This Monday marks the start of the Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) Nursing Homes Week 2026 Campaign. This year, Nursing Homes Week will run from August 17 to 23 and will be guided by the theme Connected with Nature – A Life in Full Bloom.
Nursing Homes Week is an annual campaign developed and run by NHI, that acknowledges and celebrates all the people who live and work in nursing homes across Ireland. This annual celebration recognises and promotes the true nature of what it is really like to live and work in nursing homes, and is open to all nursing homes in Ireland, public, private, and voluntary - NHI member and non-member alike. Through this annual campaign, NHI provides ideas, support materials, and guidance to all nursing homes taking place in the national celebration.
This year’s theme, Connected with Nature, invites residents, family members, and staff to take part in a nationwide celebration of getting back to our roots, through direct engagement with nature, gardening, and the ‘great outdoors.’
Through this theme, nursing homes nationwide will celebrate the beauty, connectivity, and therapeutic essence of nature and gardening, as well as the unique and idyllic natural surroundings of Ireland’s towns/villages. Nursing Homes Week 2026 will provide nursing home residents and staff with the opportunity to engage in a variety of practical activities which nurture the body and soul by promoting the artistic and restorative elements of gardening, nature walks, and engagement with herbs/crops/plants, as well as providing all involved with the chance of reconnecting with Ireland’s ancient ceremonial seasons (outlined by the Celtic Wheel of the Year) - specifically: Lughnasadh and Mabon.
Speaking about the commencement of Nursing Homes Week 2026, Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland, said: “NHI Nursing Homes Week is a powerful annual celebration of the people who live and work in nursing homes, and the rich lives and communities they continue to shape every day. This year’s theme ‘Connected with Nature’ reminds us of the importance of our natural surroundings, and the role that our connectivity with the elements and our ancient ceremonial seasons play in our communities nationwide – shaping not only the weather, landscape, and physical environment - but our everyday lives and yearly celebrations!
"Nursing Homes Week allows us the space to remember that people living in nursing homes across Ireland have led lives filled with strength, wisdom, and generosity. Their stories are powerful and deserve to be honoured and shared, not just during this weeklong campaign, but every day. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the incredible commitment of nursing home staff across the country, whose compassion and professionalism bring comfort and dignity to thousands every day.
"Nursing homes are not just care settings; they are communities within communities. They provide connection, purpose, and support to residents, families, and local people alike. The impact of nursing home care is felt far beyond the front door, in every village, town, and county where residents, staff, and families contribute to the life of their community. This year, we invite people all over Ireland to contact their local nursing home and support this wonderful weeklong campaign.
"We are delighted to see such a significant number of nursing homes take part in this year’s celebrations and we want to wish all of the residents, staff, and families taking part in Nursing Homes Week 2026 all the best and we look forward to seeing what your ideas bring to life.”
_