A CHESHIRE care home has become the 200th in England to achieve Veteran Friendly Framework status.
Barony Lodge in Nantwich, which is part of the Sanctuary Care group, 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.”
Barony Lodge is Sanctuary Care’s eighth home to achieve VFF status. Another three are in the process of applying for VFF.
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 currently working towards the Framework, and more than 240 in ongoing discussions about starting the programme.
Home manager Jo Cookson is pictured with veterans Roy Clarke and Colin Skelly.