How do I find and access senior services?

Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Elderly Affairs (DEA) - state level / Local senior programs (city/town level)

Details

What you need to know

Fee

Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: dea.ri.gov; eohhs.ri.gov; healthyrhodeisland.com; 211ri.org WHERE TO GO: Local senior center or city/town senior program; DEA; 211 RI (dial 211)

Online Option

dea.ri.gov; eohhs.ri.gov; healthyrhodeisland.com; 211ri.org

Where to Go

Local senior center or city/town senior program; DEA; 211 RI (dial 211)

Rhode Island Notes

Important state-specific details

DEA ACTS AS STATE-WIDE AAA: Rhode Island's Division of Elderly Affairs coordinates senior services statewide in a unique single-AAA model; most states have multiple regional AAAs but RI is small enough for a single state-level entity.
RI SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program): free Medicare counseling - contact DEA at (401) 462-3000; SHIP volunteers help with Medicare enrollment, billing disputes, and plan selection.
GLOBAL CONSUMER CHOICE COMPACT WAIVER: RI's primary Medicaid HCBS waiver allowing elderly and disabled individuals to receive home-based services; apply through EOHHS at (401) 462-1000.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): important for RI winters; apply through local community action agency or 211.
Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse through DEA or 211; APS line: (401) 462-0555.
RI has a relatively high cost of living; senior affordability programs especially important.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

RI Division of Elderly Affairs (DEA) - dea.ri.gov | (401) 462-3000; SHIP: (401) 462-3000; APS: (401) 462-0555; 211 RI: dial 211; RI Legal Services: rilegales.org | (401) 274-2652