Home Care

The DEA Home and Community Care Programs provides eligible seniors with innovative options to help them remain in the community and avoid premature institutionalization. These options are designed to assist the functionally impaired senior meet a wide variety of medical, environmental, and social needs.

Based on eligibility, Home and Community Care Programs may provide home health aide services, adult day services, a personal emergency response system, Meals on Wheels, Senior Companion, minor home modifications, or minor assistive devices.

If appropriate, placement in an assisted living facility may be made.

For most Home and Community Care Programs, a person must be 65 or older, a resident of Rhode Island, and be basically homebound (unable to leave home without considerable assistance).

For some persons on Medical Assistance (Medicaid), services may be provided at no charge. Other Medicaid clients may have to make a contribution towards services.

For information, call 462-0570

For persons who meet the guidelines for the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly (RIPAE) program, services are provided at a reduced rate. Currently, these annual income guidelines are $19,341 for a single person and $24,179 for a couple. Each year, these guidelines are changed to reflect the Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).

The Department of Elderly Affairs works with a network of regional case management agencies and other senior organizations to develop care plans to help seniors remain in the least restrictive environment with maximum independence

For more information, call 462-0570.

The Home Health Quality Initiative (HHQI) is part of a national effort by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve the quality of care for those who use home health care services provided by Medicare-certified suppliers. By using the web site www.medicare.gov or calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or 1-877-486-2048 (TTY), to get access to data intended to help seniors, family members, and caregivers find out about the quality of care their loved ones are receiving.