Local war veterans and their widows can now obtain extra benefits via the Bermuda Legion, which is officially aligned with the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League.

“We have got ourselves in a position where the League will offer an annuity for life to any war veterans or widows in need of assistance,” said Carol Everson, a welfare case worker for the Bermuda Legion. “All they need to do is apply to us.”

Applicants must detail their earnings, she said, plus allowances, pensions and benefits, as well as expenditure. The annuity offered starts at $1,000 for one year.

Ms Everson added that the RCEL can tap into welfare funds to cover other necessities, through its connections with more than 2,000 veterans’ charities in England.

The Bermuda Legion was accepted into the scheme after a review of its books and its record of governance.

The local organisation has also strengthened its ties with the Royal Canadian Legion, which has sent a delivery of supplies for Bermuda’s Remembrance Day poppy appeal. Anyone who served in the Canadian forces during the Second World War is eligible to apply to the Canadian group for assistance. In addition, the Bermuda Legion continues to advocate for seniors. Despite a growing population of people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, patients in need of care have nowhere to go.

“The Sylvia Richardson rest home is state-of-the-art but full,” Ms Everson said. “Lefroy House unfortunately still has its roof damaged from hurricanes. At the moment they have eight people and no spare beds. The third facility is Westmeath, but the fees there are out of reach for most ordinary people.”

Using estimates based on the veterans as a focus group, she estimated that between 400 and 500 elderly Bermudians with Alzheimer’s and dementia were in need of help.

“That number will certainly grow as our elderly population grows,” she said. “There is a very urgent need; not only for facilities, but also qualified staff.”

• For more information, e-mail nosoldierleftbehind@hotmail.com, telephone 293-3975 or mail PO Box 494, Flatts.