Migette Kaup

Dr. Migette Kaup's research advances the field of environmental gerontology through a sustained focus on the design of supportive environments for aging populations, particularly within long-term care and residential settings. Her work is grounded in the premise that the built environment is a modifiable determinant of health, well-being, and quality of life. By integrating design practice with empirical research, she contributes to a growing body of knowledge that positions evidence-based design as essential to improving outcomes for individuals with complex health and cognitive needs. A central contribution of Dr. Kaup's scholarship is the development and validation of environmental assessment frameworks that measure the relationship between design and person-directed care. Most notably, she is a co-developer of the Environmental Audit Scoring Evaluation (EASE) tool, an evidence-based instrument designed to evaluate design characteristics in skilled care environments, particularly for individuals with neurocognitive challenges. Supported by funding from the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association, this work represents a significant advancement in the ability to systematically assess and operationalize environmental attributes that contribute to quality of care and resident outcomes. Dr. Kaup's research portfolio demonstrates a strong record of peer-reviewed scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration, with publications in leading journals such as Innovation in Aging, Frontiers in Dementia, Geriatric Nursing, and the Journal of Housing for the Elderly. Her work examines critical issues including person-centered care, environmental affordances, culture change in long-term care, and the impact of design on health outcomes such as infection rates, satisfaction, and quality of life. Through this scholarship, she has contributed to reframing long-term care environments from institutional models toward more residential, human-centered paradigms. A distinguishing feature of Dr. Kaup's research is its applied and translational impact. Her work extends beyond academic publication to inform design practice, policy discussions, and professional standards. She has contributed to national guideline development, interdisciplinary research networks, and industry-facing initiatives that bridge research and implementation. By engaging practitioners, policymakers, and community stakeholders, her research ensures that evidence-based insights are translated into real-world improvements in the design of environments for aging. Collectively, Dr. Kaup's research reflects a commitment to linking design, health, and human experience, advancing both theoretical understanding and practical innovation. Her work continues to shape how environments are conceptualized, evaluated, and designed to support dignity, autonomy, and well-being across the lifespan.