CARE homes are being urged to join a scheme that supports those who served in the Armed Forces.
Gloucestershire County Council is encouraging care providers across the county to sign up to the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF), a national programme designed to improve care for veterans and their families in residential settings.
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 framework helps care homes identify residents with military backgrounds and tailor care to reflect their unique 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.
The programme also encourages care homes to mark military service, celebrate significant dates, and include life stories in care planning.
Cllr Usmar said: “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.”
Nationally, around one in 12 care home residents have a military background, although this figure does not capture spouses and children who may also have shared elements of Armed Forces life.
So far, two care homes in Gloucestershire have achieved Veteran Friendly status.
The VFF is delivered nationally by the Royal British Legion, Royal Star & Garter, and the NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance.
It is part of the council’s broader commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, which aims to ensure veterans and their families are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect when accessing services.
Care providers can learn more and sign up via the Veteran Friendly Framework website.