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 (AAHA). 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.
In 1994, the association added the term 'services' to the name in order to reflect the fact that over 90 percent of members were transforming to offer services to people in their homes and communities. The new name signaled that members of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) were committed to providing a full continuum of housing, care and services for older adults. The future of aging services means providing services people need, when they need them, in the place they call home.
Since its founding, AAHSA has been a leader in telling the story of how not-for-profit providers provide Our state associations and national conferences bring people together to share innovative practices and foster the power of our community among our members. Our philosophy is centered on advancing big ideas that will transform how we care for our aging population.
The 21st century is filled with unprecedented challenges and opportunities for not-for-profit aging services providers and for society as a whole. In this fast-changing environment, AAHSA and its members are poised to lead the U.S. to a new and better system of long-term care and services for America's seniors.
Be sure to check out our Five Big Ideas.
Read AAHSA's 2007 Annual Report