Tag Archives for Alzheimer’s

A Physician’s Guide to Living Life Fully, Not Just Longer, with Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

Published in RINewsToday on October 12, 2025

Over two weeks ago, over 300 advocates, providers, and older adults gathered at the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island’s (SACRI) 16th Annual Conference and Expo, “Navigating Choppy Waters – Shelter from the Storm,” held at Rhode on the Pawtuxets in Cranston.

The Sept. 25 event featured a thought-provoking keynote address by Dr. Ed Iannuccilli, state legislative updates, unveiling a new award to recognize two advocates, along with a panel discussion exploring critical topics facing older adults.

“This conference, by all measure, was a tremendous success,” said Carol Anne Costa, Executive Director of the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI, noting that the new venue, the topics, the engagement of the audience was reflected in the energy in the room.

“We are collecting survey responses an the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Costa noting that people are craving the opportunities to reconnect in person and in conversation. “If our vision for this conference helped to achieve that, it’s a win,” she said. 

___

Simple Tips on Aging Gracefully

 Dr. Ed Iannuccilli, a highly respected retired board-certified internist and gastroenterologist and the author of six published books, delivered an impassioned 31-minute keynote shifting the tone from legislation and program updates.  He offered common-sense advice on aging gracefully and called for changes in the state’s health care system to restore compassion and personal connection.

Looking back to the early days of his medical practice, Iannuccilli—who practiced medicine for over 30 years—recalled a conversation with a lively, healthy 80-year-old woman.

“In the innocence of my youth, I said admiringly, ‘At 80, you’re in marvelous condition. You don’t need to worry—age is just a number.’”

“She looked at me, twirled her ring, straightened her smock, squinted, pursed her lips, and said, ‘Young man, I have the number. Don’t you ever tell anyone that again,’” he said.

“And I never did,” he added. “It was an early lesson. As Oscar Wilde said, ‘With age comes wisdom, but sometimes wisdom comes with winters.’ Well, I have the winters now. I have the number. And I’m pleased to say that no one has dared call it just a number again,” said the Bristol resident.

As for reducing the stress of growing old, Iannuccilli shared: “I try to do happy things, avoid too much news, meet friends, and accept loss and mistakes with a spiritual shovel. No one’s judging anymore—history is history.”

He advised, “Don’t make living a long life your goal; living fully, is. If you’re at an age milestone—don’t panic. Laugh more. Call a friend. As Mark Twain said, ‘Don’t complain about growing old; it’s a privilege denied to many.’”

Iannuccilli said he stays curious, reads, writes, and keeps his mind active. “I even take piano lessons. I don’t need to go on a space mission; I’m already on a planet full of adventure,” he joked.

 He also emphasized that longevity and good health are tied to human connection. “Be a helper. Call a friend. Drive someone to a doctor’s appointment. Volunteer at a pantry. Fred Rogers’ mother was right—‘Look for the helpers.’ Better yet—be one,” urged Iannuccilli.

Navigating a Broken Health Care System

“We use words like quality, efficiency, deliverables, and outcomes—but what people want is access and comfort,” Iannuccilli observed. But, fewer long-term physician-patient relationships, financial barriers at every turn, and isolation among older adults all reflect systemic changes in today’s healthcare system, says Iannuccili.

According to Iannuccili, costs for care, medication, nursing homes, and even vaccines are rising. Too many seniors live alone and disconnected.

“When someone is sick, they want to be comforted. They want someone who listens and helps them navigate an increasingly impersonal system,” he says. 

Today it’s [often] a long phone queue, a chatbot, or a portal that needs a password and two-step verification,” he said. “You wait on hold and think, ‘This is my health I’m calling about, not my cable bill.’ We’ve lost the personal touch.”

“Be patient with emerging artificial intelligence,” Iannuccilli added. “With proper tuning, it can increase efficiency, help pair patients with the right provider, contain costs, and even promote equity. But nothing—nothing—will ever replace personal care.”

Patients are now called consumers, he said, a term he dislikes. “You’re not a consumer—you’re a patient. The word comes from the Latin patiens—one who suffers. It deserves respect.”

Recognizing Rhode Island’s Health Care Assets

Iannuccilli called for Rhode Islanders to stop focusing on negatives, like the bridge, and instead recognize their access to high-quality health care facilities.

“Within 20 miles you can reach some of the nation’s best hospitals—Rhode Island Hospital, Women & Infants, Hasbro Children’s, Butler, Bradley, Kent, South County, Newport, Miriam, Roger Williams, and Fatima,” he said.

According to Iannuccilli, the state’s health care system—from Brown University to URI—is “extraordinary,” featuring world-class nursing programs, physician assistant schools, and a top pharmacy school.

