All 26 cities are listed below the table. Homes in Rhode Island average 3.7 hours of nursing care per resident per day; the national median is 3.7 hours.

5-Star Nursing Homes in Rhode Island

Homes with CMS's top overall rating, ordered by inspection rating. See all highest-rated nursing homes in Rhode Island.

Assisted Living in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Center for Health Facilities Regulation licenses assisted living in Rhode Island. License types: Assisted Living Residence, Alzheimer Dementia Special Care Unit/Program and Limited Health Services. Use the state's search to check a community's license and inspection history.

• Rhode Island assisted living facility search
• Rhode Island assisted living rules
• Rhode Island assisted living licensing (Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Center for Health Facilities Regulation)

Memory Care Rules in Rhode Island

Rhode Island's term is "Alzheimer Dementia Special Care Unit/Program", a separate license or certification. Facilities must give families a written disclosure of their dementia care services.

• Dementia care level of licensure (216-RICR-40-10-2, 2.4.2(A)(3)) is required when one or more residents' dementia symptoms impact their ability to function (elopement risk or other safety concerns, inappropriate social behaviors, inability to self-preserve due to dementia, or a physician's recommendation), or if the residence advertises or represents special dementia services or segregates residents with dementia.
• A residence licensed at the dementia care level must be licensed as an "F1 / M1" residence (not capable of self-preservation; central storage and/or administration of medications).
• A registered nurse with dementia training or experience must be on site full-time (minimum of thirty-five (35) hours per week) and available for consultation at all times (2.5.2(I)).
• Staff training (2.5.2(N)): new employees who assist residents with personal care at the dementia level receive at least four (4) hours of orientation and training before working alone, and no less than twelve (12) hours of continuing education every twelve (12) months, covering understanding various dementias, communicating effectively with dementia residents, managing behaviors, elopement procedures, creating a safe environment, and commonly prescribed medications and side effects.
• Direct care staff on the unit must be qualified licensed assisted living staff members (2.5.2(H)).
• Secure environment (2.5.2(L)): "a secure distinct living environment appropriate for the resident population. This requirement may include, but not be limited to, a locked unit, secured perimeter, or other mechanism to ensure resident safety and quality of life." Elopement policies specific to the unit are required.
• Written disclosure (2.5.2(B) to (D)) to RIDOH and to any person seeking placement, on a standard RIDOH form, explaining the unit's philosophy; occupancy, transfer and termination criteria; assessment and service planning; staffing patterns and training; physical environment; resident activities; family role; and program costs.
• Menus developed under the direction of a licensed nutritionist or registered dietitian (2.5.2(J)).
• Written policies and procedures detailing specific services, including admission and discharge criteria (2.5.2(F)).

• Rhode Island memory care rules

Medicaid Long-Term Care in Rhode Island

Rhode Island's Medicaid program is Rhode Island Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS). For nursing home Medicaid (2026), the state lists an income limit of Countable income up to three hundred percent (300%) of the SSI rate (elders sixty-five (65) and older) and an asset limit of $4,000 for an individual.

• Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports: Home and Community-Based Services: in-home care, assisted living and respite. People with needs at the Highest Level of Care may choose nursing facility care or home and community-based care. People at the High Level of Care are eligible for home and community-based services, but not for nursing home care. Covered services include Homemaker/CNA services, Meals on Wheels, Personal Emergency Response System, case management, senior companion, assisted living, personal care services, self-directed care, respite and minor home modifications.
• @Home Cost Share: in-home care, adult day and assisted living. For older adults who do not qualify for Medicaid LTSS: in-home supports, adult day health programming and/or assisted living services, administered by the Office of Healthy Aging, a division of DHS.
• SSI Enhanced Assisted Living Program: assisted living. For Rhode Island residents at least 65 years old or adults with a disability who need assisted living services: gross income of less than $1,212 per month, resources/assets less than $2,000, and must apply for or receive SSI. Must not require extensive medical services such as those provided in a nursing facility.

• Rhode Island Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) nursing facility coverage
• Rhode Island Medicaid long-term care limits

Nursing Home Inspections and Complaints in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Center for Health Facilities Regulation inspects nursing homes in Rhode Island for CMS.

• Rhode Island nursing home inspection lookup
• File a nursing home complaint in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Long-Term Care Ombudsman

The Office of the Rhode Island State Long Term Care Ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living. Ombudsmen help with complaints, residents' rights and problems with care. Call 1.888.351.0808.

• Contact the Office of the Rhode Island State Long Term Care Ombudsman

Aging Services and Caregiver Support in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) runs Rhode Island's aging services, delivered through local Area Agencies on Aging. Family caregivers can get help through Lifespan Respite Care Program. Adult day services are licensed or certified by Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH).

• Rhode Island aging services: Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (OHA)
• Caregiver support in Rhode Island: Lifespan Respite Care Program
• Rhode Island adult day services

Guides for Your Next Step

See how to choose a nursing home, what memory care is, how Medicaid pays for nursing home care and what Medicare covers. For local help, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

Frequently Asked Questions