Horizon House provides a safe infrastructure for people with primary intellectual disabilities in which to live, work and socialise. Our culture lets residents work and socialise within a safe and normalised environment and where each adults can live to their full potential, as a unique person and part of a community.
Accommodation
Horizon House is able to accommodate 142 residents. Parents or family members secure an agreement for the right of occupation on a residential unit. Accommodation options range from flats to single rooms, with most of the latter featuring a small en-suite bathroom. Provision is also made for married couples. Three meals per day are enjoyed in the communal dining room. Special dietary needs are catered for, including diabetes and food intolerances.
Admission
For information on admission requirements, rates, house rules and the application process, kindly
contact Horizon House
“We have a rhythm rather a programme, because that’s how a community lives.” Dr JF Marais: Vice Chairman
Day Programme
A daily programme is followed, which creates a structure to daily activities. Mealtimes, work in therapeutic work areas, resting times, and recreation are part of the daily rhythm.
The programme also incorporates group training, techniques and intervention by the therapeutic team to ensure optimal development of each individual and the acquisition of necessary life skills. These include life skills and social skills such as communication, conflict resolution, diversity, the use of social media, personal care, and resilience, to name a few.
Day workers follow the same programmes as residents, but do not stay on the premises and only take part in activities from 08:00 – 17:00. This includes the provision of breakfast and lunch.
Therapeutic Interventions
Therapeutic interventions are done with regards to the integration into work areas and socially: communication, relationships, dealing with emotion, resilience, bereavement, and conflict to name a few.
Our programmes incorporate group training, techniques and intervention by the therapeutic team to ensure optimal development of each individual and the acquisition of necessary life skills. Life skills training are done through support groups, needs groups, counseling and other interventions in groups and individually.
With the aid of an occupational therapist, guidance is given in assisted living, personal care and daily activities. A healthy lifestyle plays an important role and attention is given to exercise, recreation, and nutrition.
Caregiving
Primary medical care is available by qualified medical staff, with referrals to specialist services.
Carers play a role in the daily living/rhythm, assist with personal care, monitor and assist with emotional and social needs and prevention of touch deprivation with specified activities as part of their caregiving.
Sheltered and therapeutic work areas
At Horizon House each person is gets the opportunity to make a dignified contribution to their own livelihood by working in a normalised life setting. The residents join one of nine work teams with supervision, based on their levels of functioning and interests. These work areas provide therapeutic value along with all the benefits of a proper job – self-esteem, acknowledgement, pride, companionship, quality of life and hope. The services and products we create are sold and provide an important income stream for Horizon House.
Club Phoenix
The rhythm of life is different for older people and since we have many people who fall in this group, we founded Club Phoenix. We adapt stimulation and activities to specifically suit the needs of this group. Club Phoenix can still be creative and constructive, but they don’t have to attend the work areas. They enjoy spending their time in their own way or going on outings.
Recreation
Socialising, sports and outdoor activities form an important part of the residents’ daily lives. The Centre is built on 12,5 hectares and has a swimming pool and beautiful gardens with walk-ways. Programmes to promote a healthy lifestyle include health and fitness groups, walking groups, exercise sessions in the gym and pool, and low impact groups.
Residences have lounges where residents can watch TV, socialise and relax. Birthdays are deemed important and it creates a sense of dignity to be recognized as individuals on these special occasions. We also encourage relaxed and creative personal recreation.
PAT (Pets as Therapy) regularly visits us and offers animal lovers the chance to caress and love animals, especially since they can’t keep their own pets.
Training
Staff training and development is conducted internally and externally and includes education in personal development and skills training specific to intellectual disabilities and the organization, including Studio III training.
Spiritual support
Spiritual growth is encouraged, and spaces are provided where they can connect with themselves and discover their inner humanity.