He believes Rhode Island can become a national model for universal access to health care.

“If we can assume our trash will be collected, our children educated, and our homes protected by firefighters, why can’t we assume access to health care for everyone?” he asked. “We have the talent. We have the infrastructure. What we need is the will.”

With a growing shortage of primary care physicians, Iannuccilli called for the creation of a medical school at the University of Rhode Island dedicated solely to training primary care physicians.

He concluded by issuing a call to action: “Let’s make Rhode Island the envy of the nation—a state where health care works for everyone, where education, research, and delivery come together. We can do better. We must do better. And guess what? We don’t have a choice.”

SACRI Recognition

At the conference, Costa recognized the advocacy of Ray Gagne Jr. for his advocacy work as Senior Organizer at RI Organizing Project and Sister Norma Fleming, RSM, for her direct work with adults with disabilities at ReFocus, Inc. by presenting them with the inaugural Marjorie Waters Award for Service. Honoring the legacy of Marjorie Waters—a Rhode Island College graduate, former Director of Information Technology for a Tribal Nation, Six Sigma Process Excellence Coach in the finance industry, and Executive Director of Providence’s Westminster Senior Center—the award celebrates her dedication as a lifelong community activist.

Legislative Greetings, and a Look to the Future

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) brought greetings from the House, emphasizing his strong commitment to supporting the state’s growing older population.

“As long as I’m Speaker of this House and I’m in Rhode Island government, you will have a friend in state government,” he pledged to the attending advocates and older adults.

The Warwick lawmaker shared how his 99-year-old father, who is battling Alzheimer’s and has mobility issues, has given him a personal understanding of older Rhode Islanders’ desire to remain at home—insight that has shaped his aging policy agenda.

Shekarchi highlighted several recent legislative successes, including the expansion of the Medicare Savings Program after 14 years of advocacy, which will save low-income beneficiaries over $2,000 annually. He also cited the state’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Law, which allows in-law apartments or “granny flats” (in the colloquial), to help residents age in place in their homes.

Senate President Rep. Lauren Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport), also detailed her legislative work on behalf of older Rhode Islanders. As Chair of the House Study Commission on Aging, she announced her intention to introduce legislation to make the commission permanent to help guide the state’s aging policy.

Another planned bill for next year would replace the term “senior citizen” with “older Rhode Islander” in state law to promote a more positive view of aging.

Maria Cimini, Director of the State’s Office of Healthy Aging, stressed that the guiding principle of her office’s work was to ensure older Rhode Islanders had the “choice to age as they wished” with dignity and independence.

She pointed out a significant demographic shift, noting that Rhode Island now had more people over 65 than under 18. “We are all aging. My goal is to be sure that Rhode Island is a great place to grow up and grow old,” she says.

A panel discussion followed the keynote, covering practical aspects of end-of-life planning, including legal documents such as wills and trusts, funeral pre-planning, financial planning for dependents with disabilities, suicide prevention, and the role of the long-term care ombudsman.

To watch SACRI’s Sept. 25th program, go to https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/11543?site=1

Every Step Counts: Rhode Island’s Annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Published in RINewsToday on September 1, 2025 

“With new treatments emerging in the fight again Alzheimer’s and all other dementias, now is the time for hope. Now is the time for action,” says the Alzheimer’s Association, which organizes the world’s largest fundraiser to combat the disease.

Earlier this year, the Alzheimer’s Association released its 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, which underscores the growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s across the United States. Today, over 7 million Americans are living with the disease, with numbers expected to rise sharply in the coming decades. Twenty-two thousand people in Rhode Island are living with Alzheimer’s.

According to the report, Alzheimer’s-related deaths have more than doubled between 2000 and 2021. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and Alzheimer’s kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Alongside the devastating emotional impact, Alzheimer’s also places an immense financial burden on families and communities. Over 12 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

The Alzheimer’s Association has been at the forefront of the fight against the disease, particularly through its annual fundraising efforts like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Since its inception in 1989, this nationwide initiative has raised billions of dollars for Alzheimer’s care, prevention, treatment, and research.

Last year alone, the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter was a proud participant in this effort, alongside 73 other chapters across the U.S. The Rhode Island Chapter, which is committed to supporting local families and advancing

The Rhode Island Chapter’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a key event that provides an opportunity for local cities and towns to come together, raise awareness, and generate crucial funds for Alzheimer’s care and research. This year, Rhode Island’s five Walk events will kick off on September 7 in Block Island and continue across the state, including Newport (September 21), Northern Rhode Island (September 27), Westerly (October 5), and Providence (October 19).

