logo
Forest Healthcare Centre, Grace Manor, Latest in the Network to Achieve Veteran Friendly Framework Member Status

Forest Healthcare Centre, Grace Manor, Latest in the Network to Achieve Veteran Friendly Framework Member Status

05/14/2025, Borehamwood WD6 1EP // PRODIGY: Feature Story //
Grace Manor Care Centre, a private 24-hour nursing home in Gillingham that is part of the respected Forest Healthcare network, has confirmed that it has successfully achieved accreditation through the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF). The centre is now able to claim the title of a Veteran Friendly Care Home—the most recent centre in the group to complete the process.
The VFF is a collaboration between the Royal British Legion (RBL), the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, and Royal Star & Garter. Its goal is to encourage care centres to improve health and well-being outcomes for the approximate 25,000 veterans currently living in English care facilities.
The Importance of Veteran Friendly Framework Accreditation for Grace Manor Care Centre
Forest Healthcare has already committed to becoming VFF accredited across several other of its high-quality care centres. Grace Manor is the latest to concentrate on developing support systems and training resources for carers to ensure the needs, well-being, and happiness of veterans are a focal aspect of personalised care planning.
Research conducted by the RBL found that around 8% of all care home residents in England and Wales, excluding partners and spouses, have served and that concerted efforts are needed to ensure they receive acknowledgement and additional support.
The charitable organisation has identified challenges associated with varied emotional and physical needs, the impacts of military duties on the lives of older adults, and the key importance of recognising and understanding how best to ensure Armed Forces community members receive acknowledgement, access to community groups, and connection with other veterans.
To apply for VFF accreditation, care centres must submit an application demonstrating their adherence with eight standards. They must, for example, provide evidence of provisions that will ensure care home residents with Armed Forces status are recognised and their needs incorporated into care plans, sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant, and ensure there are signposting policies in place to connect residents with charitable and statutory support services.
Grace Manor Care Centre's Pathway to Achieving VFF Membership
While many private care centres may have a proportion of veteran residents, VFF membership was particularly important for Grace Manor Care Centre.
The care home is close to several military bases and barracks, past and present, including closed bases such as HMS Pembroke, the Royal Naval Barracks, which opened in 1902 and is now part of the Universities of Medway, and the Royal Marine Barracks based at Gun Wharf Chatham, which closed in 1950.
Several other meaningful bases or military installations remain near Grace Manor, including the Royal Engineers Museum located within Kent town and the Royal School of Military Engineering, which has a campus in Brompton built along the remains of the Chatham Dockyard Great Lines and remains active today.
Although the veteran proportion of the population in Kent is around the average for England and Wales, there is a high likelihood of dedicated nursing centres in and around these specific areas to welcome residents with an Armed Forces background.
Commenting on the application from Grace Manor Care Centre, the VFF mentioned that it was of an 'exceptionally high standard' and represented a commitment to 'forging some meaningful connections' with the local Armed Forces community and healthcare services.
Celebrating Veteran Friendly Framework Accreditation at Grace Manor
Gabriele Jerome, Manager of Grace Manor said, ' It was wonderful to receive confirmation of our accreditation and our Veteran Friendly Framework Certificate, which is now proudly displayed in the centre. Enormous thanks go to our talented, dedicated, and compassionate care teams, who embraced the opportunity to reinforce and enhance their learning about how best to support our veteran residents and embarked on this project with such enthusiasm.
The accreditation process gave us a fantastic chance to access new educational resources, identify local services and communities that can enhance the quality of life for veterans, and look at new ways to ensure Armed Forces status residents are recognised and supported and that their military history is recorded as an integral part of care planning.'
Grace Manor Care Centre is one of six Forest Healthcare centres now officially recognised as VFF Friendly. Belmont Lodge in Chigwell, Essex, Ash Court in Camden, London, Bridgeside Lodge in Islington, London, The Poplars in Maidstone, and Pinehurst in Crowthorne, Berkshire, are also featured on the VFF Status Care Home Map published online through the Veteran Friendly Framework.
Read more about Forest Healthcare - Forest Healthcare Network's The Grange Care Centre Scoops Prestigious Accolade in CareHome.co.uk Awards
About Forest Healthcare
Forest Healthcare is an established care provider dedicated to consistently delivering an outstanding quality of life to the residents they serve. With a network of care centres across South-East England, Forest Healthcare specialises in catering to a wide range of care requirements, including; residential, nursing, dementia and specialist care. The organisation's mission is to provide a family feel to the exceptional care they deliver by valuing, respecting and caring for each and every person who lives and works at Forest Healthcare.
Media Contact:
Chris Salter
(020) 7250 0156
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Artisight introduces voice-activated interpreters into hospital platform
Artisight introduces voice-activated interpreters into hospital platform

Yahoo

time20 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Artisight introduces voice-activated interpreters into hospital platform

