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.
My brother had decided that he didn't like to be in Rhode Island. He wanted to move to an assisted living residence on Long Island. Both my daughter and I felt that Atria Lincoln Place was a wonderful...
5s across the board. They are great to work with and based on the experience we have had with would recommend Chapel Hill Senior Living to other families who may need a place for their loved ones.
Quiet community, with transportation available for outings, peaceful community, residents seem to be a happy neighborhood together, activities available for those interested, sorry staff available, Doctor...
The Carriage House at The Elms has far exceeded our expectations. Although diagnosed with Alzheimer's, our mother is still fairly high functioning, so we worried that perhaps it was too soon for a memory...
I love Cedar Dell. I feel like I am on a cruise, and I am a life long cruiser. You are waited on hand and foot. The residents and staff have been so nice and welcoming. The restaurant makes you exactly...
My brother had decided that he didn't like to be in Rhode Island. He wanted to move to an assisted living residence on Long Island. Both my daughter and I felt that Atria Lincoln Place was a wonderful...
I highly recommend Anchor Bay Assisted living. The staff are very conscientious. The residents are friendly. The community spaces are bright and the activities are designed to capture a broad audience.
I love Cedar Dell. I feel like I am on a cruise, and I am a life long cruiser. You are waited on hand and foot. The residents and staff have been so nice and welcoming. The restaurant makes you exactly...
My brother had decided that he didn't like to be in Rhode Island. He wanted to move to an assisted living residence on Long Island. Both my daughter and I felt that Atria Lincoln Place was a wonderful...
I love it here more than you can imagine. The staff is really good and friendly, the food is good and I have a life again. I have one of the largest apartments with a back door and patio which is great...
The staff at Wingate went out of their way to insure that my Mom would have a place to go upon her release from rehab with very little notice. She initially went in as a respite care resident. After a couple...
We have been extremely pleased with our loved ones care at the Wingate Residences community. What has really helped make it a great experience are just the people who work there, and based on the experience...
My brother had decided that he didn't like to be in Rhode Island. He wanted to move to an assisted living residence on Long Island. Both my daughter and I felt that Atria Lincoln Place was a wonderful...
Everything was absolutely perfect at Great Woods but unfortunately my mom had to step up to long term care. They were so wonderful. The facility was beautiful and clean and all the staff were great, helpful...
5s across the board. They are great to work with and based on the experience we have had with would recommend Chapel Hill Senior Living to other families who may need a place for their loved ones.
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
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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