Middleton Lodge Care Home in Derby has successfully achieved accreditation as a Veteran-Friendly Care Home under the Veteran Friendly Framework, bringing enhanced support to Armed Forces veterans living at the home.
To achieve Veteran Friendly status, Middleton Lodge was required to meet eight key standards. These included identifying Armed Forces status within resident care plans, addressing social isolation, and signposting residents and their families to relevant support services such as local Royal British Legion branches and other veteran-focused charities.
The Veteran Friendly Framework recognises care homes that demonstrate best practice in understanding veterans’ unique experiences and supporting their practical, emotional and social needs. By meeting these standards, Middleton Lodge has demonstrated it has the knowledge, training, and systems in place to ensure veterans feel understood, respected, and supported in a person-centred environment.
Kathryn Glass, VFF Project Lead at Royal Star & Garter, commented on the achievement, saying, “We’re delighted that Middleton Lodge 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 team members at Middleton Lodge, 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 Middleton Lodge.”
Joanne Graves, Home Manager at Middleton Lodge, shared her enthusiasm for the home’s achievement, ” We are delighted to be the very first Avery home to have completed and achieved Veteran Friendly Status. We are thankful for the great engagement and participation from our residents, relatives and team, and we have been privileged to hear some of the stories. We look forward to maintaining and building new relationships within the wider community and supporting our veterans.”
This achievement means Middleton Lodge is the first Avery care home to receive this prestigious accreditation, reflecting its strong commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive, and tailored care for veterans and their families.
