Mr. Thomas Grey

Summary

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.

Funding Agency

HRB

Summary

The European Green Deal, the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, and the New European Bauhaus (NEB) emphasise the significance of accessible and sustainable built environments. Yet, key issues such as accessibility, comfort, and sustainability are often regarded as isolated concerns, resulting in disjointed approaches to cities, neighbourhoods, and buildings. ACCESiBUILT rectifies this through an integrated framework to align accessibility (EN17210), comfort, sustainability and climate action (Level(s)). The framework includes innovative digital tools like 'Evaluator' for accessibility assessment, 'Certifier' for certification, and 'Synergy' for exploiting accessibility-sustainability synergies. It is usable across various spatial scales for retrofit (supporting EC Renovation Wave) and for new construction. It offers educational modules and identifies job pathways to increase capacity, while providing co-creation tools and processes underpinned by `a design for all" approach. ACCESiBUILT embraces adaptability, ensuring built environment readiness for evolving user needs and climate adaptation, while encompassing the NEB's ethos of sustainability, aesthetics, and social inclusion The ACCESiBUILT framework will be demonstrated in 3 cities and 6 additional test sites, focusing on co-creation with 5 key stakeholder groups: users of the built environment, including persons with disabilities and older people; built environment professionals; policy makers; built environment providers such as owners, and managers; and academia. ACCESiBUILT aligns closely with the AccessibleEU Resource Centre, boosting its impact by bolstering capacity-building, stakeholder engagement, and accessibility across Europe. By integrating comfort, health, and sustainability, ACCESiBUILT not only complements European endeavours like Level(s) but also champions inclusion, resilience, and climate action.

Funding Agency

Horizon Europe