Resources

Welcome to our resource page! Here you will find some useful information and tips on home care services and how we can help you or your loved ones live independently and comfortably at home.

Healthcare Resources

These are some links to local hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers that you can contact if you need medical attention or advice. You can also find information about nearby pharmacies and medical supply stores that can deliver your prescriptions and equipment to your home. Additionally, you can contact our nurse manager and social worker who can provide you with quality care and support.

• Rhode Island Hospital : This is the largest hospital in Rhode Island and the main teaching hospital of Brown University. It offers a wide range of medical services and specialties. [Visit their website] or call them at (401) 444-4000.

• Providence Community Health Centers: This is a network of 10 health centers that provide primary care, dental care, behavioral health, and other services to residents of Providence and surrounding areas. They accept most insurance plans and offer sliding fee scales for uninsured or underinsured patients. [Visit their website] or call them at (401) 444-0400.

• CVS Pharmacy : This is a national chain of pharmacies that offers prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, health products, and more. You can order online or by phone and get free delivery to your home. You can also use their app or website to manage your prescriptions, check drug interactions, find savings, and more. [Visit their website] or call them at 1-800-SHOP-CVS (1-800-746-7287).

• Apria Healthcare: This is a leading provider of home respiratory therapy, home infusion therapy, and home medical equipment. They offer oxygen therapy, sleep apnea treatment, infusion therapy, wound care, mobility devices, and more. You can order online or by phone and get free delivery and setup to your home. You can also use their app or website to track your orders, pay your bills, request service, and more. [Visit their website] or call them at 1-800-277-4288.

• Good Shepherd Homecare Nurse Manager: This is our nurse manager who oversees our team of caregivers and coordinates our home care services. She is a registered nurse who has over 10 years of experience in home health care. She is responsible for conducting in-home assessments, creating customized care plans, matching clients with compatible caregivers,providing ongoing supervision and training, and ensuring quality and safety standards. You can contact her at (401) 123-4567 ext. 1 or email her at nurse@goodshepherdri.com.

Government Programs

These are some government programs that can help you cover some or all of the costs of home care services, depending on your eligibility and needs.

• Medicaid: This is a federal and state program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families, including seniors and people with disabilities. Medicaid covers different types of home and community-based services, such as personal care, housekeeping, physical therapy, and more. To qualify for Medicaid, you need to meet certain income and asset limits, as well as functional and clinical criteria. You can apply for Medicaid online through HealthSource RI, by phone at 1-855-MY-RIDHS (1-855-697-4347) or TTY 1-800-745-5555 (for hearing impaired), or by filling out a paper application and mailing it to the Department of Human Services (DHS). You can also get help from the POINT at (401) 462-4444 or visit the MyOptionsRI website to learn more about your options and find licensed home care providers in your area.

• Medicare: This is a federal program that provides health insurance for people who are 65 or older, disabled, or have certain chronic conditions. Medicare covers some home health care services, such as skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social services. To qualify for Medicare home health care, you need to be under the care of a doctor who certifies that you need home health care, be homebound, and need skilled care on an intermittent basis. You also need to use a Medicare-certified home health agency. [Visit their website] or call them at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or TTY 1-877-486-2048 (for hearing impaired).

- Veterans Affairs: This is a federal program that provides benefits and services for veterans and their families, including health care, disability compensation, pension, education, and more. Veterans Affairs offers different types of home and community-based services for veterans who need long-term care or have service-related injuries or illnesses. Some of these services include homemaker/home health aide services, respite care, adult day health care, hospice care, telehealth care, and more. To qualify for Veterans Affairs home care benefits, you need to be enrolled in the VA health care system and meet certain eligibility criteria based on your service history, disability rating, income level, etc. [Visit their website] or call them at 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) or TTY 1-800-829-4833 (for hearing impaired).

Community Organizations

These are some community organizations that provide support for seniors and people with disabilities who want to stay in their own homes and communities. These organizations offer various services such as transportation, meal delivery, and companionship. You can contact these organizations to find out more about their services and how to access them.

• Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island: This is a nonprofit organization that delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors and people with disabilities in Rhode Island. They also provide wellness checks, pet food delivery, senior restaurant vouchers, and more. [Visit their website] or call them at (401) 351-6700.

• RIPTA : This is the public transportation authority that operates buses, trolleys, and paratransit vehicles in Rhode Island. They offer reduced fares and free passes for seniors and people with disabilities who meet certain criteria. They also provide door-to-door transportation service for eligible riders who cannot use regular buses due to their disability. [Visit their website] or call them at (401) 781-9400 or TTY 1-800-745-5555 (for hearing impaired).

