Forest Healthcare, a sector-leading group of private care centres and nursing care facilities, has confirmed it has joined the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF). This innovative project was launched to improve social connections for 25,000 veterans living in residential care settings.
Forest Healthcare, which upholds a reputation for superb standards, care quality and facilities across its 13 unique care spaces, announced its VFF accreditation shortly after the Framework was launched in October, committing to playing a part in enhancing health and well-being outcomes for veterans living in care environments.
The Link Between the Veteran Friendly Framework and Residential Care Centres
One of the driving factors behind the formation of the VFF was the data showing that of the 25,000 veterans currently living in care homes and residential centres throughout England, many experience isolation and loneliness, leading to poorer outcomes.
The Framework exists to provide emotional, social and practical support by partnering with care providers and offering access to resources, including training about how to engage with residents with military experience and develop an understanding of how this may impact their needs.
Created as a two-year project and a collaboration between the following organisations, the initiative is a secondary phase following the previously launched Veteran Friendly scheme offering GP accreditations:
The NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance
The Royal British Legion
Royal Star & Garter
Research has shown that of the approximate 15,000 care homes in England, as few as 20 can provide specialist assistance to veterans and their partners, with the scheme having already provided enhancements to 670 residents and 1,200 care home staff.
Gaining Veteran-Friendly Framework Accreditation
To achieve accreditation, Forest Healthcare showed it could meet eight specific standards, which verify the group has the capacity and provisions to include Armed Forces histories within care planning, take action to combat social isolation, and introduce signposting where appropriate to charities and statutory support services where these would be beneficial.
Amanda Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Forest Healthcare, says, ‘It has been an incredible experience working towards and achieving VFF accreditation and upskilling our extraordinary care teams to ensure we can offer our residents direct benefits and support systems, respecting and acknowledging them as veterans.
We felt that taking this step would be in our residents' interests and provided us with an opportunity to continue striving towards the best possible quality of care—not just in practical assistance and nursing support but in ensuring our residents thrive.
Making space for those conversations has been valuable, where we can ensure every resident knows about community-based services, local groups and charities they might wish to be a part of. We are grateful to the VFF for their warm welcome and generous resource and knowledge sharing.’
Forest Healthcare’s Work to Celebrate and Honour Veteran Residents
The care group, which has won prestigious awards in recognition of its inclusive, engaging, and stimulating activities and events, has taken its membership within the Veteran Friendly Framework a step further, embarking on a special project as part of its 2024 Armistice Day calendar.
Noting that several residents within the group's centres were veterans with stories to share, Forest Healthcare invited those who wished to participate in a series looking at their lives, memories and history within the forces.
In the run-up to November 11, Forest Healthcare sat down with 11 residents and team members to hear about their time in the Armed Forces, how those experiences have shaped their lives, and the stories and memories they chose to tell—some powerfully emotional and moving, and others inspiring and uplifting.
Amanda adds, ‘Gaining this deeper level of communication and fostering a culture that is truly understanding for those who have served has been wonderful. We would like to thank every resident and team member who has been so willing to share and to the families and partners who gave their time and support to this meaningful project.’
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About Forest Healthcare
Forest Healthcare is an established care provider dedicated to consistently delivering an outstanding quality of life to the residents they serve. With a network of care centres across South-East England, Forest Healthcare specialises in catering to a wide range of care requirements, including; residential, nursing, dementia and specialist care. The organisation’s mission is to provide a family feel to the exceptional care they deliver by valuing, respecting and caring for each and every person who lives and works at Forest Healthcare.
Media Contact:
Chris Salter
(020) 7250 0156
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Source Company: https://www.foresthc.com
Published by: Steve OBrien