A Ferndown-based care home achieved the standard required for the Veteran Friendly Framework, meaning that former members of the armed forces will benefit from enhanced person-centred care and support.
Heathland House aims to further support the practical and social needs of the Armed Forces community by achieving the Veteran Friendly Framework. By offering resources and training to evaluate and enhance the quality of care provided, the care home team anticipate that this initiative will address social isolation and has the potential to yield better health and wellness results.
To achieve the Veteran Friendly Framework status, Heathland House was required to meet eight standards. These include: noting Armed Forces status within care plans, addressing social isolation and signposting to support services, such as their local Royal British Legion branch and other charities that provide support for veterans or partners of veterans.
Nadia Greenmaidan, General Manager at Heathland House, said, “I am incredibly proud of our team for the dedication, passion and hard work they have shown in completing an outstanding application to achieve Veteran Friendly Home status. This recognition reflects our commitment to celebrating and supporting those with a connection to the Armed Forces. By introducing service branch door signs, creating regular NAFFI breaks where veterans can share stories, knowledge and experiences, and enhancing our admission and recruitment processes to identify Armed Forces connections, we have created meaningful opportunities for residents and staff to connect, reminisce and take pride in their service.”
Supported by funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, this framework represents a joint effort between the NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance and Armed Forces charities Royal British Legion and Royal Star & Garter.
Kathryn Glass, Veteran Friendly Framework Project Lead at Royal Star & Garter, said: We’re delighted that Heathland House has achieved Veteran Friendly Framework status. This is a great commitment to their continuous improvement in the delivery of person-centred care for veteran residents and their partners.”