Kristen Cusato, Director of Communications for the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut and Rhode Island Chapter, shares that over 700 participants have already registered for the walks, forming 214 teams. She anticipates this number will grow to 2,700 participants across 372 teams by the time the walks take place.

A powerful example of local commitment to the cause is Women’s Ice Hockey Olympic Gold Medalist AJ Mleczko, who, will attend the Block Island walk. Known for her advocacy work with the Alzheimer’s Association, Mleczko has a personal connection to the disease—both her mother, Bambi, has Alzheimer’s and her maternal grandmother passed away from the devastating cognitive disorder.  Mleczko will share her family’s experience and highlight the importance of raising funds to support those affected by the disease.

With a fundraising goal of $730,000, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s events are crucial to the Rhode Island Chapter’s efforts to support Alzheimer’s research and community programs. “These events provide powerful opportunities to unite in the fight against Alzheimer’s while raising essential funds for care, research, and support services,” says Donna McGowan, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter. “Every step taken brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s, and your participation can make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected.”

Rhode Island Communities Walk Together

The Rhode Island Chapter is proud to be part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s broader mission as the world’s largest non-profit funder of dementia research. With over $1 million currently being invested in local research projects, the chapter’s efforts are directly impacting the lives of Rhode Islanders affected by Alzheimer’s. “Our funds go directly back into the community to support various programs and services,” McGowan says. “These efforts help individuals living with Alzheimer’s, their loved ones, and anyone eager to join us in the fight.”

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s Day holds a special place in the hearts of many, according to McGowan. “It’s truly incredible,” she says. “After the program and Promise Garden ceremony, you realize you’re not in this battle alone. It’s the largest support group, where you can share your story and feel a sense of connection.”

One of the most touching examples of dedication to the cause comes from the Greenman family. For the past seven years, they have participated in the Block Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s through Team Peter and Sandy. The team was founded by Peter Greenman in honor of his wife, Sandy, who passed away in April 2024 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Peter himself passed away shortly after one of the walks in 2020. Today, their daughter, Sarah Greenman Barclay, leads the team, continuing her parents’ legacy and raising awareness in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Spotlight on One of the Best

Last year, Team Peter and Sandy raised over $119,000, earning national recognition as the 19th-ranked fundraising team in the country. Over the past seven years, they have raised nearly $500,000. Greenman Barclay credits much of their success to the Block Island community and the support from the Roosa Foundation, which provided match incentives.

“Being part of a top fundraising team was amazing,” Greenman Barclay reflects. “The Block Island community has been incredibly supportive, and we’ve made so many friends across the country who are just as passionate about the cause, even though they never met my parents.”

Greenman Barclay believes that participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s not only raises crucial funds but also brings the community together, accelerating the discovery of a cure. “It truly takes a village to fight this disease,” she says. “When we walk together, we send a powerful message that we are not alone.”

It’s not too late to register or volunteer for a local walk. Individuals can still participate, fundraise, or sign up as volunteers for event setup, registration, and more. To get involved, visit the event website:

https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_volunteer#searchform.

If you have any questions about Alzheimer’s or dementia, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/ri.

Aging Policy in 2025: Rhode Island Legislative Wins and What’s Missing

Published in RINewsToday.com, July 14, 2025 

On June 24, 2025, with a 35-2 vote in the Senate, the Rhode Island General Assembly has given its approval to a $13.963 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year that directs additional funding toward addressing the state’s housing and homelessness crisis, improving access to health care, supporting municipalities through increased revenue sharing, more funding for the state’s Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, extending childcare subsidies for toddlers and infants, and increasing Medicaid reimbursement to primary care providers, nursing homes and hospitals, among its directives.

Faced with a slowing economy and impending federal budget cuts, lawmakers were tasked with closing a $250 million deficit without resorting to broad tax hikes or cuts to essential services. To generate revenue, they implemented new electric vehicle (EV) registration fees, adjustments to the gas tax, and increases in real estate conveyance and hotel taxes. Additionally, tolls on large trucks (18-wheelers), which were approved in 2016 but delayed due to litigation from the trucking industry, are now set to be implemented following the state’s legal victory. The FY 2026 budget includes revenue from these tolls, which are scheduled to take effect.

According to Larry Berman, House Director of Communications, when the dust settled at the conclusion of this year’s 164-day legislative session, lawmakers introduced 1,430 bills and resolutions in the House and 1,165 in the Senate. Of those, the Governor signed 384 House and Senate bills into law, while another 125 became law without his signature.

The Governor is not required to act on resolutions. During the session, the House passed 238 resolutions and the Senate passed 127, most of which expressed congratulations or condolences, says Berman.

