Boost for AgeCare Care Homes' resident Armed Forces veterans in London

Former members of the Armed Forces at four North London care homes will benefit from enhanced person-centred care and support now that the care homes have achieved the standards required for the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF).

Five Oaks care home in Barnet, Woodbury Manor and Bullsmoor Lodge care homes in Enfield and Minchenden Lodge in Southgate are part of AgeCare Care Homes’ portfolio. They have all recently undergone the accreditation process for the Veteran Friendly Framework and passed with flying colours.

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 its Veteran Friendly status, each of the homes 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 their partners. All nine AgeCare Care Homes properties have now achieved VFF accreditation.

Mac Cenit, Deputy Care Manager at Woodbury Manor care home, said: “We’re proud to be recognised as a VFF-approved care home, and even more proud of the positive difference this has made for our veteran residents.

Since beginning the accreditation journey, we’ve built strong links with the local Armed Forces and Veterans’ Breakfast Club and the Test Valley Armed Forces Champion, whose regular visits have brought real joy and renewed camaraderie. For some residents, it has been the first time in years they’ve shared their service stories so openly.

This recognition is more than an award - it’s a commitment to ensuring our veterans continue to receive the respect, support and connection they deserve.”

His sentiments were echoed by Rahima Mulindwa, Manager of Five Oaks care home, who said: “We have really enjoyed the whole VFF process. It has had a positive impact on everyone involved – even residents who are not part of the VFF family have shared their childhood stories about the war and have been actively involved in our process to become a Veteran Friendly Care Home.”

At Minchenden Lodge, the accreditation process had led to the home forging connections with their local MP, the British Legion Chairman and the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, all of whom played an important role in supporting their application.

Vijay Francis, Care Co-ordinator, said: “Being part of the Veteran Friendly Framework and the wider veteran community has made a genuinely positive impact on the whole of Minchenden Lodge.”

Lisa Coombs, Manager of Bullsmoor Lodge, said: “The VFF process has opened up so many important conversations with our residents. What we once worried might be difficult stories to hear have actually turned into beautiful memories, from heart-warming love stories to cherished memorabilia.”

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 is the VFF Project Lead at Royal Star & Garter and is responsible for supporting and assessing care homes going through the scheme. She said: “The applications submitted by these homes were all of an exceptionally high standard. Each one is a testament to the dedication, passion and commitment that AgeCare Care Homes have for providing high-quality person-centred care for their residents, along with forging some really meaningful connections to the AF Community and NHS services.

My personal thanks for all your hard work and commitment to undertaking this framework, and for being so welcoming with the VFF Team. I am so proud of you all.”

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