Artisight has introduced voice-activated medical interpreters on its Smart Hospital Platform, enabling clinicians to communicate with patients in over 240 languages. This innovation, developed in collaboration with LanguageLine Solutions, provides 24/7 access to medical interpreters, including American Sign Language, and is compatible with any hospital's existing translation services. Clinicians will now be able to access interpreters during patient encounters with a verbal cue. An interpreter appears on the Artisight-connected TV when providers say "OK Artisight – Spanish Interpreter." This feature addresses the critical need for immediate medical interpretation in the US, where one in five residents speak a language other than English at home. Artisight CEO and co-founder Dr Andrew Gostine said: 'For the first time, clinicians can bring an interpreter in the room with a voice command. This is another example of how we're building the infrastructure to bring advanced technology into hospitals, eliminating friction for clinicians and patients at the bedside.' Studies have indicated that patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) are less likely to receive preventive care and more likely to suffer adverse health outcomes. The availability of on-demand interpretation aims to bridge language and cultural divides, enhancing diagnoses, treatment adherence, and overall medical outcomes. In addition, language access significantly improves staff efficiency. The Voice-Activated Interpreter service is now accessible at several hospitals using Artisight's Smart Hospital Platform. Remote caregivers can also use LanguageLine's audio and video interpretation services, ensuring language support is available irrespective of location. Artisight's platform has already been successful in reducing nurses' administrative workload by over 30 minutes per shift. The introduction of on-demand interpreters in patient rooms further streamlines clinicians' tasks. This latest feature supports Artisight's mission to revolutionise healthcare through advanced AI technologies, including NVIDIA's TensortRT, Triton, and Jetson NX GPUs. "Artisight introduces voice-activated interpreters into hospital platform" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.

Kanan Faysal's Youth-Led Mental Health Response Gains Ground in Bangladesh
Kanan Faysal's Youth-Led Mental Health Response Gains Ground in Bangladesh

Time Business News

timea day ago

  • Time Business News

Kanan Faysal's Youth-Led Mental Health Response Gains Ground in Bangladesh

In recent years, mental health awareness has gained gradual traction among the youth in Bangladesh, and one notable initiative in this domain is Talk Hope, a youth-led platform co-founded by Kanan Faysal. Established in early 2024, the initiative aims to normalize mental health conversations, particularly among school and college students across the country. The platform began gaining attention following its response to student unrest related to academic pressure in mid-2024. In collaboration with volunteer counselors and university students, Talk Hope organized open-air peer support circles, workshops, and digital campaigns addressing depression, exam stress, and suicidal thoughts—issues often stigmatized in conservative social contexts. Kanan Faysal, serving as the Chief Coordinator, has played a central role in mobilizing community outreach and awareness programs in educational institutions, including several in Dhaka and Narayanganj. According to internal estimates, the platform has directly or indirectly supported over 45,000 youth across Bangladesh through in-person activities, online support, and awareness drives. The initiative has received media coverage in both Bengali and English-language outlets for its grassroots approach and emphasis on youth peer engagement rather than clinical interventions. Talk Hope's model is noted for its accessibility and its ability to reach underrepresented and underserved segments of the youth population. Beyond mental health, Kanan Faysal is also involved with youth volunteering through organizations such as the Leo Club of Dhaka Century, where he has contributed to social welfare activities like tree plantations, blood donation drives, and awareness events in collaboration with international partners. Observers suggest that youth-led platforms like Talk Hope demonstrate a rising civic consciousness among Bangladeshi youth, who are increasingly addressing social issues once considered too taboo or specialized to engage with publicly. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Puppy Left Home Alone Outside Crate, Owner Films 'Disaster' They Return To
Puppy Left Home Alone Outside Crate, Owner Films 'Disaster' They Return To

Newsweek

time4 days ago

  • Newsweek

Puppy Left Home Alone Outside Crate, Owner Films 'Disaster' They Return To

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. In a viral Instagram video shared in July, an English bulldog puppy was left home alone for the first time out of her crate, and her owner was not ready for what she found when she returned home an hour later. The hilarious clip, shared under the username @ has a caption that says, "when you leave your puppy home alone outside of the crate for their first time and think you're coming home to a disaster." However, as the poster returns, prepared for the worst, she finds her puppy nestled between the couch and the pillows undisturbed, napping like a little angel all on her own. "Daisy's first time home alone outside of the crate for over an hour and this is what we come home to … A sweet sleepy princess," the caption says. Pet MD says that bulldogs aren't known for being very active, or for showing naughty behaviors such as excessive barking or digging. However, when they get bored, they may experience destructive behaviors, like all other pups. Destructive behavior in dogs can often be treated by identifying the root cause and implementing a consistent training and lifestyle adjustments. Treatment typically focuses on modifying the dog's environment and behavior, such as providing stimulating toys, reducing unsupervised time, and increasing physical activity and socialization. Dogs showing signs of separation anxiety may benefit from gradual desensitization to being alone and learning to dissociate cues like jingling keys from being left alone. It is important to discourage attention-seeking behaviors by only giving attention when the dog is calm. In severe cases, veterinarians may recommend medication for anxiety. Punishment is highly discouraged. Stock image: A bulldog lays on the couch on top of a brown blanket. Stock image: A bulldog lays on the couch on top of a brown blanket. getty images The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 223,000 views and almost 15,000 likes on the platform. One user, commented: "This happened to us too. If I forget something or come back early, she looks at me like, 'Why are you here?'" Kelliebiggins posted: "One day a week my bulldog stays home alone 8am-4pm … I honestly think it's her favorite day … She's exhausted from us all being home in the days prior and goes on a snooze marathon!" Angelabananangela added: "Why they always messing up the pillows though?!?" Newsweek reached out to @ for comment via Instagram messages. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store