Residential Inpatient Care
For many persons afflicted with an eating disorder, the illness is so deeply entrenched that it takes a rigorous effort to alter the distorted thoughts and beliefs that are so firmly held. In many cases, in order for a person to progress to a more satisfying level of independent living, the structure, continuity and intensity of a residential treatment program may be necessary.

Every day, there are skill-teaching groups that help individuals modify their eating disordered behaviors and develop adaptive coping skills to deal with their own issues and life's stressors. The way people think about their behaviors affects the way they feel and how they act. In the groups, we try to identify these cognitions and attempt to alter those that interfere with appropriate eating and adaptive living. We help people identify new ways of thinking about food and practice using these skills to change their behaviors. All of our groups emphasize developing and practicing new skills in real life situations. We help individuals think more positively about themselves which, in turn, results in more positive interactions with others.

In these groups, participants become comfortable with activities range from grocery shopping; cooking healthy, tasty foods; dining out; affect management; interpersonal relationships and a range of other problem solving activities.

In addition to the education and practice that occurs within skill-teaching groups, residents practice new skills and behaviors with other residents, with supportive staff persons and, wherever possible, in "real life" settings. Participants can report back to the group about the relative effectiveness of these new skills and behaviors.

The eating disorder has often pushed aside the person's various interests and social activities. Helping them to reconnect and develop these interests is a necessary part of the recovery process. When we let go of the obsessive thoughts and actions associated with the eating disorder, we need to replace that with enhancing rewarding alternatives.

There are numerous activities planned for residents while they are living at Capo Eating Disorder by the Sea. Even social activities have a component that involves food. At Capo residents practice appropriate eating skills in various real life situations.

All meals are planned by a trained chef and meal time is supervised by a specialized staff. Each meal plan is balanced and nutritious. The plan consists of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, milk products, fats, and grains. The food plan is also high in fiber. Individuals participate in a supervised meal preparation and cooking activity. Residents learn how to cook healthy meals and participate in food preparation according to their level of progress. Grocery store experiences, restaurant experiences, and healthy cooking classes are also incorporated into the program, which allow individuals the opportunity to experience and learn about these difficult situations. This enables individuals to have hands-on experience in addressing a poten-tially stressful situation in a supportive environment.

The treatment team meets weekly to discuss and update each individual's treatment plan. We believe the individual is an integral part of the treatment team, and is included in setting and redirecting the treatment process.

The treatment team recommends is a minimum stay of four weeks. After that, the general length of stay is one to three months, with step-down options available as clients gain increased control over their symptoms and transition back to everyday
life.

Intensive Day Treatment Program
Our Intensive Day Treatment Program is a 5 day a week, 7 hour a day program that provides a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment that allows those suffering from eating disorders to address the main symptoms of the eating disorder as well as the emotional, psychological and interpersonal issues that have led to the development and maintenance of the eating disorder symptoms.

Our Intensive Day Treatment Program is ideally suited for patients who need to stabilize or gain body weight, to interrupt binge eating, vomiting, laxative abuse, diuretic abuse and to address associated conditions such as depression, substance abuse, self-injury, low self-esteem, and relationship problems.

It has been our experience, as well as that of a growing number of professionals in the field, that most people with eating disorders that have been unresponsive to simple outpatient care can be successfully treated in specialized intensive day treatment rather than resorting to much more costly hospitalization.

Attending our day treatment program allows clients to work on their eating disorder issues, identify and implement healthier coping skills, and receive mealtime guidance in a structured environment where they feel supported and understood. Additionally, returning to an environment outside PathWeighs Homes on a daily basis and on weekends helps each client begin to recognize life situations and relationship issues that trigger eating disorder behaviors. Returning to Capo Eating Disorder by the Sea daily (except on weekends) allows clients to process their experiences with their peers and the staff in order to gain insight and increasing control over their symp-toms.

Aftercare Treatment
We are committed to making the transition from Capo Eating Disorder by the Sea to continuing-care professionals and resources as easy as possible. We work closely with the referring professionals both during treatment and in discharge planning. If a client needs help locating a professional or treatment team, we assist in this process and devise a specific aftercare plan.

After discharge clients and their families can return to our Multi-Family Group for additional support and guidance free of charge for two months.