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Contents of this brochure
What is AAHSA Quality First?
Why do AAHSA members participate?
What should I do next?
A wealth of information on the Web site
AAHSA Quality First Membership Covenant
Updated: April 2005
What is AAHSA Quality First?
AAHSA Quality First is a philosophy of quality and a framework for earning public trust in aging
services.
AAHSA Quality First reinforces the commitment that not-for-profit aging services providers have to
maximize quality of care and quality of life for older adults. AAHSA Quality First allows consumers
to have confidence that the aging services they choose for themselves and their loved ones will meet or
exceed their needs and expectations.
AAHSA members are using these AAHSA Quality First 10 Elements of Quality as their guide:
1. Commitment – A pledge by aging services
providers across the continuum of aging services to
maintain and promote ethical practices and the highest
standards of quality.
2. Governance Accountability – Achieving and
maintaining high standards of management and
governance to improve quality consistent with our
mission and values.
3. Leading-Edge Care and Services – Implementing
models and practices that are based on evidence of
their success, represent the tradition of personal
service and are adaptable to a changing society.
4. Community Involvement – Engaging in
community citizenship and service – social
accountability, volunteer involvement and
relationship-building.
5. Continuous Quality Improvement – Using
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) methods to
enhance existing programs, improve effectiveness and
foster a collaborative work environment.
6. Human Resources Development – Providing
training, competitive wages and benefits, and a
supportive workplace environment.
7. Consumer-Friendly Information – Providing
accessible and understandable information for older
adults, families and caregivers.
8. Consumer Participation – Engaging
residents/clients, family members and other
consumers in care and services.
9. Research Findings and Education – Using and
sharing the latest research findings to improve care
and services for older adults.
10. Public Trust and Consumer Confidence –
Committing to a policy of outreach, openness and
authenticity.
Why do AAHSA members participate in AAHSA Quality First?
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Because all fields and professions – including aging services – must address quality now.
Because we can’t afford not to publicly address quality issues now.
Because AAHSA Quality First can help us demonstrate that not-for-profit aging services organizations are
setting the standard for quality.
Because AAHSA Quality First augments our strategic planning process.
Because signing the AAHSA Quality First Covenant affords us public recognition of our commitment to the
people we serve and their loved ones.
Because AAHSA Quality First helps us advance in the worldwide standard for quality – continuous quality
improvement (CQI).
Because, by participating in Quality First, we join thousands of other aging services providers.
Because consumers’ needs and demands are changing and we must continue to improve quality.
Because AAHSA Quality First augments our strategic planning, risk management and safety programs.
Because AAHSA Quality First reflects our mission and our values.
What should I do next?
AAHSA Quality First is being implemented by AAHSA members through a self-guided process. The goals of
Quality First – to achieve excellence and earn public trust in aging services – are being accomplished through
the individual efforts of our members.
The primary source of information and resources about AAHSA Quality First is our Quality First
Web site (see below). Begin by reviewing and understanding the materials on the Web site with your staff
leadership and governing board.
Then, sign the Quality First Covenant (see next page); the covenant requires the signatures of your
organization’s CEO and board chair. Send a copy of the signed covenant to: AAHSA Member Services, 2519
Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008-1520; fax (202) 220-0025.
Return to the Web site. See the Guides to AAHSA Quality First section; the Self-Study and Providers’ Checklist
will help identify your organization’s strengths and opportunities for improvement. Check the other sections.
Questions? Call (202) 508-9499.
A wealth of information on the AAHSA Quality First
Web site: www.aahsa.org/qualityfirst
Overview
 Overview of AAHSA Quality First
 10 Elements of Quality
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 Frequently Asked Questions
 Why AAHSA Members Participate
PowerPoints
 Introductory PowerPoint
Fact-Sheets
 What is Quality First?
 Quality First for Boards and Trustees
 Housing and AAHSA Quality First
 Quality First is Transforming Aging Services
 Quality First and Public Policy
 Quality First and Technology
 Quality First Brochure
 Why AAHSA Members Participate
 AAHSA Membership Creed
Covenant
 AAHSA Quality First Covenant
 AAHSA Members Participating in QF
 Percentage Participating in QF – By State
National Commission
The Web site is
updated frequently;
check often for
new information.
Guides to AAHSA Quality First
 Quick Guide to AAHSA Quality First
 Step-by-Step Guide
 Month-by-Month Guide
Resources
 Hundreds of Documents and Links for Each
of the Quality First 10 Elements of Quality
Self-Study and Providers’ Checklist
 AAHSA Quality First Self-Study
 AAHSA Quality First Aging Services
Providers’ Checklist
Public Relations
 Sample Press Release for Your Local Media
 Sample Letter for Residents, Clients and
Families
 Media Guidelines
 Sample Press Release
Successes and Support
 How Your Colleagues Implement QF
 All-Star Quality First Programs
Your Questions and Ideas
 How to Contact AAHSA with Your
Questions and Ideas
We are committed to achieving excellence in the quality of care and services provided to consumers
and to earning the public’s trust.
We believe that aging has a fulfilling purpose in life and that our society’s elders have enduring value
to family and community.
We believe that not-for-profit organizations have a special role in society to provide healthy,
affordable, and ethical aging services. Our objective is to provide the highest quality and most
compassionate care and services to the people we serve.
We believe that the field of aging services should adhere to applicable legal, ethical and professional
standards that are based on stated values and policies in each of our organizations.
We believe that we should strive to offer programs and services that are based on contemporary
research and knowledge to meet the needs of the people we serve as well as paid and volunteer
caregivers, to the best of our ability.
We acknowledge the commitment and responsibility the American Association of Homes and Services
for the Aging has made to offer the tools, information, education and support to help us honor this
covenant and to provide leadership and representation of our efforts in the national arena.
Therefore, as a member of AAHSA, we believe we have a special stewardship responsibility to maintain:
1. Continuous quality improvement
2. Public disclosure and accountability
3. Consumer and family rights
4. Workforce excellence
5. Community involvement
6. Ethical practices, and
7. Financial integrity
This certifies that ____________________________________________________________ pledges
(organization name)
to commit to these steps to achieve excellence.
____________________________________________________
(signature)
Chair of Board
(print name)
_________________________________________________________
(signature)
CEO/Administrator/Manager
(print name)
_________________________________________________________
Organization Location (city, state)
_________________________________________________________
Date