Rhode Island is known as “The Ocean State” because a large portion of the state borders the Atlantic Ocean. While it may be the smallest state in the union – with a total area of only 1,045 square miles – “Little Rhody” still has plenty to offer. Rhode Island’s vibrant cities like Providence and Pawtucket, along with its pristine beaches and proximity to the Boston metropolitan area make it one of the Northeast’s ideal retirement destinations.
Currently, A Place for Mom partners with more than 20 retirement communities in Rhode Island that provide independent living. Our Senior Living Advisors can provide you with a list of over-55 communities in RI. The median monthly cost of independent living in Rhode Island is about $3,700.
When it’s time to make a tough decision on finding a new home for your parents or an elderly family member Atria should be on the top of your list. The staff is not only accommodating they are so supportive...
I like its physical location-in a neighborhood, on a pond and not far from our home. Majority of the apartments have been upgraded and it is clean. Staff and management friendly and respectful.
Our family and our mom made the best decision this past summer. Mom joined the independent living community at Atria and was been through happy ever since. She even took or a new spot bocce at age 90! Go mom...
Colebrook Village is amazing. We are so blessed to have this community for my mother. The staff is very attentive and polite! Thank you!
Overall, the community is very nice. I especially enjoy walking the grounds to see the nature we are surrounded by. I love reading large print books from the library. We recently found out that we will be...
When it’s time to make a tough decision on finding a new home for your parents or an elderly family member Atria should be on the top of your list. The staff is not only accommodating they are so supportive...
Wonderful caring community. We picked this community because of the location and size also staff to resident ratio and the comfortable home like setting with memory care options on same campus.
Colebrook Village is amazing. We are so blessed to have this community for my mother. The staff is very attentive and polite! Thank you!
Overall, the community is very nice. I especially enjoy walking the grounds to see the nature we are surrounded by. I love reading large print books from the library. We recently found out that we will be...
The responsiveness of Anchor Bay East Providence to my mother’s particular needs made the transition to memory care much easier. Thanks [name removed]! The whole family, including my mother, is very happy...
Overall, the community is very nice. I especially enjoy walking the grounds to see the nature we are surrounded by. I love reading large print books from the library. We recently found out that we will be...
When it’s time to make a tough decision on finding a new home for your parents or an elderly family member Atria should be on the top of your list. The staff is not only accommodating they are so supportive...
The most significant consideration was geographic location. The resident, my father, was already residing in a senior living facility, called [faculty removed]. Wingate and Wingate have building adjacent to...
They were attentive to my mother’s needs. The food was fantastic and the staff were friendly. She loved the music entertainment, and enjoyed the church services. The facility was very clean and well kept as...
Overall, the community is very nice. I especially enjoy walking the grounds to see the nature we are surrounded by. I love reading large print books from the library. We recently found out that we will be...
Most Rhode Island independent living facilities are part of senior living communities that also provide assisted living and memory care. Known as Assisted Living Residences (ALRs), these communities must be licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Center for Health Facility Regulations.[01]
Since independent living isn’t a type of senior care, only some of the ALR regulations may apply directly to your situation. If you want more information, view our Rhode Island assisted living laws and regulations page.
The independent living section of your future Assisted Living Residence (ALR) can be licensed for a range of services in addition to housing and meals. While you typically won’t receive care as an independent living resident, the community may be licensed to provide any of the following services if your needs change:[01]
If you’re interested in learning more, we recommend reaching out to your prospective community to ask them about their specific license type.
Rather than owning your space, you’ll likely rent your independent living unit, similar to the way you’d rent a traditional apartment. This means you have specific rights as a renter in Rhode Island, as well as protections under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
First, it may be helpful to know that Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) have to make a residency agreement for each senior. This document will include the following information:[02]
Plus, certain laws protect renters in your state:
For more detailed information, view The Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Handbook.
You can expect to live in a room or apartment-style unit in your Assisted Living Residence (ALR). However, ALR rooms can only be for either one or two seniors. If you choose to have a roommate, they can be a fellow community member or your spouse.[02]
Your room should have a place where you can lock your belongings, and your room may also have its own bathroom. If not, your ALR should provide at least one toilet for every eight beds and at least one bath for every 10 beds.[02]
Rhode Island Department of Health
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-5960
Let our care assessment guide you
Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.
The Rhode Island Department of Health’s Center for Health Facility Regulations inspects each Assisted Living Residence (ALR). The Center inspects ALRs based on their license level and their performance in past inspections.[02]
If your independent living community is part of an ALR, visit the Department of Health’s Find Assisted Living Residences in Rhode Island page to view inspection reports. You can search by residence name, care type, or your city or town. Click the search icon when your information has been entered, and then click on the facility’s name. Scroll down and click on “Inspection Reports.” Find the most recent inspection and click on the file to view the summary of findings.
Rhode Island Department of Health. (2024). Assisted Living.
Rhode Island Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy. 2015 ed. Assisted Living Residence.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Disability Rights Rhode Island. (2024). Fair Housing laws and housing discrimination.
Office of Housing and Community Development. (2007). The Rhode Island landlord-tenant handbook.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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