CARE providers from across the county have been urged to join the Veteran Friendly Framework, a free programme designed to improve care for veterans and their families living in residential settings.

Nationally, around one in 12 care home residents has a military background, and this number doesn’t include the spouses and children who have shared in life experiences unique to the armed forces.

Gloucestershire County Council says the framework helps care providers identify residents and tailor support to reflect their unique life experiences, including the physical, mental and emotional impacts of service life.

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 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.”

The Veteran Friendly Framework is delivered nationally by the Royal British Legion, Royal Star & Garter and the NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, and supports care providers to embed veteran awareness into everyday practice.

The initiative also helps with the council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring veterans and their families are treated with fairness, dignity and respect when accessing services.

Care providers can find out more and how to sign up to the framework online by searching for https://veteranfriendlyframework.org.uk/