A care home in Cheshire has become the 200th in England to achieve Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status.
Barony Lodge Residential Care Home in Nantwich, which is part of the Sanctuary Care group, gained VFF-approval July.
The free-to-access VFF programme helps providers to offer appropriate support for veterans living in care homes across England. It aims to deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for over 25,000 veterans and their partners.
Barony Lodge currently cares for three veterans, and marked its VFF status with a party for all of their residents.
Home Manager Jo Cookson said:
“We’re incredibly proud to have achieved Veteran Friendly Framework accreditation, and to be the 200th home to do so. Our VFF status is testament to our commitment to recognising and supporting those who have served. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of our residents in every way we can and this accreditation highlights how we are in an even better position to provide the truly person-centred care and understanding our veterans truly deserve.”
Sanctuary Care group has 110 care homes across England and Scotland, and Barony Lodge is its eighth home achieve VFF status. Another three Sanctuary Care homes are in the process of applying for VFF process.
The VFF is a collaboration between Royal Star & Garter, Royal British Legion and the NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA – an NHS flagship Armed Forces programme), with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
Care providers must meet eight standards to complete their accreditation. These include provisions to identify the wellbeing needs of veterans and their partners by ensuring that Armed Forces status is included in care planning; addressing social isolation; and providing signposting to local statutory and charitable support services.
The number of care homes with VFF status is expected to rise further, with another 54 care homes currently working towards the Framework, and over 240 in ongoing discussions about starting the programme.
Any care homes interested in receiving more information about the VFF can visit https://veteranfriendlyframework.org.uk, email VFF@starandgarter.org or call 07425 326070.
