admissions and fAQs
The Admission Process
Initial Contact: Reach out to us via phone or our confidential contact form. We’ll have a discussion to see if Gateway House is a good fit.
Formal Assessment: We schedule a comprehensive assessment with our clinical team to understand the applicant's history, needs, and recovery goals.
Collaborative Care Plan: If admitted, our team works directly with the new resident and their family to develop a personalized care and recovery plan.
Investing in Long term wellness
Gateway House is a private facility. We understand this is a significant investment in your or your loved one's future, and our team is here to walk you through the financial aspects. Please contact us directly to discuss our monthly fees and payment structure. While we do not process medical aid claims directly, we can provide you with the necessary documentation to claim from your scheme if your plan includes benefits for this type of care.
frequently asked questions
Gateway House is a long-term residential facility, not a short-term hospital. The minimum stay is six months, and many residents choose to remain indefinitely, viewing the residence as their secure, long-term home.
What are the key requirements for admission?
Potential residents must meet several functional and clinical criteria to ensure suitability for our non-acute, community environment. Individuals must be:
2) Able to manage basic self-care activities: feeding, bathing, and dressing themselves, walking (assisted devices are acceptable), and following basic instructions.
3) Have a primary diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia.
4)Free from active substance or alcohol use. (If there is a history of substance use, the individual must have completed a formal rehabilitation program and maintained sobriety for at least six months).
Can my family member be admitted during an acute episode (e.g., psychosis, mania, suicidal ideation)?
No. Gateway House focuses exclusively on long-term stabilization and community living, not crisis intervention. We require all residents to be medically stable upon admission. If a prospective resident is currently experiencing an acute episode of psychosis, severe mania, or has active suicidal ideation, we will recommend an admission to an acute psychiatric hospital first to achieve necessary stabilization.
What is the resident's freedom of movement?
Residents have a high degree of freedom of movement within a supervised framework. While the staff monitors movement to ensure safety, residents are encouraged to leave the facility for walks, shopping trips, attendance at religious gatherings, and other community activities.
Can residents continue to work from the facility?
Yes, we strongly allow and encourage residents to work. Individuals can work remotely or online from the facility, provided the work schedule aligns with their treatment and group therapy commitments. Supporting employment is a core component of fostering independence.
Are families allowed to visit residents?
Yes, we believe family connection is vital to well-being. Family visits are welcome at any time. We simply ask that families coordinate with the staff upon arrival to ensure visits do not conflict with scheduled group programming or appointments.
How do you handle medical emergencies or changes in mental/physical health?
All routine psychiatric care, medication administration, and monitoring are handled directly by our on-site professional staff. Should a resident require specialized physical medical intervention (e.g., hospital admission for an injury or illness), our staff will coordinate the transfer and necessary medical services immediately.
What is the typical age range of residents?
We admit individuals between 18 and 60 years old. The current average age of our residents is typically in the late 40s.