Aden Mount and Aden View get Veteran Friendly Framework status, for fantastic support.
The VFF program started in 2023 and aims to reduce loneliness in veterans while improving their health. Over 25,000 veterans live in care homes. The Royal Star & Garter, The Royal British Legion, and the NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance helped create VFF. Funding came from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
Kathryn Flass leads the VFF Project at Royal Star & Garter. She praised the care homes’ applications. Staff and veterans celebrated this achievement. John Rogers, an 88-year-old resident and former Royal Artillery member during his National Service from 1958 to 1960, developed officer training schemes. He worked at Barford Camp and is now cared for at Aden View.
Kimberley McKay, manager of Aden View, feels honored to use the VFF program. While they already honor veterans, VFF offers more support. The care home shares veteran stories and dedicated a special area to promote veterans, where residents and families shared their stories.
Rodney Coates, a 78-year-old veteran, is also a resident at Aden Mount. He served in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, joining at age 17, and served in Germany, Cyprus, and Hong Kong before later joining other units as a radio operator.
He instructed at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and later served in a unit in Surrey, becoming Garrison Sergeant Major of Lancashire. Before residing at Aden Mount, Rodney had his own business. Michelle Mosley, manager of Aden Mount, feels proud to join the VFF.
The program increased their understanding and helped them provide better care, respecting residents’ wartime experiences. Achieving VFF status required meeting eight standards. They noted military status in care plans, addressed isolation, and offered support services. Shakira Joseph, a senior carer, enjoys hearing veterans’ stories.