TAHSA represents nearly 250 not-for-profit aging services providers including retirement communities, senior housing facilities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and community based organizations in the state, as well as over 5,700 nationwide through our affiliation with LeadingAge (formerly AAHSA). Members benefit greatly through membership with TAHSA in many ways:
Facility Member Benefits
§ Joint Membership in LeadingAge
TAHSA members enjoy valuable representation on regulatory and legislative issues at the national level, access to national educational programs and conferences in the field of aging, and the opportunity to participate in a nationwide network of not-for-profit long-term care and retirement housing providers.
§ Advocacy
TAHSA provides advocacy leadership on the issues facing your organization. We are at the pulse of legislative decision-making in the capitol, providing you with avenues to meet directly with your state representatives. We understand the issues you are facing and at TAHSA we work hard to provide you with representation for increased Medicaid funding, housing issues, culture change models of service delivery, and other issues affecting the delivery of health care, social services, and housing. TAHSA provides regular updates and action calls to our membership and can provide your organization with the leadership and network to bring a unified voice for not-for-profit organizations in the political arena.
§ Nursing and Regulatory Consulting
TAHSA's nurse consultant can help you define facility needs and work as part of your nursing team to solve a number of problems faced constantly by agencies serving the elderly in Texas. TAHSA can also help with regulatory issues including assistance with informal dispute resolution (IDRs), mock surveys, and general assistance with regulatory agencies.
§ Membership Publications
TAHSA publications help members to make sound decisions based on the best and most current information available in Texas concerning the long-term care field. TAHSA sends The TAHSA Connection, a weekly e-newsletter, to members throughout the year. Its purpose is to update members about news affecting the industry and association. This is especially useful during the legislative sessions. The Annual Membership Directory serves as a guide to the member and their key personnel.
§ Group Purchasing
Members have the opportunity to participate in the TAHSA affiliated group purchasing program through Senior Communities Purchasing Connection, Inc. who has leveraged member buying power in order to offer competitive pricing on items that long-term care and senior housing providers use regularly including food, medical supplies, pharmacy, office supplies, wound care, incontinence products, nutrition, design and construction, human resources, etc. Most program participants can pay for their annual membership dues through their annual savings in this program. Please visit www.scpconnection.com for current contracts.
§ Regional Networks
TAHSA members are divided into networks, which provide a vital link between members, association leadership, and staff. Each network elects a representative to serve on the TAHSA Board. Through this representation, members are kept fully informed at the network meetings about statewide and association issues, which will affect their local operations. Network meetings provide opportunities for education, networking, and fellowship.
§ Fellowship
Through network meetings, local, and statewide educational programs, conferences, and peer group and committee work, TAHSA offers members a unique opportunity for friendship and fellowship with Texas' best retirement housing and nursing home professionals.
§ Professional Development
TAHSA through its subsidiary, the Educational Institute on Aging (EIA), conducts seminars and conferences throughout the year to enhance the effectiveness and knowledge of all facility staff. EIA offers specific training for every type of discipline such as Administrators, RNs, Activity Directors, Social Workers, Marketing Professionals, Dietary and Maintenance/Environmental staff. All training offers Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for attendees. Members receive a discounted rate to attend EIA events. EIA also offers scholarship opportunities for members who are eligible.
§ Network on Aging
TAHSA plays an active role in Texas' network of experts on aging. Association members and staff speak frequently at aging conferences, serve on boards of state organizations, and cooperate in development of position papers, which promote care and services for Senior Texans.
§ A Strong Unified Voice
TAHSA is regarded as a leader at both the state and national level. Its member communities are generally recognized as Texas' finest care providers. Many member administrators rank among the states top experts in the field of aging. Accordingly, government leaders and policymakers routinely seek TAHSA's position on current issues. TAHSA has an exceptional record of success in legislative and regulatory advocacy on behalf of its members.
§ Annual Meeting and Trade Show
Each year, TAHSA holds its Annual Meeting and Trade Show. This conference provides members with numerous educational opportunities for most staff including: nurses, administrators, community based services, assisted living managers, CEOs, social workers, chaplains, activity directors, dietary staff, marketing professionals, and more. The Trade Show has over 120 booths with the latest products and useful services for all organizations of long-term care. One of the most frequent comments we receive about the meeting is the important networking opportunities, the useful contacts and friendships attendees develop while at the meeting.
For Details of Membership Benefits please contact Crystal Laza at crystal@tahsa.org or (512) 467-2242.