As Rhode Island’s population continues to age, advocacy organizations urged lawmakers to consider an array of legislation aimed at enhancing the delivery of state programs and services for older residents—and strengthening protections for their health, safety, financial security, and overall well-being.

Below is a selection of key laws enacted, organized by category:

Healthcare and Insurance

Lawmakers increased insurance coverage for hearing aids from $1,500 to $1,750 per ear, applicable to all ages. Additionally, the new law allows for hearing aid purchases every year, rather than every three years. Sponsored by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett), H 5218,  and Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich, S 0120, this legislation has been signed by the Governor.

The General Assembly passed S 0610B introduced by Senate President Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence) and Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty’s (D-Dist. 35, South Kingston), bill, H 5494A.  The new law provides new consumer protections for Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) and aligns Rhode  Island’s market with neighboring states. Additionally, the budget expanded the Medicare Savings Program, helping more beneficiaries with premiums and co-pays.

With the passage of S 0169A  sponsored by Sen. Jacob E. Bissaillon (D-Dist. 1, Providence) and H 5184A by Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket), the new law protects homeowners from medical debt-related liens on their primary residence. Medical bills are among the top reasons underlying bankruptcy among Americans. This law takes effect on Jan. 1.

Senate President Lawson and Rep. Joshua J. Giraldo (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls) sponsored S 0974aa and H 6066A to expand paid family leave under the Temporary Care Insurance (TCI) program. Starting in January 2027, the TCI wage replacement rate will increase from 60% to 70%, and then to 75% in January 2028. This expansion is funded through a modest increase in the payroll contribution cap, which will not impact the state budget.

Consumer Protections and Financial Legislation

The General Assembly passed S 0016A and H 5121A, introduced by Senate Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies Committee Chairwoman Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown) and Rep. Julie A. Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingston, Exeter). Signed by the Governor, the new law aims to prevent scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs, a growing fraud scheme in Rhode Island. 

According to AARP, recently 11 states have passed laws or regulations that put key consumer fraud protections on cryptocurrency ATMs in place. Americans lost more than $246 million to crypto ATM fraud and scams in 2024 alone, and older adults are disproportionately targeted by criminals.

With the passage of H 5042A and S 0229A, sponsored by Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls) and Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence), a new law eliminates the special exemption that allowed payday lenders to charge exorbitant interest rates of up to 260% APR. This reform helps protect consumers from falling into predatory debt cycles.

Lawmakers passed H 5185A and S 0133A sponsored by Rep. Susan R. Donovan (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth) and Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston).  Signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee, it prohibits predatory real estate practices that often target older homeowners, preventing them from facing liens or other issues related to their properties.  The bill is based on model legislation that has been adopted in 30 other states. The legislation was backed by AARP, the American Land Title Association and the National Association of Realtors.

Support for Vulnerable Populations

Rep. Tina L. Spears (D-Dist. 36, Charlestown, New Shoreham, South Kingstown, Westerly) and Sen. Todd M. Patalano (D-Dist. 26, Cranston) sponsored H 6165A and S 0983A to create the PURPLE Alert system. Signed into law, this new initiative is designed to quickly locate missing adults with serious disabilities whose health and safety are at risk.

Legislation (S 0381A / H 5833A), sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston) and Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, now law, allows licensed hairdressers to provide in-home services to individuals with special needs or sensory-related disorders. This new law ensures that such services are provided in accordance with individual care plans verified by a licensed healthcare professional.

Now law, (H 5017A/ S 0884), sponsored by Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly),  and Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton), protects veterans from improper conduct or excessive fees by individuals assisting them in filing disability claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs, except as authorized by federal law, and it imposes penalities under the deceptive trade practices provisions.

The General Assembly passed legislation (S 0884 / H 5017A) that grants people the right to repair their own complex power wheelchairs and mobility aids. Sponsored by Sen. Mark McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick) and Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence), this new law requires manufacturers to provide independent service providers with the necessary tools and repair information. Under the new law, manufacturers are prohibited from using parts that would prevent installation of any non-manufacturer-approved replacement part or component. Also, a health plan’s coverage and payment is not allowed to require any form of prior authorization or medical documentation to complete repairs for consumer-owned complex rehabilitation technology.

Deputy Majority Whip Mia A. Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln) and Sen. Pamela J. Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) introduced H 5619 and S 0481, directing the Department of Health to collaborate with the state’s advisory council on Alzheimer’s to distribute educational materials. With the bill’s passage, signed into law, these resources will help  educate both the public and medical providers on prevention, early detection, and management of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Legislative Changes and Reforms

Sen. Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield) and Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Dist. 16, Cranston) sponsored legislation (S 0120, H 5218) to create a three-year pilot program to remove prior authorization requirements for medically necessary care ordered by primary care providers.  Now law, the program is designed to reduce administrative delays and improve patient access to timely care.

