Join TCD Researchers for the launch of the Universal Design Guidelines for Long-Term Residential Care Settings, taking place on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The development of the guidelines was undertaken as part of a research project funded by the Health Research Board - Investigator-Led Projects 2024. The built environment, including the overall site, buildings, gardens, rooms, furniture, and fittings, all play a critical role in the quality of life of residents. The built environment also influences staff wellbeing and how the setting is experienced by family members and other visitors. In this regard, this project examines how the built environment can help improve quality of life, enhance infection control, and support greater overall resilience into the future.
The guidelines are underpinned by the following research activities: literature reviews; a total of 11 on-site best-practice case study sites in Ireland; desk-based international case studies; and an extensive set of stakeholder engagement activities, including: an online consultation; focus groups with residents, family members, and staff in each of our Irish case studies; +25 expert interviews across the following sectors: healthcare professionals; health/ageing researchers; NGOs/advocacy representatives; regulators/government agency/policy; local government; planning and design professionals (including in the areas of fire safety, climate, and sustainability); Universal Design; Inclusive Design and Human Rights); a series of stakeholder workshops; and, as the project evolved, the introduction of new arts-based/place-based engagement activities, including a poetry workshop series with Poetry Ireland Poet in Residence (2023-2025) Anne Tannam, and a place-based publication further exploring the meaning of home, and connection and attachment to place with residents of Glenaulin Nursing Home, one of our case study sites.
The guidelines include a set of key design considerations – framed by the 4 Universal Design principles, 12 Key design issues, and the role of the built environment in addressing environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, and resilience; they offer a window into what is possible and achievable in the area of LTRC in Ireland:
Demonstrate that a high level of clinical care can be achieved within homely environments that reflect the patterns, spaces, and materials of ordinary daily life.
Provide concrete guidance and support to Design and Healthcare Professionals, and Service Providers at brief development and design stages
Promote the understanding that a considered configuration of space can improve quality of life while aligning with the project budget
Over the course of the research, the research team have also developed a co-creation and engagement framework to support more meaningful involvement of key stakeholders including older persons in built environment projects. It comprises:
a planning and design stage cycle to guide the engagement and co-creation at various stages;
four-step process to work with stakeholders;
a toolkit to support the design process.
A canvas has been developed to help provide a structure to inform and support non-built environment experts so that they can make a meaningful contribution to the design process.
Please join us for the launch, taking place in the Pavillion at National Disability Authority (located at 25 Clyde Road, Dublin 4, D04 E409). The launch is being hosted by the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (HRB Co-Applicant) and will showcase key research findings, including reflections from experts, as well as the launch of the UD Guidelines for LTRC Settings in Ireland. The event will also include a presentation on the co-creation and engagement strategy, the place-based publication produced in collaboration with Glenaulin Nursing Home, and future directions of research.
General Info