Chester care home awarded for veteran-friendly efforts

Deewater Grange, on Chester Road, received this official recognition for its person-centred care standards for veterans.

The care home is part of Care UK and is now inviting the community to an event on Saturday, September 7, from 2pm to 4pm, to learn about the history and development of the Royal British Legion.

Guests at the event will have the chance to meet Ruth Jones, the Poppy Appeal manager for the Royal British Legion, and enjoy refreshments prepared by Lloyd Harrison.

The care home is set to hold an event about the history and development of the Royal British Legion (Image: Care UK)

The Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) is a joint initiative by Armed Forces charities Royal Star & Garter and the Royal British Legion, alongside the NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), with financial backing from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

To gain the Veteran Friendly status, Deewater Grange had to meet eight standards, including recognising Armed Forces status in care plans, addressing social isolation, and signposting to support services such as the Royal British Legion.

Sally Cooper, the home manager at Deewater Grange, said: "We’re so proud to have become a VFF-approved care home.

"We’ve learnt so much in the process, and we are excited to host the first of many veteran-friendly events in the local community.

"The entire team has been working tirelessly to achieve the accreditation, and I’d like to say a big thank you to them all."

Kathryn Glass, the VFF project lead at Royal Star & Garter, said: "We’re delighted that Deewater Grange 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.

"Being a VFF care home means that there is an increased understanding and recognition for the veteran community at Deewater Grange."