Dar il-Kaptan, foundation for respite care service for people with disability, is facing extreme financial problems, and is hoping for public support to prevent the home from having to close down in the near future.

The residential home offers respite services, accommodating up to 20 people for a week, as well as day care services for those unable to work or attend school, offering a much needed break for carers and adequate support for families.  Currently it has 230 members.

Dar Il-Kaptan offers social work support as well as individual care plans, depending on the client’s specific needs.  Dar il-Kaptan also offers emergency accommodation, helping out families during extreme situations when they need temporary guidance for family members with disability.  Residents’ ages range from six months to 59 years; most suffer from intellectual disabilities.  Some have faced traumatic illnesses or accidents that completely changed their abilities.

Upon registration, a social worker carries out an assessment, including a financial assessment to evaluate the situation the family is in. Each family pays a relatively small fee and the rest of the costs are borne by Dar il-Kaptan, which has a policy not to refute anyone. Those who are unable to pay are still welcomed into the home.

Speaking to The Malta Independent, Chairperson Jennifer Sant urged the public to offer their help. “The last thing we want is being forced to close down. We do not want to leave these families in such a situation.”  The home, in operation for the last 23 years, is run by an NGO. Before the inauguration in 1991; the property used to be home to the royal navy's captain, hence the name.

 Although they receive an annual grant from the government, Ms Sant argues this is not even enough to cover the carer's wages, let alone utilities and other needed resources. 20 carers are employed, half of them on full time basis.  Another four people offer their voluntary services. The home relies on fundraising activities through the year and donations made by the public.

Every Friday, Dar il-Kaptan welcomes a new group of clients who reside at the home for a week . The approach and workshops for each group changes based on their needs. The main aim of the NGO is to provide a communal service.

Every six weeks, Dar il-Kaptan invites a group of clients with challenging behaviour to reside at the home. “This is the most challenging group of all. Before they arrive we need to re-shuffle anything in the house, removing any obstacles and ensuring it is a safe and friendly environment for these people. This group requires constant observation," says Jennifer Sant.

Nazaline Abela is parent to twins Liam and Zach, who suffer from an intellectual disability; and have been attending Dar il-Kaptan for the last four years. "The twins look forward to their weekends at the residential home every six weeks; they always come back home smiling," their mother says. During those weekends, Mrs Abela and her husband can get a much needed rest, and time to run errands required, given the twins require constant 24/7 observation.

Steven Balzan is one of the veteran members of Dar il-Kaptan; he started attending when the home opened in 1991. Josephine Balzan, Steven's mother claims it is his second home and it has been vital for their family, especially during the time Steven's father needed to be hospitalised. "Members of the staff go out of their way to help you out, I can't imagine us being without them."  Steven's condition requires him to be observed constantly; and the residential home's support has proved essential to Josephine and her husband.

A walkathon from Dar il-Kaptan to Dingli will take place on 31 March.  A donation of 9Euros will be collected upon registration at 8am, and all funds will be in aid of Dar il-Kaptan. nnnn