Skip to main contentAndries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre
Apply for Disability Care in Cape Town
If you or a family member is living with quadriplegia or paraplegia and needs permanent residential care, a safe home, and a supportive community — we welcome your application. Contact Fizel De Vries to start the process.
Who Can Apply?
HAODQC accommodates adults living with severe physical disabilities who need permanent residential care. We assess each application individually and all admissions are decided by a resident vote.
We are not a nursing home or hospital. Applicants must be able to contribute to community life in some capacity and are expected to take on a house portfolio once settled. All residents are also required to be actively involved in fundraising activities and the day-to-day running of the house.
Adult, 18+, living with quadriplegia or paraplegia
Requires long-term permanent residential care
Able to participate in community life and hold a portfolio
South African citizen or permanent resident
Active communicable disease requiring isolation
Requires acute medical or nursing hospital care
Speak to Fizel First
Before completing the form, we recommend calling or emailing Fizel De Vries to discuss availability and whether HAODQC is the right fit.
Waiting List
We currently accommodate 12 residents. When no rooms are available, eligible applicants are placed on our waiting list and contacted when a place becomes open. Apply early — even if you are not in immediate need.
What Happens After You Apply
Our admission process is transparent, community-led, and straightforward. Here is what to expect.
Submit Form
Complete the full application form below. We confirm receipt within one working day.
Initial Review
Fizel reviews your application against our eligibility criteria and contacts you to arrange a visit to the house.
Resident Vote
All 12 residents vote on your application at a residents' meeting. All applicants are notified of the outcome.
Move In
A probationary period applies. Once settled, you take on a portfolio and become a full member of our community.
House Rules
All applicants must read and agree to our House Rules before submitting an application. These rules apply to residents and visitors alike and exist to ensure a harmonious, respectful community.
Rules for Visitors
| # | Rule |
|---|---|
| 1 | The image of HAODQC must be upheld at all times. Behaviour that impacts negatively on the house will not be tolerated. |
| 2 | Staff and residents must be treated with respect. Derogatory remarks, rowdy behaviour, and foul language are not tolerated. |
| 3 | The centre block, laundry, pantry, and office areas are out of bounds to visitors. |
| 4 | The front garden and stoep may not be used as a gathering, smoking, or entertainment area. Alcohol is not permitted there. |
| 5 | Substance abuse is not tolerated. |
| 6 | Overnight stays are permitted only with the consent of fellow residents. |
House staff are not responsible for cleaning up after visitors. Visitors must leave the house in a clean and tidy state.
Rules for Residents
| # | Rule |
|---|---|
| 1 | The image of HAODQC must be upheld both inside the house and in public. Behaviour impacting negatively on the house will not be tolerated. |
| 2 | Workers and residents must be treated with respect at all times. Derogatory and racial remarks are not tolerated. |
| 3 | Personal relationships with workers are strongly discouraged. Workers are not employed for companionship. |
| 4 | Workers are entitled to an uninterrupted lunch break and must not be disturbed except in an emergency, as this is a legal requirement. |
| 5 | Substance abuse is not tolerated. Smoking is not permitted inside the house at any time. |
| 6 | Rowdy behaviour, foul language, and disrespect toward other residents are not tolerated. |
| 7 | Music and radio must be played in one's own room at reasonable volume. Earphones are encouraged. |
| 8 | Residents are responsible for their own telephone calls. Personal calls using house phones must be recorded and paid for. |
| 9 | Workers may only be sent on shopping errands at pre-agreed times suitable to all residents. |
| 10 | Washing, rising, and meal times must be adhered to. |
| 11 | All residents must take responsibility for their house duties and portfolios. |
| 12 | Residents are responsible for their visitors and must ensure they are aware of and comply with these rules. |
| 13 | Visitor entertaining is confined to one's own room, the recreation area by agreement, or the back courtyard. |
| 14 | Residents must ensure that visitors clean up before leaving. |
| 15 | Visitor overnight stays require prior approval from the Management Committee. A nominal fee may apply. |
| 16 | Any alteration or redecorating of bedrooms requires Management Committee approval. |
Residency Application
Complete all fields as accurately as possible. All information is treated confidentially in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the POPI Act. Fields marked * are required.
Application — Common Questions
Answers to the most common questions from applicants and their families.
Once we receive your application, we aim to contact you within one week to arrange a visit. The resident vote and decision typically takes 2–4 weeks from your visit, depending on when the next residents' meeting is scheduled.
A referral is not required to apply, but we will request a formal report from your doctor and/or social worker during the assessment process. The application form asks for their contact details — please have these ready.
Yes — and we encourage it. A visit gives you and your family a chance to see how we live, meet residents, and decide if HAODQC is the right environment for you. Contact us on 021 975 5459 or email quads@telkomsa.net to arrange a time.
We notify all applicants of the outcome. If your application is unsuccessful, detailed reasons for the residents' decision are not provided. You are welcome to reapply in the future. We have listed below some other Western Cape disability care organisations that cater specifically for physical disability and quadriplegia / paraplegia:
| Organisation | Location | Phone | For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robertson House (APD Western Cape) | Milnerton, Cape Town | (021) 551-3780 | Adult paraplegics / quadriplegics |
| Wallace Anderson Home | Riversdale | (028) 713-3626 | Adult quadriplegics |
| Eric Miles Cheshire Home | Sanddrift, Cape Town | (021) 552-2120 | Physical disability |
| Langa Cheshire Home | Newlands, Cape Town | (021) 794-2844 | Physical disability |
| Turfhall Cheshire Home | Lansdowne, Cape Town | (021) 692-1220 | Physical disability |
Yes. Residents contribute toward the costs of their care. The financial section of the application form allows us to understand your income and circumstances so we can discuss arrangements. We try to accommodate residents across a range of financial situations. Contact Fizel De Vries on 073 218 2062 to discuss this confidentially before applying.
Overnight stays by family and visitors are permitted in appropriate cases, with prior approval from the Management Committee and consent of fellow residents. Biological children of a resident may visit during school holidays by prior arrangement. A nominal overnight fee is charged at management's discretion. The living and lounge areas may not be used as sleeping areas.
