Wednesday, September 16, 2026

The Guardian You Probably Haven’t Heard Of That Is Protecting RI’s Aging Population

By Lori Light and Carol Anne Costa












PHOTO: Hermes Rivera, Unsplash

As Rhode Island’s population rapidly ages, our state stands at a demographic crossroads. Nearly one in four Rhode Islanders is now age 60 or older, and RI consistently ranks among the highest in the nation for the proportion of residents aged 85 and above. Whether living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or receiving licensed care at home, thousands of older Rhode Islanders rely on long-term care services and support every day.

 And yet, behind the doors of long-term care facilities, a critical system of protection often goes completely unnoticed until a resident, patient, or family faces a crisis.

That protection rests in the office of the Rhode Island State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. 

Let’s be honest, "Ombudsman" is a cumbersome and funny word. It’s a Scandinavian term that roughly translates to "independent advocate" or "citizen's representative." Despite its formal, unusual name, the role of an ombudsman is straightforward and can be incredibly impactful. The Ombudsman is the eyes, ears, and voice for long-term care residents, patients, and consumers across RI.

Full Article and Source:
The Guardian You Probably Haven't Heard That is Protecting RI's Aging Population 

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