Cotswolds Rise care home in Swindon achieves Veteran Friendly Framework status

We are proud to announce that our Cotswolds Rise care home in Purton, Swindon, has achieved the prestigious Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status and is now officially listed as a Veteran Friendly Care Home.

To achieve Veteran Friendly status, Cotswolds Rise 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.

Feedback received on the application said it was of an exceptionally high standard and a testament to the dedication, passion, and commitment our team has for providing high-quality person-centred care for residents and colleagues alike, along with forging meaningful connections to the Armed Forces Community and NHS services.

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.

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, said:

“We’re delighted that Cotswolds Rise 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 Cotswolds Rise, 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 Cotswolds Rise.”

Gemma Brown, Home Manager at Cotswolds Rise, says:

“It’s a real honour to be recognised as a Veteran Friendly Care Home. Former members of the Armed Forces who reside at our home are benefitting from initiatives we’ve put in place to ensure their needs are met appropriately. I am incredibly proud to lead such a hardworking, dedicated and compassionate team, who are committed to supporting all our wonderful residents. This recognition is further testament to the huge part the team plays in delivering high quality care and support, and in creating a ‘home from home’ ethos.”