Boost for Armed Forces Veterans Living at Old Sarum Manor
Michael Berkley-Blezard, General Manager
Former members of the Armed Forces living at Salisbury care home, Old Sarum Manor, will benefit from enhanced person-centred care and support after the care home achieved Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status.
Old Sarum Manor was inspired to work towards VFF accreditation following its experience of caring for the late Jim Wren, a former Royal Marine and Second World War veteran who lived at the home, as well as through the personal connections that members of staff have to the Armed Forces through loved ones in the military.
Jim served aboard HMS Repulse and survived its sinking in 1941 before being captured and spending three and a half years as a prisoner of war. He went on to complete 12 years of service with the Royal Marines.
To achieve its Veteran Friendly status, Old Sarum Manor 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 the local Royal British Legion branch, and other charities that provide support for veterans or partners of veterans.
Going forward, Old Sarum Manor plans to establish a support group for members of staff who have loved ones in the military. The home also hopes to welcome local veterans to future events, allowing them to meet residents, give talks and share their experiences.
Michael Berkley-Blezard, General Manager of Old Sarum Manor, said: “We’re delighted to have achieved Veteran Friendly Framework status. Caring for Jim and learning about his remarkable experiences during his military service reinforced for us how important it is to understand and recognise the individual stories of veterans who live with us.
“There is also a personal connection to the Armed Forces among members of our team who have loved ones in the military, so working towards the accreditation felt like a natural and important step for Old Sarum Manor.
“We want to build on what we’ve achieved. We’re planning a support group for colleagues with loved ones in the military and hope to welcome local veterans into the home to meet residents, give talks and share their experiences. It’s about making sure veterans who live with us now and in the future feel that their service and experiences are recognised and understood.”
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: “We’re delighted that Old Sarum Manor has achieved VFF status. This is a great commitment to the home’s 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 staff, who are able to access enhanced training and guidance to better engage with the unique military experiences that veterans and their partners have lived through.
“Being a VFF care home means that there is greater understanding and recognition of the veteran community among staff and across the home.”
