Community and Care Are Equally Important in Supportive Living, Melissa Fields Says

Melissa Fields of Columbia County Independent Living told HelloNation that social connection and belonging in supportive living communities can be as important as medical care; the article highlights group meals, walking clubs and shared activities as ways to reduce isolation and support mental and physical health.

Melissa Fields of Columbia County Independent Living spoke with HelloNation about the role of community in supportive living. She emphasizes that connection and belonging matter alongside medical and physical care for older adults and people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The article notes that loneliness can have long-term health effects comparable to chronic illness. It describes how routines and shared activities are used to promote interaction and emotional wellbeing. Key points: - Melissa Fields says community and belonging should be integrated with traditional supportive services rather than treated as extras. - The feature lists examples such as group meals, walking clubs, wellness programs, and shared hobbies that foster daily interaction. - The article reports that loneliness can lead to long-term health effects similar to chronic illness and that social connection is linked to better mental and physical outcomes. - Participation in group activities is reported to reduce anxiety, support memory retention, encourage physical activity, and may strengthen immune response. - The piece notes families often observe greater engagement and improved wellbeing when residents move from withdrawal into social involvement. Summary: Fields frames community as central to a holistic model of supportive living, noting that friendship, purpose and belonging contribute to overall health alongside care. Undetermined at this time.