• Senior Services Inc.: This is a nonprofit organization that provides social and recreational activities for seniors in Providence and surrounding areas. They offer programs such as bingo, crafts, exercise, music, games, trips, and more. They also provide information and referral services for seniors who need assistance with health, housing, legal, or other issues. [Visit their website] or call them at (401) 941-3322.

Educational Materials

- Choosing a Home Care Provider: This is an article that provides some tips and questions to ask when choosing a home care provider for yourself or your loved one. It covers topics such as types of home care services, qualifications of caregivers, costs of services, quality of care, etc. [Read the article] .

- What to Expect from Home Care Services: This is a pamphlet that explains what home care services are, how they work, what they include, and what they don't include. It also provides some suggestions on how to prepare for home care services and how to communicate with your caregiver. [Download the pamphlet] .

- Paying for Home Care Services: This is a video that discusses the different ways of paying for home care services, such as out of pocket, private insurance, government programs, etc. It also provides some advice on how to plan ahead and budget for home care expenses. [Watch the video] .

- Diabetes and Home Care: This is an article that provides some information and tips on how to manage diabetes at home with the help of home care services. It covers topics such as blood sugar monitoring,

Community Organizations

There are many community organizations that provide support for seniors and individuals with disabilities in Rhode Island. These organizations offer services such as transportation, meal delivery, companionship, advocacy, and more. Here are some examples of community organizations that you can contact:

• The Point : The Point is Rhode Island's free aging and disability resource center. You can call or visit The Point to talk with a specialist who can help you identify your needs, explore resources and services, and help you apply for public and private programs. The Point can also provide information and answers to your COVID-19 questions.

• Office of Healthy Aging : The Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) is the state agency that serves as the chief advocate for older Rhode Islanders, adults living with disabilities, and family caregivers. OHA offers a variety of programs and services that promote healthy aging, independent living, and consumer protection.

• Rhode Island Disability Law Center : The Rhode Island Disability Law Center (RIDLC) is the state's disability protection and advocacy agency. It provides legal assistance and advocacy for people with disabilities in Rhode Island to protect their rights and access to services.

Educational Materials

You can find informative articles, pamphlets, videos, and other educational materials on topics related to home care, aging, and health on the following websites:

• Home Care | Office of Healthy Aging: This website provides information on home care services and programs that help people age strong in the community, such as @HOME Cost Share Program, Adult Day Centers, Dementia Supports, and Medicaid Long-Term Services & Supports.

• Older Adults | Executive Office of Health and Human Services: This website provides information on health and human services for older adults in Rhode Island, such as healthcare or dental care, paying for food or finding healthy meals, affording Medicare or prescriptions, protecting yourself or an elder you know, caring for yourself at home or in the community, obtaining long term services and supports (LTSS), and applying for Supplemental Security Income Program.

• Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter: This website provides information on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, such as signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, research and clinical trials, care strategies and tips, support groups and programs, advocacy and public policy.

Financial Assistance

There are various financial assistance programs for healthcare expenses in Rhode Island. Some of them are:

• General Public Assistance: This program provides time-limited cash assistance to adults 18 to 64 years of age who have very limited income and resources and an illness or medical condition that keeps them from working while awaiting SSI determination. GPA-Bridge recipients may receive up to $200 per month while their federal SSI application is pending. GPA-Hardship recipients may receive up to $100 per month ($50 bi-weekly). GPA-Burial recipients can receive up to $900 for burial service costs.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) : An HSA is a tax-advantaged account that allows you to save money for qualified medical expenses for this year and the future. To qualify for an HSA, you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan – i.e., Anchor Choice Plan with HSA. Your HSA is managed by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI).

• Rhode Island Medicaid Eligibility : Medicaid in Rhode Island is called Medical Assistance (MA). The state’s entire Medicaid program operates under the Rhode Island Comprehensive Demonstration, an 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waiver. While Medicaid is jointly funded by the state and federal government, it is administered by the state under federally set parameters. Medicaid covers various healthcare services for low-income individuals and families who meet certain eligibility criteria.

Legal and Regulatory Information

There are some legal aspects of home care that you should be aware of, such as rights and responsibilities, patient rights and advocacy, and advanced directives. Here are some resources that can help you understand these issues:

• Licensing Home Nursing Care Providers and Home Care Providers : This website provides the rules and regulations for licensing home nursing care providers and home care providers in Rhode Island. It covers general requirements for licensure and certificate of need, organization and management, patient care management, physical plant, additional requirements for home nursing care providers, variance procedure, practices and procedures, and severability.

