The UK charity working on behalf of older vegans and vegetarians. 
Currently, V for Life is only aware of two fully vegetarian care homes in the UK, which offer Gujarati and Indian food. The reality for most older vegans or vegetarians entering care is that they will be living in a mixed catering environment.
This is not without dietary consequences. Care providers frequently report instances where a vegan/vegetarian with dementia has 'demanded' meat, or tried to take it from someone else's plate. Refusal to give in to a person's request for meat has caused the person great distress. The response to this from the vegan/vegetarian community has understandably been one of overwhelming horror. People are keen to do what they can to protect their long-standing, deeply-held beliefs.
One of VfL’s major goals is improve the standard of vegan and vegetarian catering in existing homes. They seek to do this through their UK List, which is a geographical listing of organisations and care homes that make a special effort to cater for vegans and vegetarians. VfL is striving towards a vision where at least 1 in every 6 UK care homes are members of its UK List – and 1 in every 100 will be VfL accredited.
Meeting the needs of a diverse range of older people is important to VfL, too. VfL strives to be the first port of call for information, support and advice for older vegans, vegetarians, their families, friends and a broad range of care caterers.
Services include:
- Grants to help older vegans with independent living.
- Veggie pen and phone-pals scheme.
- Free publications.
- Advance-care planning guide.
- Training and support for care caterers.
The Vegan Society works in partnership with VfL to run the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Vegetarianism and Veganism and is a proud sponsor of its guide to vegan meals for home delivery, Dinners to your Door.
