Supportive communities: An optimum arrangement for the older population?

The preference of older people to stay in their own natural environment
requires a reassessment of the approach in dealing with this population
group. This exploratory study examines a program conducted in Israel
called the "Supportive Community", that provides an emergency call
service and other essential services at the homes of older people. A case study
was performed in two such supportive communities. Interviews conducted
with those who operate the programs and with its members seem to indicate
that supportive communities provide a satisfactory solution to the needs
of older people who continue to live in their natural environment. Many
aspects have been addressed that may be considered in planning the physical
environment of supportive communities.