• Home Care | Office of Healthy Aging : This website provides information on the rights and responsibilities of home care recipients and providers in Rhode Island. It covers topics such as informed consent, confidentiality, grievance procedures, quality assurance, abuse prevention and reporting, and emergency preparedness.

• Rhode Island Guide for Caregivers : This guide provides information on legal documents and advanced directives for caregivers in Rhode Island. It covers topics such as power of attorney, health care proxy, living will, do not resuscitate order (DNR), and medical orders for life-sustaining treatment (MOLST).

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Resources

If you or your loved one is dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, you may need some additional resources and support. Here are some resources that can help you:

• Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter : This organization provides various resources and support for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and their families in Rhode Island. These include a 24/7 helpline, care consultation, support groups, message boards, e-news, early-stage social engagement program, publications, education programs, advocacy opportunities, and research updates.

• Rhode Island Memory Care / Assisted Living for Alzheimer’s / Dementia : This website provides information on memory care facilities in Rhode Island that provide specialized care for people with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. These facilities are required to be certified by the state as having an Alzheimer’s Dementia Special Care Unit / Program. In addition, these residences must meet other special requirements.

• Alzheimer's & Dementia (Memory Loss) Care in RI | Lifespan : This website provides information on the Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center (ADMDC) at Rhode Island Hospital. The ADMDC offers a full range of diagnostic and treatment services for people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. The ADMDC also conducts clinical trials and research studies to advance the knowledge and care of these conditions.

Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies can happen at any time, so it is important to be prepared. You should have a disaster-supply kit that contains basic items that you may need in an emergency. You should also have a family communication plan that helps you stay in touch with your loved ones in case you are separated. You should also stay informed about the potential hazards in your area and follow the advice from local and state officials. Here are some resources that can help you prepare for emergencies:

• Preparedness | Emergency Management Agency : This website provides information on how to prepare for emergencies in Rhode Island. It covers topics such as making a kit, making a plan, staying informed, cybersecurity, evacuation, prepare now, special needs emergency registry, state emergency response commission, threats and hazards.

• Emergency Preparedness | Stay Safe Rhode Island : This website provides information on how to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic as well as other potential emergencies in Rhode Island. It covers topics such as emergency preparedness guidelines and checklists, evacuation plan and map, school emergency preparedness plan, family emergency communications plan, disaster-supply kit checklist.

• Evacuation | Emergency Management Agency : This website provides information on how to evacuate in case of an emergency in Rhode Island. It covers topics such as evacuation zones, evacuation routes, evacuation shelters.

Caregiver Support

Being a caregiver can be rewarding but also challenging. You may need some support and guidance to cope with the stress and demands of caregiving. You may also need some tips and resources to take care of yourself and your loved one. Here are some resources that can help you:

• Caregiver Support Groups | RI Elder Info : This website provides information on various caregiver support groups in Rhode Island. These include general caregiver support groups as well as specialized support groups for specific conditions or populations. Support groups can offer a place where caregivers can share their experiences and help solve caregiving challenges.

• Rhode Island Guide for Caregivers : This guide provides information on various topics related to caregiving in Rhode Island. It covers topics such as caregiver basics, who are you helping, caregiver tools, are you still working, managing money, advanced directives, legal documents, emergency plan.

• Caregiver Support | RI Department of Human Services : This website provides information on various programs and services that can help

Blog or News Section

You can stay updated with the latest articles, news, and tips related to home care, health, and senior living by visiting our blog or news section. Here are some of the recent posts that you may find interesting:

- [How to Choose the Right Home Care Agency for Your Loved One]: This article provides some tips on how to choose the right home care agency for your loved one. It covers topics such as assessing your loved one's needs, researching home care agencies, interviewing potential agencies, comparing costs and services, and checking references and reviews.

- [How to Prevent Falls and Injuries at Home]: This article provides some advice on how to prevent falls and injuries at home. It covers topics such as identifying fall hazards, making home modifications, using assistive devices, exercising regularly, managing medications, and seeking medical attention.

- [How to Communicate Effectively with Someone with Dementia]: This article provides some guidance on how to communicate effectively with someone with dementia. It covers topics such as setting a positive mood, getting the person's attention, stating your message clearly, asking simple questions, listening with your ears and eyes, breaking down activities into steps, and responding with affection and reassurance.