Veteran Friendly Framework: our evaluation shows new programme enhances life for veterans in care

Our evaluation finds the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) is helping veterans in residential care across England feel more connected and less isolated.

The Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF), the programme which is improving the lives of the Armed Forces community living in residential care across England, has
received a positive evaluation of its impact. Our review found veterans
experienced an increase in social connections and felt less isolated as a result of the VFF.

The free-to-access VFF programme was launched in 2023 as a partnership between the Royal British Legion, Royal Star & Garter and the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance. The VFF helps providers to offer tailored support for veterans and their partners living in care homes across England. Nearly 230 homes have now achieved VFF status, with a further 75 currently working towards approval and over 220 making active enquiries. To date, nearly 2,000 people are already being supported from the more than 25,000 veterans estimated to be living in care. The success of the programme has led to RBL and RSG committing to funding the VFF for a further two years.

Our evaluation, which was jointly funded by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs
with VFF partners RBL and RSG, was the first of its kind and involved care home
managers, staff, veterans and families, using a range of quantitative and qualitative approaches, to understand the delivery, impact and value of the VFF. .

In an environment where engagement can be tough, we also found that 55% of
veteran residents participated in more activities as a result of the VFF and almost
half were happier when they did get involved. Most importantly the evaluation
showed that the recording of veteran status in care planning increased by over
100%, the first critical step to ensuring a person-centred focus. “Now we understand that veteran residents may have specific needs that require a different approach,” was one Home Manager’s comment.

We also found that staff reported the VFF-specific training not only increased their confidence in supporting veterans, but served a double purpose as a form of enrichment and professional development. They also experienced improved work satisfaction from increased connection to residents.

I find it so fulfilling and found it so amazing even just to ask them these questions, and then get to see photos and hear their families talk about their service.

VFF Champion

The programme also has business benefits for care homes who are actively
promoting their involvement with the VFF (over 100 of the specially designed
plaques have been purchased) to those seeking care. Particularly for care
homes that are located in areas with a significant military presence, the VFF
was perceived as a valuable marketing tool and was felt to improve the home’s
reputation and visibility within the community, enhancing their services and
creating a specialism, without unnecessary complexity.

The report provides strong evidence of the VFF’s impact and ability to enhance care for veterans and their partners in homes across England, at a cost-effective level. It also demonstrates that the focus on personalised care and the connections created within the local military community have benefits for other care home residents, who also saw improved wellbeing, social connection and engagement in activities.

As a result of these strong outcomes, funding partners RSG and the RBL have
committed to the ongoing project costs to December 2028. This will ensure
wider scale roll-out along with ongoing identification, support and connection for
many more veterans and their partners living in care across England.

Any care homes interested in receiving more information about the VFF can visit
https://veteranfriendlyframework.org.uk