The state Department of Health has approved Saint Elizabeth Home’s application to build four smaller-scale resident-directed long-term senior care “homes” in East Greenwich on its current campus, the first such model in Rhode Island, the nursing home announced recently.

“It is an exceptionally exciting time for seniors in the state of Rhode Island,” said Steven J. Horowitz, president and CEO of Saint Elizabeth Community, “and a historic day for Saint Elizabeth Community!”

Saint Elizabeth is working with the Green House Project, a senior living concept in which buildings are designed from the ground up to provide a “home”-like setting. Each house is built to accommodate 10 to 12 residents, each with his or her own bedroom and bathroom, but the houses also have plenty of open common areas, including a dining room with one table that seats 12.

There are Green House Project “homes” in 32 states – with this project Rhode Island will be added to that list.

Saint Elizabeth Home was one of three skilled nursing facilities in the state that applied for a grant to come up with a creative model for delivering care.