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.
Knowing that my mother is safe and happy gives me such peace of mind. She is happy and everyone is hide and friendly. Mom is especially impressed that by day two all the dining room servers knew her name....
From our initial contact, to our meeting with [name removed] for a tour, through the evaluation process, all through the application process, everyone we encountered couldn't have made the process more...
The overall experience has been great. Mom is very happy and is adapting to her new surroundings. The food is very good. The people are so helpful and the administrators are fantastic to work with. I’m very...
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...
They were amazingly helpful and very fair. My Father died before we could move him in, and they couldn't have been nicer. They were all really lovely, decent humans!
Atria Draper not only has wonderful facilities and opportunities for our mom, but the people at Atria are great to work with. Understanding, compassionate, and responsive. We’ve been very pleased with how...
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...
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...
They were amazingly helpful and very fair. My Father died before we could move him in, and they couldn't have been nicer. They were all really lovely, decent humans!
From our initial contact, to our meeting with [name removed] for a tour, through the evaluation process, all through the application process, everyone we encountered couldn't have made the process more...
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...
Atria Draper not only has wonderful facilities and opportunities for our mom, but the people at Atria are great to work with. Understanding, compassionate, and responsive. We’ve been very pleased with how...
Nothing is perfect, and that is the reason for the 4.5s. They do a phenomenal job in making sure residents eat and are accounted for at every meal time There is nothing really that they could improve on, and...
Having lived here for almost one month, I am still adjusting. I am independent with a claim filed for assisted living with long-term care insurance. At 76, I am one of the youngest here and I feel young!...
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.
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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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