Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-66.11-2. Legislative findings

(1) The number of Rhode Islanders sixty-five (65) years of age and older is projected by the state planning office to grow from 152,000 in 2010 to 189,000 in 2020 and to 248,000 by the year 2030.

(2) The 2010 U.S. Census established that Rhode Island had the highest percentage of persons age eighty-five (85) years and older, an age group that has the highest dependency needs and an increased need for long-term care services and supports.

(3) Surveys consistently show most older persons prefer to remain in their own homes and community for as long as possible.

(4) Community-based support services and programs, such as Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, respite services, and senior centers, play important roles in helping older persons to “age in community” thereby preventing or postponing institutionalization, reducing Medicaid costs for long-term care facilities, and reducing caregiver burden.

(5) Adequate funding for demonstrated, cost-effective home-and-community support services, such as Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, and respite programs is essential to reducing the use of long-term-care facilities by low-care residents; to saving Medicaid costs for the state; and to helping unpaid caregivers keep frail elders and adults with disabilities living at home.

(6) State funds to support Meals on Wheels and respite services decreased by sixty-three percent (63%) from fiscal year 2003 to fiscal year 2014 and there exists a waiting list for these essential services.