Eating disorders can be incredibly destructive. For many patients, attending an intensive, in-patient treatment program for a few weeks or months is the key to jump-starting recovery. But after that, what is the patient to do? If they just go home and return to their normal life, there is a good chance of relapse. So, a treatment option called supervised living exists as an in-between solution. Here's a closer look at what supervised living involves and why it's a good option for patients coming out of in-patient treatment.

What is supervised living?

Supervised living sits somewhere between in-patient treatment and living independently. A patient will live in a home with a couple of other eating disorder patients who are also in recovery, plus at least one psychiatrist or doctor to supervise them. In some supervised living homes, there are also dietitians and other medical staff who stop in and interact with the patients regularly.

In a supervised living home, the patients have some freedom to come and go. Some may attend work or school while living there, and others may not. However, the clinicians will keep an eye on their eating habits. Meals will typically be prepared for the patients, and everyone will eat together. There may be other protocols in place, such as weight checks and therapy sessions.

What are the benefits of supervised living?

Supervised living gives patients a chance to slowly transition back into ordinary life post-treatment. When they enter the supervised living home, they may have to follow more strict guidelines, such as being present for every shared meal and weighing in daily. As time goes on, they may gain more permissions, such as the option of eating out or separately from the other patients, if they prefer. This is all done under the supervision of doctors so they can ensure the patients' progress safely.

Supervised living also helps the patient gain additional skills and awareness before they are put back into the environment where their eating disorder previously flourished. For example, the patient will get to have therapy sessions and work on strategies to fight against possible triggers they may later encounter at home. They will also learn skills, such as healthy grocery shopping skills, that they can apply when they move home. 

If you or a loved one are about to enter an in-patient eating disorder treatment center, look into supervised living homes in the area. A couple of weeks in one of these homes can be an excellent continuation of treatment that helps ensure a continued recovery.