Care UK is leading the way with implementing the Veteran Friendly Framework. The provider is now the most accredited in the country.
A total of 37 Care UK homes currently operate under the Veteran Friendly Framework, with a significant number of homes working towards the accreditation.
Care UK’s journey started last year; its homes in the north west of England being some of the first to sign up to the initiative, with Macclesfield’s Hollins Park care home being the first to secure the accreditation for Care UK. Since then, homes have continued to gain this recognition, and The Willows, based in Middlesbrough, was the 100th care home in the UK to take on the scheme.
The Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) is a collaboration between Armed Forces charities Royal Star & Garter and Royal British Legion, and NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA).
The VFF is designed to support veterans living in care home settings. This includes those who took part in National Service across Care UK homes, the VFF accreditation allows colleagues to provide emotional support, daily structure, and community outreach for those who have a history with the Armed Forces.
To become accredited, providers or individual care homes must meet eight standards. For two of these, Care UK has reaffirmed its commitment to those who have served by signing the Armed Forces Covenant and agreeing to support the Armed Forces community as an employer.
At a home level, these standards include: noting Armed Forces status within care plans; addressing social isolation; and signposting to support services, such as their local Royal British Legion branch, and other charities that provide support for veterans or partners of veterans.
Major Tony Finch, Head of the NHS Armed Forces Network for the South East regularly visits Care UK’s Invicta Court care home in Wavering, Kent. He said: “The most important part is coming together with peers and people who understand – whether they’re Navy, Army, Air Force – that whole atmosphere brings back that sense of belonging [for veterans]. Care UK is being forward-thinking and innovative in making use of their facilities by inviting other people in – it helps to support the veterans who are here.”
Rachel Harvey, Director of Care, Quality and Regulatory Governance at Care UK, said:
“We believe in person-centred care. It is crucial that every resident receives this thoughtful and considered experience from colleagues and, with the support of the Veteran Friendly Framework, we can deliver this in a holistic way.”
“Since implementing this accreditation, we have noticed that former veterans in our homes have, overall, become more sociable and that their distressed behaviours have lessened. By learning and honouring their stories, and reintegrating them into their Armed Forces community, it means we can give veterans the best support possible during their care journey.”
Kathryn Glass, VFF Project Lead at Royal Star & Garter, said:
“This is a great commitment to continuous improvement in the delivery of person-centred care for veteran residents and their partners.”
“This programme will benefit both current and future residents, along with team members, who are able to access enhanced training and guidance to better engage with the unique military experiences that residents and their partners have lived through. Being a VFF care home means that there is an increased understanding and recognition for the veteran community.”
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