People are often confused about what kinds of help a loved
one needs. You may want to consider an assessment.
Doctors, nurses and social workers working independently
or in a health care or social service agency may provide
assessments. Professionals will assess a person’s physical,
mental and social functioning. They provide advice on how
to manage problems. For elderly individuals this may be
called a “Geriatric Assessment.” You many want to
consider asking your physician for a referral or you may
call:
• DEA Customer Information at 462-4000.
Medicare and most insurance companies pay for geriatric
assessments at hospitals or doctors’ offices. If you belong
to a Medicare HMO you may need to be referred by your
primary care physician.
A professional care manager or a case manager can help
develop a plan of care, arrange necessary services and
monitor the plan to be sure that it is working well. The
Department of Elderly Affairs offers care management to
Rhode Island residents 60 or older through regional case
management agencies. Services are available to low income
elders who qualify for co-pay or Medicaid programs and
who require services due to frailty or disability or to remain
safely at home. For help choosing a case manager in your
area please call:
• Department of Elderly Affairs at 462-4000.
Individuals with a disability under age 65 who require
information and help arranging for care may contact:
• P.A.R.I (People Actively Reaching Independence) at
725-1966.
• OSCIL (Ocean State Center for Independent Living) at
738-1015.
Medicare or health insurance does not cover case
management services. However seniors with low incomes
may receive these services at no charge through the
Department of Elderly Affairs’ (DEA) Case Management
Program. To learn more about this program please call
462-4000.
The Department of Human Services will help with
arranging services for both elders and individuals with a
disability who receive S.S.I. (Supplementary Security
Income) or who qualify for Medicaid home and community
based programs. For more information on this program
contact:
• DHS Info Line at 462-5300 for your Regional Long
Term Care Office.
If you or a loved one need information about a specific
disease or if you would like to join a support group there
are many agencies that can assist you or you may request
information from the DEA Community Elder Information
Specialist in your local area.
To find an Elder Specialist in your area, please call:
• DEA at 462-4000.
