Some Independent Living Communities offer an additional service of supportive care to meet a growing demand for these services for the frail elderly and others who may require assistance for a period of time after: experiencing declining health and memory affecting their safety; recuperating after surgery, a medical emergency, or a cosmetic procedure; experiencing weakness from chemotherapy or progressive diseases; recovering from an accident or injury; and requiring bed rest due to cardiac or respiratory problems.
Supportive care can embrace four areas: companionship, personal care needs (meals), mobility (transportation) and medication reminders.
Following a health setback, residents of Independent Living Communities often recover more quickly and completely than seniors living alone due to the knowledge and encouragement offered by both staff and residents.
For example, after a fall causing a hip fracture, staff will check on your progress daily, urging an increase in activity when appropriate. Residents will also check by frequently, keeping you abreast of news and including you in activities as you are able.
Supportive living is exactly what it sounds like: lending support when needed with the knowledge to know how much.