Care homes have expressed their pride in being part of the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) family, ahead of Armed Forces Day, on 28 June.
Over 192 care homes across the country have achieved VFF status, with another 71 currently working towards the Framework.
The free-to-access 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.
Louise Mulvany is Home Manager at Timken Grange care home in Northampton. She said:
“We are very pleased to be part of the VFF and we are looking forward to embedding this over the next year. Applying for VFF status is a big undertaking for any care home and I would like to thank my colleagues and residents for their commitment and effort in achieving this – we are truly proud to be a Veteran Friendly home.”
Jessica Woodridge is Home Admissions Advisor at Sunnybank House in Eastleigh. She said:
“It is a privilege and an honour to have achieved the standards and to know how we go above and beyond in the support we offer members of the Armed Forces community. As a result of the assessment, we have made both subtle and larger changes to enhance our person-centred approach. Simple measures such as placing the poppy logo on residents’ doors make a big difference, giving everyone the opportunity to start a relevant conversation.”
Michelle Horsley, Manager at Aden Mount Care Home, said:
“We are so proud to become part of the VFF. Working through the programme has given us a much greater understanding of the person-centred care that people who have served require, making a real difference for both our current and future residents.”
Kimberley McKay, Home Manager at Aden View Care Home, echoed similar sentiments.
“I feel honoured to help introduce the Veteran Friendly Framework to our home,” she said. “We already celebrate the veterans in our care at Aden View, but the VFF programme gives us even more opportunities to ensure their service and sacrifices are recognised and supported.”
They were speaking ahead of Armed Forces Day, which offers the nation a chance to show its support for the people who make up the military community, from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets. Celebrations will take place across the UK, with military displays, parades, and entertainment in more than 100 locations.
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.
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.
