07.4.2025 PCS
Delivering tailored care and support for residents who have served in the UK Armed Forces
Approximately 26,500 veterans are living in care homes throughout England.
England has around 15,000 care homes; despite the high number of veterans, only a mere 20 offer specialist support specifically designed for veterans and their partners who have served in the Armed Forces.
Why do veterans in care homes need specialist support?
The necessity for specialised support in care homes for veterans stems from a variety of distinctive health, social, and emotional challenges linked to their military experiences. Many veterans face a range of complex physical ailments, such as injuries sustained during combat or the long-term effects of military-related stress.
Additionally, emotional struggles, including anxiety and depression, often manifest as a result of traumatic experiences, leading to conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Social isolation is another critical issue, as many veterans find it challenging to reintegrate into civilian life after their service, leaving them feeling disconnected and lonely. These multifaceted needs require understanding the veteran experience, often not adequately met by standard care home practices.
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Care homes must be trained to identify veterans and understand their unique wellbeing needs.
In addition, care homes should develop robust procedures for signposting veterans to relevant statutory and charitable services that can further support their mental and physical health.
By equipping your care staff with this knowledge, your care home can cultivate an environment of empathy and understanding where veterans feel valued and respected.
Offering personalised care that specifically addresses the distinct challenges veterans face—such as experiences related to trauma, mental health issues, and reintegration into civilian life—is essential. This tailored approach not only mitigates the obstacles they encounter but also promotes a strong sense of community and belonging among veterans and their partners.
As a result, these efforts can significantly enhance their overall quality of life, providing them with the dignity and support they rightfully deserve.
Image: Courtesy of Royal Star & Garter
How can my care home support residents who are veterans?
Recognising that some residents in your care home may be veterans, each with unique experiences, is important.
Never make assumptions about their backgrounds; you might be surprised by their stories and experiences. Many veterans may opt not to disclose their military service while living in care homes - this decision can stem from a variety of factors.
Firstly, some veterans value their privacy and may wish to keep their military experiences personal, believing such information is irrelevant to their living situation.
Secondly, there may be uncertainty about how care staff and other residents could perceive sharing their military background. Veterans might worry that revealing this aspect of their identity could lead to undue attention or assumptions about their capabilities.
Lastly, some veterans may fear being treated differently—whether that means receiving preferential treatment or facing stigma based on their service experience.
Obtaining VFF status for your care home significantly enhances your ability to support veterans, even if they choose not to disclose their military background.
This accreditation highlights your commitment to providing quality care. It also:
- Trains your staff on the essential knowledge and skills needed to recognise and address the specific challenges veterans may face
- Elevates your person-centred approach
- Guarantees that all residents are fully informed about the vital support services available, ensuring they receive the assistance they deserve when needed.
What is VFF?
The Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) empowers care providers to effectively identify and support veterans and their partners in meeting their wellbeing needs. By addressing social isolation and connecting individuals with essential statutory and charitable services, the VFF makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served.
Implementing its framework and getting VFF status will help enhance support and cultivate a culture of understanding and respect for veterans at your care home, including their families.
The VFF is a two-year collaboration between Armed Forces charities Royal Star & Garter, the 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. This project, focusing on care homes, follows the Veteran Friendly accredited GP scheme run by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the VCHA NHS accreditation scheme.
Kathryn Glass, the Veteran Friendly Framework Lead, says,
"We know that military service is a key element of a person's history; it shapes their views, affects their families, and particularly impacts their physical and mental health. We estimate there are over 25,000 veterans living in residential social care.
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With the introduction in 2012 of The Armed Forces Covenant, now enshrined by law in the Armed Forces Bill, all NHS providers and local authorities must meet the requirements of this legislation.
The Veteran Friendly Framework supports care homes in doing this."
Caley Eldred, Director of Supporter Engagement at Royal Star & Garter, says,
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"More than 1,450 veterans and partners are now benefiting from enhancements resulting from the Framework, and over 1,200 staff have received enhanced training and guidance in better engaging with the unique military experience.
This will result in an increased understanding and awareness of the needs of the veteran community. A further 20 care homes are in the process of gaining VFF status. They include Ascot Care, which has seven homes in the North-East, and Anchor, England's largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people in later life, which has seven homes in the North West.
They are already starting to see direct benefits for their residents, from identifying members of the Armed Forces who had not previously shared their status as veterans to connecting individuals within their homes and creating friendships and vital social interactions on the basis of their service.
The scheme aims to accredit hundreds more care homes over the next 18 months."
Johan Jardevall, CEO of Person Centred Software (PCS), says,
''At PCS, we fully support the Veteran Friendly Framework, as our missions align, to improve the lives of those in care.
We believe that prioritising a person-centred approach is essential.
Pursuing VFF accreditation for your care home is crucial; it empowers you to provide exceptional, tailored support to veterans who live in your home or veterans who may soon require care and shows your commitment to their wellbeing.
By embracing this framework, your care home can truly transform their lives for the better.''
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