Two bills sponsored by Sen. Pamela Lauria and Rep. Michelle McGaw (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton) improve pharmacy flexibility. The first (H 5633, S 0483aa) allows pharmacists to dispense a one-time refill for up to 100 days if the prescriber is unavailable. The second bill (S 0482A H 5855A) simplifies the process for substituting therapeutically equivalent prescription drugs or devises. Such substitutions typically occur at the request of an insurer, and the current process requires the pharmacist to contact the patient’s prescriber for approval before filling it.

Observations from Aging Advocates:

Lori Light, the state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman, frequently observes that facility staff accused of abuse are often terminated from one facility only to be rehired by another, with the new administrator unaware of the prior allegations. “While it is important not to penalize individuals based on unproven claims, we believe that repeated allegations involving the same staff member across multiple facilities are unlikely to be coincidental and suggest a recurring issue,” she says.

To address this, H 5303 was introduced to make the complaint histories of licensed care staff accessible to prospective employers. Light expressed disappointment that this bill did not become law and hopes to work closely with the state’s Department of Health to revise and reintroduce it next year.

“We were pleased to see that the Safe Staffing and Quality Care Act, initially passed in 2021, was amended by the state budget to allow for enforcement,” says Light. While she acknowledges that the revised law may not provide the same level of benefit to nursing home residents as originally intended, she recognizes it as a step forward.

Light also expressed disappointment that the Assisted Living Resident Empowerment Act (H5169, S484) did not pass. “Assisted living facilities remain under-regulated, with fewer resident rights despite high monthly costs and regular rate increases,” she said. The unsuccessful legislative change would have strengthened resident and family councils and improved financial transparency within these facilities.

“It’s unclear why the Department of Health’s legislation (H5426, S789), which would have increased financial transparency in nursing homes and limited equity extraction, failed to advance this year, despite having the governor’s support,” says Light. She notes that this is the second year the bill has been introduced.

“With more out-of-state investor groups acquiring facilities, it is critical to ensure that public Medicaid dollars are spent on resident care, not diverted to investors,” she emphasizes, recognizing that the bill represented a modest but essential step in that direction. “We anticipate that RIDOH will reintroduce the bill next session, and we remain committed to supporting it,” she says.

Carol Anne Costa, executive director of the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI (SACRI), notes, “SACRI worked closely with many agencies and individuals in the aging network to advance our legislative agenda. Collaboration is always beneficial for passing good laws, and more importantly, it strengthens the fabric of the coalition,” she says.

Costa continues, “SACRI fully intends to resume pushing for the passage of unsuccessful legislation in the next session, including expanded accessibility in new housing, the development of more housing for older adults, nursing home patient welfare, and assisted living resident councils. Additionally, SACRI will be closely monitoring the impact of the Trump’s Reconciliation Bill on Rhode Island.”

SACRI Policy Advisor Maureen Maigret adds, “It was absolutely wonderful to see the FY 2026 bill include a provision to increase the income eligibility for the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP), which was SACRI’s top legislative priority for 2025.”

Maigret notes that SACRI has worked tirelessly since 2013 to expand the MSP program. “These efforts finally paid off, thanks to the incredible support from community partners and legislative champions, including House Speaker  K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick), lead sponsors Sen. Louis DiPalma and Rep. Karen Alzate, and many legislative co-sponsors.”

“Once eligibility is increased, as called for in the budget, potentially several thousand current MSP participants will have their co-payments covered, and thousands more Medicare enrollees will no longer have to pay for their Part B premiums (currently $185/month). These savings will help pay for other basic needs, such as food,” says Maigret.

Rhode Island’s 2025 legislative session brought meaningful advances for older adults, including expanded healthcare coverage, stronger consumer protections, and new programs supporting vulnerable populations.  Despite these successes, important bills on long-term care staff accountability, assisted living oversight, and nursing home financial transparency did not pass, leaving critical issues unresolved.

Expect committed aging organizations and advocates to return next year to advance these and other unfinished legislative priorities including promoting development of accessible housing for those with mobility impairments and caregiver tax credits to help ease the financial burden on unpaid family caregivers.

For a reporting of the provisions in the FY 2026 Rhode Island budget, visit https://rinewstoday.com/house-finance-committees-fy-26-budget-boosts-support-for-older-rhode-islanders-herb-weiss/.