Become a Caregiver in Rhode Island

Across Rhode Island, more than 150,000 family caregivers provide support for loved ones each year, according to AARP. And as more care shifts into the home, that role is becoming even more important.

Caregiving is already part of everyday life for many Rhode Island families. You may be helping an aging parent, sibling, or loved one with tasks like bathing, dressing, or getting around. These daily acts of care can make it possible for older adults and adults with disabilities to remain in the place they know best: home.

The good news is that Rhode Island offers Medicaid programs that help recognize and support the care you already provide. Programs like RIte@Home allow eligible individuals to choose who provides their care. In many cases, that caregiver may be a family member.

How Family Members Can Become Caregivers in Rhode Island

Becoming a family caregiver in Rhode Island often starts with a simple realization: you are already doing the work. You may be helping your loved one with daily needs such as:

• Personal care: Bathing, dressing, and grooming 
• Household support: Eating and meal preparation
• Health support: Medication reminders, mobility assistance, and help getting to appointments

With the support of a caregiving program, the care you provide may be formally recognized. This can help turn unpaid care into a supported caregiving role. The process usually includes checking whether your loved one qualifies for Medicaid, completing a care needs assessment, and enrolling in the right state-approved program. These steps help make sure your loved one receives the right level of care and that you have the resources to provide it safely.

RIte@Home and Structured Family Caregiving in Rhode Island

If you live with the person you care for, RIte@Home in Rhode Island may be a good fit. This program is also often called Shared Living.

RIte@Home is designed for people who need regular help with daily activities but want to continue living in a home or community setting. Through this program, a live-in caregiver, often a family member, receives a tax-free stipend to help support the care they provide.

But the program is about more than financial support. Caregivers also receive:

• Professional coaching: Regular check-ins with a care team
• Training: Guidance on how to provide safe, effective care
• Care planning: A clear plan for supporting your loved one’s changing needs

Because the caregiver and care recipient live together, RIte@Home can provide comfort, consistency, and peace of mind for the whole family.

Eligibility Requirements for Rhode Island Caregiver Programs

To qualify for the RIte@Home program, both the caregiver and the person receiving care must meet certain requirements.

For the Care Recipient:

• Must be between 18-64 years old with a disability or 65+ and eligible for Medicaid LTSS
• Must live in the same home as their caregiver
• Must need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, dressing, or walking
• Must qualify for Rhode Island Medicaid and be enrolled in the 1115 Rhode Island Comprehensive Demonstration Waiver

For the Caregiver:

• Must be 18 or older 
• Must live in the same home as the person they care for
• Must pass a fingerprint background check and health screens

In Rhode Island, spouses and parents of minor children are not eligible, but legal guardians are allowed with state approval. 

How to Get Started as a Caregiver in Rhode Island

The path to support doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you may be closer than you think if you’re already providing care for a loved one. If you’re ready to take the next step for support in Rhode Island, start here:

1. Check Medicaid and Waiver Status: Verify that your loved one meets Medicaid’s thresholds and is enrolled through the 1115 Rhode Island Comprehensive Demonstration Waiver. You can start the process through your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
2. Choose a Provider: Research and select a RIte@Home provider. Careforth has been a trusted provider for over 25 years and helps guide you through the enrollment process.
3. Apply: Careforth can assist with the initial paperwork to get you registered with the state and help confirm your family’s Medicaid, level of care, and program fit.
4. Complete an In-Home Assessment: A healthcare professional will visit your home to evaluate your loved one’s needs and ensure the home environment is safe.
5. Develop Your Care Plan: Once approved, you get paired with a dedicated care coach. We work with you to create a customized plan that outlines your caregiving goals and your loved one’s care needs.
6. Receive Ongoing Support and Payment: Your Careforth coach will support you with all your caregiving questions, and you will begin receiving your weekly stipend.

How Can Careforth Help Rhode Island Caregivers?

We understand that to provide great care, the caregiver needs to be cared for, too. At Careforth, we provide the resources and connections that ensure caregivers feel supported during their caregiving journey. That includes expert guidance, clinical oversight, and a user-friendly mobile app to keep your day and goals on track.

From initial screening to long-term enrollment on our service, caregivers are paired with a dedicated care team. Through our secure app, you can message your coach for advice, access a library of caregiving resources, and track your loved one’s health updates. This comprehensive support system is designed to prevent caregiver burnout and preserve the independence and dignity for your loved one. Visit the Caregiver Support page on our site to learn more about how Careforth can help, or contact us for more information.