July 10, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contacts: Lauren Shaham, AAHSA, (202) 508-1219

AAHSA Retains Dalpiaz to Lead Long-term Care Solution Project

Washington, D.C. - Elaine Dalpiaz has been retained by The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) to lead AAHSA’s campaign to advance bold reforms for financing long-term care in the U.S.

In her new role, Dalpiaz will be responsible for leading the organization’s effort to develop a 3-5 year plan for policy makers, opinion leaders, providers and consumers to educate and influence their thinking about the need for policy changes to meet the critical needs of America’s rapidly aging population.

Dalpiaz brings to the project more than 20 years of experience addressing issues and policies critical to American seniors. Since 2005, she has worked as an independent policy and legislative consultant. She also served as professional staff for Sen. John Breaux (D-La.) on the Senate Special Committee on Aging where she was primarily responsible for the issues of long-term care, healthy aging, family care giving, and the Older Americans Act. Prior to joining the Committee, Elaine worked for Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) as a legislative assistant. There, she handled a variety of domestic policy affecting older adults, including Social Security, Medicare reform and prescription drug coverage.

“Elaine is highly regarded by leaders throughout the aging community,” AAHSA President & CEO Larry Minnix said. “Her knowledge and leadership will help us implement our vision of long-term care finance reform into a reality.”

Dalpiaz has also served as Deputy Director of the 1995 White House Conference on Aging, Communications Director for the National Senior Service Corps and as a program officer in the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She began her Washington career working as a legislative assistant for Sen. John Glenn (D-Ohio). .Dalpiaz earned a Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Walsh College in Canton, Ohio and her Master’s degree in Social Policy from the London School of Economics.

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About AAHSA
The members of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (www.aahsa.org) help millions of individuals and their families every day through mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing the services that people need, when they need them, in the place they call home. Our 5,800 member organizations, many of which have served their communities for generations, offer the continuum of aging services: adult day services, home health, community services, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes. AAHSA’s commitment is to create the future of aging services through quality people can trust.