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.
The staff and residents are so caring. It is a wonderful combination of independence and support. The activities are great and easy to choose what is best for me. Meals are extremely well done. Highly...
My mother moved in several months ago and it has been a perfect spot for her! The social interaction, prepared meals, and lovely environment have been a great fit. The staff are friendly and helpful. Aide...
My uncle recently moved into Anchor Bay (one bedroom apt). Having helped him with his choice and move, as well as visiting daily for 2 weeks, I feel like I have a good picture of the facility and how it...
From the top of management to the CNA's, the facility has surpassed our families expectations in caring for out parents. The Egis memory care staff showers my dad with love and attention 24-7!
Dad was a bit hesitant at first, but as soon as we talked him in to a trial run, he immediately couldn't say enough good things about it. He enjoys having people around to interact with, raves about the...
It's a facility that really feels like "home." My mother loves it. It doesn't matter what time of day you visit the staff are engaged with the residents who are interacting with each other. My mother is in...
From the top of management to the CNA's, the facility has surpassed our families expectations in caring for out parents. The Egis memory care staff showers my dad with love and attention 24-7!
My uncle recently moved into Anchor Bay (one bedroom apt). Having helped him with his choice and move, as well as visiting daily for 2 weeks, I feel like I have a good picture of the facility and how it...
Dad was a bit hesitant at first, but as soon as we talked him in to a trial run, he immediately couldn't say enough good things about it. He enjoys having people around to interact with, raves about the...
The staff and residents are so caring. It is a wonderful combination of independence and support. The activities are great and easy to choose what is best for me. Meals are extremely well done. Highly...
My grandmother is very happy there. She has become very active and is socializing more than ever. Staff are very kind and helpful.
She did well there with all the encouragement from PT and OT and is doing much better at home. She liked all your services and the food.
Dad was a bit hesitant at first, but as soon as we talked him in to a trial run, he immediately couldn't say enough good things about it. He enjoys having people around to interact with, raves about the...
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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