Greenwich Hospital has awarded the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society a grant of £221,360 to provide funds to bridge the gap in care fees for eligible former Royal Navy personnel, spouses and partners.
The grant helps to alleviate the financial shortfall experienced by residents funded by their local authorities. It will ensure continuity of care for existing residents, a vital consideration for the health of vulnerable and often elderly dementia patients.
Founded in 1865, the Society is dedicated to the welfare of retired seafarers and their dependants, providing nursing care, living with dementia care, respite care and sheltered housing to enhance residents’ quality of life. Supporting the Society with this funding also helps to ensure quality of care for all residents and ensures places continue to be offered to those with a seafaring background, irrespective of their financial status.
The Society looks after seafarers and their loved ones at its recently modernised 68-bedroom nursing care home (Belvedere House) in Surrey. Its Princess Royal Wing has 37 bedrooms dedicated to dementia care. On the same 14-acre site, Weston Acres offers modern sheltered accommodation options for active residents living independently, including 18 single occupancy flats and several flats for couples.
Most residents at the Royal Alfred have a lifelong connection to the sea, having either served in the Royal Navy or worked within the maritime industry, helping to create shared backgrounds and interests for the residents and their dependants.
Deirdre Mills, Director of Greenwich Hospital, said:
“Supporting former Royal Navy personnel and their partners as they approach the end of life is essential to the ethos of Greenwich Hospital, which was founded to provide residential care. We are pleased to ensure continuity of care for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
David Dominy, Chief Executive Officer at the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, said:
“Our historic Society has been a sanctuary of care, comfort and community for ageing seafarers and their loved ones since 1865. Our focus is on delivering exceptional care, fostering camaraderie and celebrating individuality.
“Thanks to funding from Greenwich Hospital, our dedicated and experienced team will be able to continue to provide a safe haven for Royal Navy veterans and their loved ones.
“Anchored in a legacy of service, we will continue to walk alongside and care for ageing seafarers through this next voyage, ensuring their lives remain dignified and fulfilling. We will continue to ensure that seafarers, irrespective of their financial means, receive the support they deserve.”
