Comcare FAQs
Adults between the ages of 20 and 45 with a primary psychiatric diagnosis (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or major depression) may apply. Older applicants may be considered if they are physically well and have some independent living skills.
Applicants must:
- Be free from active substance use (minimum six months sobriety if there is a history of abuse)
- Not have a history of uncontrolled aggression or violence
- Adhere to prescribed treatment
Preference is given to applicants living in the Western Cape.
Comcare is registered as a Level 2 Residential Care Facility, offering Supported Care. This includes:
- Daily support during business hours (08:30–16:00) from Residential Support Workers (RSWs)
- After-hours crisis and emergency call-out support
- Assistance with medication, clinic appointments, and daily living skills
- Psychosocial rehabilitation to build independence, coping skills, and social connection
Please note: Comcare does not provide 24-hour on-site supervision. Residents need a level of independence to manage evenings and weekends.
Comcare operates eight supported homes in Mowbray, Observatory, and Claremont, as well as individual bachelor flats at Rosebank Court. All homes are located close to public transport for easy access.
Residents receive assistance with:
- Daily routines
- Emotional support and companionship
- Medication supervision and health monitoring
- Life skills coaching
- Conflict resolution and peer support
- Crisis response and family liaison (where appropriate)
Residents receive a basic breakfast, which typically includes cereals. A light lunch is provided at the Welcome Club, and the main meal is prepared by the Residential Support Worker in each house. Main meals are traditional, balanced, and include a source of protein, vegetables, and starch.
RSWs accommodate dietary preferences and allergies, such as vegetarian options, when planning and preparing meals. Residents following strict vegetarian or vegan diets may need to supplement meals from their own budget to meet daily nutritional requirements.
While the kitchens are not fully Halal-certified, cooking can be adapted to be Halal-friendly in houses where residents request it. Please note that none of the houses offer Kosher meals.
Each house employs domestic cleaners who are responsible for cleaning, laundry, and ironing, ensuring a comfortable and tidy living environment.
All houses have Wi-Fi access. Residents are required to sign a Fair and Responsible Use Agreement prior to using the network. Wi-Fi access may be restricted or suspended if residents do not adhere to the agreement’s rules.
Each resident has a Community Counsellor who provides:
- Clinical case management (treatment coordination, monitoring, crisis support)
- One-on-one counselling and psychoeducation
- Assistance with life transitions, relationships, and emotional regulation
- Liaison with families and healthcare providers
- Facilitation of house meetings and conflict resolution
The Welcome Club is Comcare’s psychosocial rehabilitation day programme, based at Valkenberg Hospital. It runs every weekday morning (08:30–12:30) and is open to residents, applicants, and other individuals with psychiatric illnesses.
It offers:
- Structured daily routine
- Creative and recreational activities
- Peer support and social connection
- Psychoeducation and skill-building
- Nutritious light lunch daily
Participation is required for new applicants as part of the application process.
The current full board and lodging fee is R8,750 per month. Fees are adjusted using a sliding scale (means test) based on the applicant’s and their family’s income. Final fees are agreed upon with the Director at contract signing.
Applicants who meet the admission criteria and are successful in the screening process are placed on the waiting list. Placement is based on suitability and availability, not just the date of application. Comcare does not provide emergency or respite care.
- Submit a completed application form, medical report (by a psychiatrist), and required documents
- Attend a screening interview with Comcare staff
- Join the Welcome Club for a minimum of 24 days (if appropriate)
- If assessed as suitable, the applicant is placed on the waiting list
- When a vacancy arises, suitability and house fit are considered before final admission
When a vacancy becomes available, Comcare considers:
- Suitability for the specific house and residents
- Willingness and ability to share or live alone
- Current mental health status
Applicants may be invited for an afternoon tea visit to meet residents and staff. If both sides feel it is a good fit, the applicant signs the Board and Lodging Contract, and a move-in date is set.
Comcare is funded through:
- Resident rental contributions
- Partial funding from the Department of Health
- Donations from families and private donors
- Public fundraising initiatives
As a registered Charitable Trust, Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), Comcare is committed to transparency and ethical use of resources.
Yes. Donations, sponsorships, and bequests are welcomed and help sustain and improve our homes and programmes. As a registered PBO, Comcare can issue Section 18A tax-deductible certificates to donors.