Background: In Ireland, the provision of Residential Care Settings (RCS) for Older People is inadequate; putting pressure on the health system and undermining the care of many older people. With population growth, the number of people requiring RCS will inevitably increase, worsening the shortfall. This is recognised by the Irish government and funding is to be provided for new RCS. However, the success of these facilities is greatly influenced by design and the quality of the physical-environment, and their impact on resident and staff wellbeing and health.
COVID-19 has exposed how many settings are ill-designed for infection-control and the protection of residents and has illustrated the importance of space and spatial practices such as social distancing, and isolation/quarantine, all of which have immediate and long-term implications for RCS planning and design. Yet, there is scant research or evidence-based guidance regarding best-practice planning and design of RCS in Ireland.
Aims: The project will produce evidence-based Universal Design guidelines for RCS for Older People in Ireland that support quality-of-life and infection-control. These guidelines will support resident-centred principles and standards in national policy; be applicable to new-build, retrofit, and refurbishment projects; and, relate to rural, suburban and urban location
Methodology: The project adopts a mixed-methods approach based on PPI contribution and stakeholder engagement (focus groups, interviews, questionnaires). The methodology incorporates literature and policy reviews, and Irish and international case studies. The outputs will include a Key Findings Report and guidance document.
Impact on health/social care policy and practice: This project will improve the quality-of-life for RCS residents and staff by promoting greater community integration and accessibility in terms of planning, and by improving design and the physical environment in RCS. It will promote innovative and diverse RCS models, help inform broader planning and design policy, and support Irish health and social care policy.
