Boost for Armed Forces Veterans Living at Low Furlong in Warwickshire

Former members of the Armed Forces in Warwickshire will benefit from enhanced person-centred care and support after Low Furlong care home, part of the Runwood Homes group, achieved the standards required for the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF).

The aim of the VFF is to better support the practical, emotional and social needs of the Armed Forces community in residential care homes across England by providing training and resources to assess and improve the care they offer. It will help tackle loneliness and has the scope to deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for the 25,000 veterans living in care homes in England.

To achieve their Veteran Friendly status, Low Furlong 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.

Amie, Home Manager at Low Furlong, said: “We are very proud to now be part of the Veteran Friendly Framework. It is something that Clare, Luca and all the staff and residents have worked hard to achieve. It is fantastic that we can now offer enhanced support to the community and the residents and their families at Low Furlong. It is an important message and one that we are very passionate about.”

The VFF is a collaboration between Armed Forces charities Royal Star & Garter and Royal British Legion, and NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

Kathryn Glass, VFF Project Lead at Royal Star & Garter and responsible for supporting and assessing care homes going through the scheme, said: “We’re delighted that Low Furlong has achieved VFF status. This is a great commitment to their continuous improvement in the delivery of person-centred care for veteran residents and their partners.

“This programme will benefit both current and future residents, along with current and future staff at Low Furlong, who are able to access enhanced training and guidance to better engage with the unique military experiences that their residents and partners have lived through.

“Being a VFF care home means that there is an increased understanding and recognition for the veteran community at Low Furlong.”