As we get older, it’s normal to require more help and support. At CCA Health Rhode Island, we want to help our members age well and stay independent. The good news is no matter where you live, there are agencies and non-profit organizations dedicated to helping older adults in the community.

Each state has an agency dedicated to providing seniors with the support they need to live independently and thrive as they age. These agencies offer services that help seniors stay connected and live their best lives. Services include in-home support, nutrition assistance, adult day centers, legal advice, adult protective services, transportation, housing, and more.

Other programs offer financial assistance to low-income households to help with utility bills. For those caring for a loved one, there are special programs to support caregivers.

Food insecurity is a common concern among seniors. By working with community agencies, you can ensure your loved one’s nutritional needs are met.

In addition, a variety of in-home services are available to help seniors remain happy and independent. Services include home health visits, 24-hour crisis lines, and even companion programs.

We’ve put together this guide for our members in Rhode Island so you can have easy access to the services that will help you stay well and independent.

Community Resources in Rhode Island

Office of Healthy Aging

The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, along with many community partners, offers an array of programs that help you live well and connect with others in your community. It also offers resources to help with home support, food and nutrition, housing, home care, Medicare counseling, transportation, senior centers, legal advice, and more.

You can reach the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging at 401-462-3000 (TTY: 401-462-0740) or click here.

24-Hour Phone Line: The Point

This service is for those age 55 or older, adults living with a disability, and caregivers to get connected to resources in your area for free. You can learn more about options for healthcare, employment, and more or get help with applying to public and private programs. Call 401-462-4444 or 211 anytime, or click here.

Food Assistance and Nutrition Programs

• Community Table Program: This program offers 70 locations across Rhode Island where individuals can have a nutritious meal while socializing with others. To find a Community Table near you, call the Point at 401-462-4444 or click here.
• Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island: This organization delivers nutritious meals each week for homebound older adults to address the issues of food insecurity and social isolation. Call 401-351-6700 or click here.
• Rhode Island Community Food Bank: This organization offers several programs to fight food insecurity and improve health, including senior boxes, a kids program, and more. Call 401-942-6325, email [email protected], or click here.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Formerly known as food stamps, this federal program provides resources for low-income individuals and families to purchase food. Call 855-697-4347 (TTY: 800-745-5555) or click here.

Help with Utility Bills

If you need help paying your utility bills, contact one of these organizations.

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program: This program helps eligible low-income households pay their heating bills through federal grants. Call 401-462-6424, email [email protected], or click here.
• Rhode Island Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Call 401-277-8300 or click here.

Disaster Relief and Recovery Centers

• FEMA Helpline: Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 711) or click here. Video Relay Service is also available.
• The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is responsible for coordinating disaster relief and recovery efforts in the state. Click here for more information.

Caregiver Support: Childcare and Elder Care

• CareBreaks: Temporary or ongoing support for families with in-home respite care and/or adult-day health center programming for loved ones in need. Available to all Rhode Island families. There are no income restrictions. Call 401-462-4444 or click here.
• Grandparents Program: A program that offers free educational and wellness programming at the YMCA year-round for children whose primary caregivers are 55 or older. Programs include after-school care, summer camp scholarships, and free Y-based programs for families in the greater Providence, Pawtucket, Lincoln, and Woonsocket areas. There are no income restrictions. Call 401-462-4444 or click here.
• Lifespan Respite: Through a partnership with Rhode Island’s nursing programs, families in need of in-home respite care for a loved one are matched with local nursing students. Call 401-462-4444 or click here.

Health Insurance

• Medicare Counseling: The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) helps people find the right Medicare coverage at the right cost. SHIP also assists beneficiaries with limited income to apply for programs, such as Medicaid, Medicare Savings Program, and Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy, which can subsidize or reduce healthcare costs. Call 888-884-8721 or visit this website for more information.
• Medicare/Medicaid Counseling: The Medicare-Medicaid Enrollment Supports (MME) program provides one-to-one options counseling to beneficiaries who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Available options include but are not limited to, Rhode Island’s Medicare-Medicaid plan, fee-for-service, and special needs plans. Call 888-884-8721 or visit this website for more information.
• Prescription Drug Assistance: The Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to Elders (RIPAE) Program pays a portion of the cost of RIPAE-approved medications depending on annual income. Call 401-462-0560 for more information.

In-Home Care Support Programs

• Senior Companion Program: This program pairs active seniors with older adults who aren’t as independent or mobile. Call 401-462-0569 or click here.
• @Home Cost-Share: This program helps with expenses for some home care expenses for older adults with care needs, such as housekeeping, meal preparation or personal care. Call 401-462-4444 or click here.
• Long-Term Care: Long-term care services for those with chronic illness or disability, offering assistance with daily activities at home or more intensive care at an assisted living or nursing home. Call 401-462-4444 or click here.
• Adult Day Health Centers: These sites offer programming for people with care needs during the day, such as therapeutic activities, transportation, meals, health care services, and personal care. Find an adult day health center near you or explore your care options by calling 401-462-4444 or clicking here.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Support

The Alzheimer’s Association has a 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900, or click here for more information.

Transportation

The Rhode Island Elderly Transportation Program is for Rhode Island residents ages 60 and older who do not have access to transportation. It offers rides to and from medical appointments, adult day care, meal sites, dialysis/cancer treatment, and the Insight Program. Call 855-330-9131 or click here to learn more.

Elder Abuse Hotline

To report suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an older person (60+) who resides in Rhode Island, call 401-462-0555 anytime.

Legal Advice

Rhode Island Legal Services provides free legal help for lower income adults age 60+. Call 401-274-2652 or click here.

Mental Health and Substance Use

• Crisis: Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide. This 24/7 hotline has counselors available and is confidential and free of charge. 
• The Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitalization provides behavioral health services through its community mental health centers. Services range from emergency services to general and intensive community-based outpatient treatment as well as substance use treatment, case management, and more. Click here for a full list of clinics.
• The National Alliance of Mental Illness Rhode Island offers the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264). You can also text “NAMI” to 74174 for 24/7 confidential, free crisis counseling.

Volunteer Opportunities

• The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging offers seniors an opportunity to volunteer at community organizations throughout the state. Call the POINT at 401-462-4444 or click here.
• United Way of Rhode Island manages a listing of volunteer opportunities at organizations in the community. You can browse opportunities here.