Sidcup care home marches ahead with veteran-friendly status

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

Care UK’s Smyth Lodge, on Frognal Avenue, 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, Smyth 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 help for veterans and their partners.

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

Tracey Cheeseman, Home Manager at Smyth Lodge, said: “We are so proud to have become a VFF-approved care home. It ensures veterans who live here, as well as those in the community, feel recognised and supported.

“Many residents have remarkable service stories and, through this framework, we can honour those experiences while providing the right care and connections. 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.”

Smyth Lodge has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives. The home provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care, and offers luxury facilities including a cinema, hair and beauty salon, gym and pub.