New guide aims to make Northern Ireland homes safer for people with dementia and sensory impairments

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons launch the 'Designing Homes for All' guide at Parliament Buildings.

A new housing design guide launched by Stormont ministers could change how homes across Northern Ireland are built and adapted for people living with dementia, autism, learning disabilities and sensory impairments.

The joint initiative, unveiled by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, is designed to help architects, builders, housing providers and families create living spaces that are easier to understand, safer to navigate and better suited to people with complex needs.

The new publication — titled Designing Homes for All — focuses on improving independence and quality of life through better design, with ministers saying the guidance could help people remain in their own homes for longer.

Guide focuses on independence and everyday living

The guidance is aimed at a broad range of groups involved in housing design and construction, including developers, healthcare professionals and families considering home adaptations.

Unlike traditional accessibility guidance focused mainly on physical disabilities, the new document places particular emphasis on supporting people with cognitive and sensory impairments.

That includes practical design measures intended to make homes more intuitive, calming and easier to move around in for people living with conditions such as dementia or sensory processing difficulties.

The guide applies to both new-build and existing homes and offers recommendations for a wide variety of housing types across Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Nesbitt said good housing design can have a major impact on both individuals and carers.

He said:

“A well-designed living space can be transformative for individuals with cognitive impairments and for their families and carers.

“I am pleased that this guide builds on previous work which focused on accessibility for those with mobility issues and physical impairment, recognising the need to design safe and healthy homes for people with a range of cognitive impairments.

“Personalisation is central to the inclusive design process and involving people with disabilities and their families at an early stage can deliver significant benefits.”

Ministers say homes must support dignity and autonomy

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said housing plays a critical role in supporting long-term independence and wellbeing.

He said:

“A well-designed home is more than bricks and mortar. It underpins independence, health and wellbeing and makes a vital contribution to quality of life.

“It is integral to supporting and empowering people with cognitive and sensory impairments, allowing them to live with dignity and autonomy for longer.

“As Minister with responsibility for housing, I am focused on ensuring that everyone in Northern Ireland has access to a good quality, affordable, secure and sustainable home that meets their needs within a thriving community.”

The ministers also said the project demonstrated the benefits of departments working together on long-term public health and housing challenges.

For many families across Northern Ireland, particularly those caring for relatives with dementia, autism or other cognitive conditions, adapting homes can become a major emotional and financial challenge. Officials hope the new guidance will encourage more inclusive thinking at the earliest stages of housing design rather than relying solely on later adaptations.

Guide available online

The full publication, Designing Homes for All: An inclusive design guide to support people living with cognitive and sensory impairment, is available online via the Department of Health website at:

Design Guide

The document is expected to serve as a long-term reference point for future housing projects and home adaptations across Northern Ireland as demand grows for more accessible and age-friendly living environments.