when not helping is helping!!!?

Is it healthy to allow someone who does not have the means to care for themselves to continue in their state of self neglect ..... what is the right thing to do ? Apart from listening, do you than just step aside and not do anything to help.

My friend is fiercely independent to the point of being obstinate. She will not accept any form of assistance, no amount of persuasion will melt her defense.

What do you do?

I pray for divine guidance in helpless situations as these. I pray for help, both for her and for me.