Purley care home marches ahead with veteran-friendly status

A care home in Purley has been recognised for its commitment to the armed forces community.

Care UK’s Amberley Lodge, on Downlands Road, has officially received Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status – certifying the enhanced care and support for veterans living at the home.

The VFF initiative was launched in 2023 with the aim of tackling loneliness and isolation and delivering improved health and wellbeing outcomes for more than 25,000 veterans living in care homes across England.

To achieve its accreditation, Amberley Lodge was required to meet eight standards, including noting armed forces status within care plans, addressing social isolation and signposting to support services such as the local Royal British Legion branch and other charities that provide support for veterans and their partners.

The care home has also introduced a range of activities including monthly veteran-friendly breakfasts for those from Purley and the surrounding areas.

Azalea Moses, Home Manager at Amberley Lodge, said: “We are so proud to have become a VFF-approved care home.

“We pride ourselves on being warm and inclusive to all, so it is important for us to provide the right environment for veterans to thrive here. We’ve learnt so much in the process and have already started implementing activities.

“It’s been a whole team effort to achieve the accreditation, and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone. We’re looking forward to welcoming more veterans from the community into our home.”

Amberley Lodge has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as respite, and palliative care.