Former members of the Armed Forces are set to benefit after Spellman Care became the second full care home group in the country to meet the standards for the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF).
Spellman Care marked their achievement of becoming a Veteran Friendly care home group with a celebratory event at their home in Skipton, Craven Nursing Home.
The event featured a 1940's themed afternoon tea with live music, complete with classic games and wartime memorabilia.
A special presentation, prepared by a resident at Steeton Court Nursing Home, added a personal touch to the celebration. Guests enjoyed the nostalgic atmosphere which included a classic car on display.
The event welcomed a range of guests, including representatives of the Royal British Legion Skipton Branch, featuring their new chairman, Gordon Bell.
The aim of the VFF is to better support the practical, emotional and social needs of the Armed Forces community in care homes across England, by providing training and resources to assess and improve the care they offer.
It will help tackle loneliness and deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for the 25,000 veterans living in care homes in England.
To achieve their Veteran Friendly status, Spellman Care was required to meet eight standards. These included: 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.
"We are absolutely thrilled and proud to be recognized as a Veteran Friendly Care Home Group," said Philippa Young, group operations manager at Spellman Care.
"This accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care for all residents, especially our valued veterans.
“By embodying our core values of kindness, dignity, and compassion, we've created a supportive community where veterans feel cherished and connected.
“Initiatives like our Veterans cafes, specialised staff training, and fostering connections with the Armed Forces community have been instrumental in building a thriving environment where friendships flourish.
“It's incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact these efforts have had on our residents' lives."
The VFF is a collaboration between Armed Forces charities Royal Star & Garter and Royal British Legion, and NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance, with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
Kathryn Glass is the VFF Project Lead at Royal Star & Garter and responsible for supporting and assessing care homes going through the scheme.
She said: “The applications submitted by all four of the Spellman Care homes were of an exceptionally high standard and a testament to the dedication, passion, and commitment the group has for providing high-quality person-centred care for residents and colleagues alike.”
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