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Care homes urged to become ‘Veteran Friendly’ to better support former Armed Forces personnel

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Care homes across Gloucestershire are being encouraged to sign up to a national scheme that helps them better recognise and support residents who have served in the Armed Forces.

Gloucestershire County Council is calling on care providers to join the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF), a free programme designed to improve care for veterans and their families living in residential settings.

Nationally, around one in 12 care home residents has a military background, and this figure doesn’t include the spouses and children who have shared in those life experiences which are unique to the armed forces. Many may not identify as veterans, meaning these experiences can go unrecognised.

The framework helps care providers to identify these residents and tailor support to reflect their unique life experiences, including the physical, mental and emotional impacts of service life. Without this recognition, some veterans can experience a loss of identity, which can increase feelings of loneliness and isolation when moving into care

By signing up, care homes can create more inclusive and supportive environments through simple but meaningful actions such as recognising military service, celebrating significant dates, and building life stories into care planning. Two care homes in Gloucestershire have already achieved Veteran Friendly status and the council is encouraging more providers to get involved.

Councillor Dr Kate Usmar, Cabinet Member for Adults Support and Independence at Gloucestershire County Council said: “Many people living in care homes have served their country or spent their lives supporting and travelling with service men and women. By understanding their experiences we can improve the care and support we offer, and the whole community can benefit. We want Gloucestershire to be a place where our Armed Forces community is supported at every stage of life.

“The Veteran Friendly Framework helps care homes provide more personalised support, so individuals feel respected, valued and connected. It’s a practical step providers can take to improve day-to-day lives, supporting wellbeing, strengthening a sense of belonging and making sure their service is never forgotten.”

The Veteran Friendly Framework is delivered nationally by the Royal British Legion, Royal Star & Garter and the NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, and supports care providers to embed veteran awareness into everyday practice.

The initiative also supports the council’s wider commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring that veterans and their families are treated with fairness, dignity and respect when accessing services.

Care providers can find out more and sign up to the framework at:
https://veteranfriendlyframework.org.uk/