The National Disability Authority (NDA) advises that progressing new home design and construction from a Universal Design approach needs to be established policy, recognising in particular that the general population is getting older, persons with disabilities are living longer and are, in some cases, out-living their traditional care-givers, e.g. their parents/siblings. This trend will continue to put pressure on traditional housing solutions when someone can no longer live independently e.g. nursing homes. In tandem with the necessary health and social care support packages, homes built using a Universal Design approach offer a solution that gives people the option to remain in their homes and communities for longer, thus reducing their need for long-term and expensive care homes; keeping them connected to family, friends and place, thus helping their mental health and well-being.
Finding suitable and appropriate homes that can accommodate our changing needs over time can be difficult – whether for families with young children, a person with a temporary or permanent injury, someone with a disability, or an older person living independently. Universal Design can meet everyone’s needs through flexible homes designed to adapt to lifecycle and lifestyle patterns of people over time.