Claire Caruana takes a look behind the doors of Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek, a residential facility for people suffering from eating disorders and obesity, where patients are given nutritional and psychological help.
Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek (DKgħS), the residential facility set up in Mtarfa in 2014, aims to provide a holistic treatment to patients with eating disorders, as well as persons who are obese.
The first group of obese patients was admitted for a semi-residential programme on May 26, 2014.
Apart from specialised programmes, the facility also seeks to address causes of poor health and well-being related to eating habits, provide comprehensive programmes based on local eating habits and promote healthy lifestyles.
The programme for obese patients at DKgħS consists of specialised care and is divided into different stages from both a psychological aspect as well as a nutritional persepective.
Darlene Zerafa, secretary of the foundation Kenn Għal Saħħtek, which runs DKgħS, explains that a number of professionals address the various aspects of obesity.
“Patients at DKgħS are guided by a multidisciplinary team composed of psychiatrists, gastroenterologists, doctors, psychologists, dietitians, nutritionists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nurses. Together they assess, follow and amend the programme according to the individual needs of every resident,” she says.
Those classified as morbidly obese and who are either waiting to undergo surgery or are limited in terms of mobility are offered admission to an eight-week residential programme.
During their stay at DKgħS, patients are asked to keep a food diary and to record all food intake for the whole week, including the weekend which is spent at home.
Patients at the facility are guided by a multidisciplinary team
“Information to be included in the food diary includes hunger and satiety levels, an assessment of emotions felt and physical activity during the whole week,” explains Zerafa.
“These food diaries are discussed with the residents on a weekly basis, after the weigh-ins. Residents are then given guidance on food choices, different cooking methods and portion sizes for the following week based on the weight loss of the previous week.”
Apart from specially-designed exercise sessions with physiotherapists, relaxation sessions with occupational therapists and a number of other sessions, residents also receive group therapy.
They also take part in two-hour cooking sessions which help them understand the need for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“During this session, patients prepare a three-course meal for themselves. They are asked to prepare recipes to cook for the following week. Guidance is given by the nutritionist and the recipes are then modified so as to prepare healthier versions.
“The patients are supervised by two nutritionists, where advice is also given regarding different recipes, cooking methods and making healthy choices when at home or eating out.”
A lunch follows the cooking sessions where residents eat in the presence of a nutritionist.
Residents are closely monitored by nurses who support them in crisis episodes by listening to them and offering reassurance.
“Nurses communicate continuously with other therapists to be able to modify the programme according to an invidual’s needs,” says Zerafa, highlighting the significant role such nurses have in the residents’ recovery.
Patients are also monitored on an outpatient basis after they have been discharged from the inpatient programme.
Zerafa points out that DKgħS not only guides the patients who reside at the facility towards recovery but it also helps with their social reintegration after the phase of residential treatment. It also offers support to the family and carers of the patients.