See AAHSA's 2007 Accomplishments

Read AAHSA's 2006 Annual Report

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In November 1961, the American Association of Homes for the Aging (AAHA, which became the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging [AAHSA] in 1994), was founded by a group of senior housing and long-term care leaders meeting in New York State. AAHSA's early leaders had a vision. They saw the not-for-profit organizations in aging services as leaders. They believed in the social components of care and advocated for the residents of their facilities, not just for their own self interests

On Nov. 26, 1961, a group of dedicated aging-services leaders met for four days at Arden House, the old Harriman estate on the banks of the Hudson River in New York, to discuss the role and mission of nonprofit providers of long-term care and senior housing. Out of those discussions came the birth of the American Association of Homes for the Aging. These founders' initial planning and foresight led to this association becoming an acknowledged leader in aging services, a cutting-edge organization providing wide-ranging services for its members in addition to ongoing advocacy, information and education.

After 42 years, the association is strong, possessed of a talented and visionary staff, and remains a recognized leader on the national scene. The 21st century is filled with unprecedented challenges for not-for-profit aging services providers and for society as a whole. In this fast-changing environment, AAHSA is fully prepared to assist its members, and the nation, in leading the way to a new and better system of long-term care and services for America's seniors.

AAHSA is committed to the advancement of six consumer-centered ideals about aging services initially espoused by the founders:

Dignity of all persons at every stage of life, including those who receive and those who provide long-term care. Our advocacy plans will align law and regulation with the evidence-based culture change that focuses on individual dignity.

Services people need, when they need them, in the place they call home. Our advocacy efforts will include a stronger emphasis on combining services with affordable housing and on home-oriented services at the same time that we work to strengthen nursing homes in terms or quality, constructive regulation and sufficient resources.

Quality that people can trust, through the continued implementation of our Quality First initiative

Mission-driven, not-for-profit values are the basis for what we advocate: customer-centered services, stewardship, ethical conduct and reflection, open communication and fair treatment of all concerned.

Advocacy for the right public policy for the right reasons so that our older and disabled people can stay as healthy and independent as possible. Food, health, support and shelter are rights - and responsibilities - of a blessed and just society, as ours is.

Leadership through shared learning enables us to advance our ideals by working to make the field better from within - through the fellowship of people willing to commit openly to a cause, share their knowledge and advance principles together for the common good.