Developing and maintaining relationships with public officials is an important part of helping them understand that supporting Quality First will make them known as a champion for older adults.

The following section features case studies and templates that you can use as models, fact sheets and other resource materials for your organization.

Templates

Sample Letter to Policymakers about AAHSA Quality First
Sound public policy is critical to achieving excellence in aging services. Use this sample letter to inform federal, state and local officials about your organization’s commitment to Quality First and its role in helping you provide quality care that people can trust.

Model Fact Sheet about Community Involvement
When an organization gets involved in community-at-large, it enhances the quality of life of individuals it serves, in addition to its reputation in the local community. Use this model to develop a fact sheet that highlights these activities in your organization.

How to Create a Fact Sheet about Your Aging Services Organization
The first step to earning public trust is providing the public with the basic information about your organization so they know who you are and how you are dedicated to serving older adults. Use this template to design a fact sheet that can help your organization achieve this goal.

Fact Sheets

Quality First and Public Policy
Sound public policy is critical to achieving excellence in aging services. This fact sheet makes public policy recommendations for each of AAHSA Quality First’s 10 Elements of Quality.

Case Studies

Connecticut Member Helps Congressman See How Their Organization Puts Quality First
Congressman Christopher Shays visited with residents of The Marvin/Under One Roof, Inc., took part in a community service activity and learned about their Quality First team. In fact, the Congressman was so interested in their organization, he had dinner with another group of residents the following week!

QF Resolution Passed in California
In August 2004, California became the first state in the country to pass a Legislative Resolution commending and embracing the AAHSA Quality First Initiative.

Nursing Home Uses Good Public Relations to Fight for Medicaid with Senator
The Good Samaritan Society of Sioux Falls, S.D., participated in a conference call with Senator Tim Johnson, giving him and the media good ammunition to bring light to the funding crisis our field is facing.

Other Resources

Contact Congress
Visit Contact Congress, AAHSA's legislative action center, and find tools you can use to contact federal, state and local officeholders about issues affecting aging services.

Know Thyself
Whether meeting with legislators, your local officials or the media, how do you describe and present your organization? Show yourself to the best advantage by pulling together concise information about your organization and its impact on your community.

Congress to Home
Join the Congress-to-Home campaign and invite a legislator to visit your senior community as a way to earn public trust.