Project Aim(s): This study on dementia and home design in Ireland was undertaken to inform the development of Universal Design Guidelines for Dementia Friendly Dwellings produced by the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design at the National Disability Authority in 2015. The study included an extensive scoping review of the literature, stakeholder engagement, and case studies of dwellings designed for people with dementia. This report provides a rationale for focusing on designing and retrofitting dwellings for people living with dementia, their families and carers and discusses the concept of Universal Design (UD) and key aspects of adopting this approach. It outlines key theoretical frameworks within which UD for dementia friendly dwellings can be placed and considers dementia friendly design goals and principles and how these might inform a UD approach. The report includes a focus on people with dementia and their lived experiences of the built environment. It presents a comprehensive review on the literature on the design, building and adaption of dwellings for people with dementia and includes several case studies of design friendly design. It presents the main findings from the stakeholder interviews. Finally, it identifies key recommendations for the Universal Design of new build and existing dwellings for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
National Disability Authority