Home Health in Providence, RI

Home Health in Providence, Rhode Island: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask

Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, combines historic charm with urban amenities, making it an attractive city for older adults seeking care at home. Home health services in Providence support seniors who wish to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving licensed medical care. Rhode Island ranks 30th nationally for assisted living, offering a moderate level of elder care services statewide. In Providence, residents benefit from a rich cultural scene, walkable neighborhoods, and close proximity to world-class hospitals. These features create a supportive environment for aging in place. Additionally, the city’s compact size and strong community networks allow for greater accessibility and independence. With seasonal variation and coastal beauty, Providence provides a well-rounded backdrop for retirement living.

About Home Health in Providence, RI

Home health in Providence, RI includes a variety of in-home services aimed at maintaining health and independence. These services range from skilled nursing and home health aide support to physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy. Moreover, these services are typically delivered under a physician-directed care plan to meet individual medical needs. The goal is to allow seniors to remain in their homes while receiving quality, consistent care.

Considerations when looking for Home Health Care Agencies in Providence, RI

There are 49 Home Health providers within 10 miles of Providence, Rhode Island. The city has a population of approximately 189,563, with 13.3% of residents aged 65 or older. In Providence, the summers are warm and humid, the winters are very cold and snowy, and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 21°F to 83°F and is rarely below 7°F or above 91°F.

Cities near Providence, RI

• Cranston, RI – 4 miles southwest
• East Providence, RI – 4 miles east
• North Providence, RI – 5 miles northwest
• Pawtucket, RI – 6 miles north
• Central Falls, RI – 7 miles north

Pricing and How to Pay for Home Health Services

Paying for senior care involves several factors, including the type of services needed and coverage options available. On average, seniors can expect to pay $7,245 per month for home health services, which typically include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and medical social services. These essential services help ensure a comfortable and well-supported aging experience. Costs may vary based on location, level of care required, and agency offerings.

Many home health care agencies choose to become Medicare-certified, allowing them to receive reimbursement for eligible services. Additionally, home health providers may educate individuals and their families on self-care techniques to promote independence. When prescribed by a physician, home health services are often covered by medical insurance and are commonly provided after a hospital stay or skilled rehabilitation.

How to pay for Home Health and available coverage

Medicare:

Generally Medicare reimburses the cost of Home health services. Medicare typically covers your loved one when recovering from an illness or an accident or a surgery.

*Medicare covers the specific ailment. When treatment is completed Medicare coverage stops. 

Medicare is not a long-term care solution. 

Medicaid:

Medicaid programs are put in place on a state-by-state basis. Each state will have their own regulations regarding the coverage of care. Some individuals at a certain low-income level may qualify for Medicaid Home and Community Based Service Waivers.

Veteran Aid and Attendance:

This benefit is available to some military veterans or surviving spouses. 

• A veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month. 
• A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month. 
• If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.

Private Insurance:

• Most health insurance companies typically cover some services for acute medical needs. 
• Do be aware, long-term coverage vary by plan. Not all long-term insurance will assist with home health services as the needs of the person tend to be temporary. 

Private pay:

Families which can afford to do so may pay for care with private funds. Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, pension payments and family members may contribute funds toward a loved one’s care as well.

Definitions of types of care

Home Care: Caregiver assistance related to activities of daily living, including: mobility, eating, toileting, bathing and personal hygiene, dressing and grooming or cognition support. These services are typically not covered by medical insurance and do not require a physician’s order.

Home Health: includes skilled nursing services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language therapy and medical social services. A home health care agency may choose to be Medicare certified to be reimbursed for their services. Home health agencies may also teach you how to care for yourself. Services ordered by a physician, covered by Medical Insurance and typically provided following a hospital or skilled rehab stay.

Rehabilitation & Therapy: treatment for an injury, illness, or pain with the goal of restoring function, including nursing and therapy services. Rehab is ordered by
a physician and services are provided by nurses and physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Examples include working with a physical therapist to help you walk and with an occupational therapist to help you get dressed.

Respite Care: short term relief for family caregivers to take a break from the caregiving responsibilities and allows for a healthier and better quality of life for both the caregiver and care receiver. Respite services include: companionship, personal care, recreational activities and security. Respite care can be provided as short stay or for a longer period that allows the family caregiver to go on vacation or a business trip. Longer duration respite care is generally found at select senior housing communities although some Companion services may provide this service in the home.

Hospice Care (Palliative Care): emphasizes comfort measures and counseling to provide social, spiritual and physical support to the dying patient and his or her family. The goals of hospice are to keep the patient as comfortable as possible by relieving pain and other symptoms. Hospice care, is typically offered in the last six months of life and covered under Medicare Part A .

Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Providence, RI

• Rhode Island Hospital
  593 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903
  (401) 444-4000
• The Miriam Hospital
  164 Summit Ave, Providence, RI 02906
  (401) 793-2500
• Women & Infants Hospital
  101 Dudley St, Providence, RI 02905
  (401) 274-1100
• Roger Williams Medical Center
  825 Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI 02908
  (401) 456-2000
• Providence VA Medical Center
  830 Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI 02908
  (401) 273-7100

Questions to ask when looking for Home Health

• How long has the agency been serving this community? 
• Does the agency have any printed brochures describing the services it offers and how much they cost? 
• Is the agency an approved Medicare provider?
• Is the agency currently licensed to practice (if required in the state where you live)? 
• Does a national accrediting body certify the quality of care?  
• Does the agency offer seniors a “Patients’ Bill of Rights” that describes the rights and responsibilities of both the agency and the senior being cared for? 
• Is there a care plan in place that outline the patient’s course of treatment, describing the specific tasks to be performed by each caregiver? 
• How closely do supervisors oversee care to ensure quality? 
• Will agency caregivers keep family members informed about the kind of care their loved one is getting?
• Are agency staff members available around the clock, seven days a week, if necessary? 
• Does the agency have a nursing supervisor available to provide on-call assistance 24 hours a day? 
• How does the agency ensure patient confidentiality? 
• How are agency caregivers hired and trained? 
• What is the procedure for resolving problems when they occur?
• How does the agency handle billing? 
• Is there a sliding fee schedule based on ability to pay, and is financial assistance available to pay for services? 
• Will the agency provide a list of references for its caregivers? 
• Who does the agency call if the home health care worker cannot come when scheduled? 
• What type of employee screening is done? 

Rhode Island Division of Elderly Affairs The Division of Elderly Affairs (DEA) is responsible for the development of community- based services and programs that encourage independence and preserve the dignity of seniors and adults with disabilities.

THE POINT Call or visit the Point to talk with a specialist today. Calls are free and confidential. We can help you identify your needs, explore resources and services, and help with applying to public and private programs. Get valuable information and assistance aboutHome and community-based care, Resources for caregivers and their families, Assistance with planning for Memory and Cognitive Care, Access to public assistance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, SNAP, Heating and Utility Assistance 

Division of Elderly Affairs Protective Services Investigates complaints of elderly abuse of Rhode Islanders 60 and older by a family member, caregiver or person with duty of care. Abuse may include physical, emotional, sexual, financial exploitation, or abandonment.

Rhode Island Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) 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.

Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings

Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.

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