Welcome to the Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County(also known as AAASC)! We have been in your communities for over 30 years coordinating and delivering Aging services and supports to Older Adults and family members. It is the vision of the Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County that all older adults living in our communities will age and live well and have the opportunity for health, happiness, well-being, and economic self-sufficiency. This would include helping to strengthen an individual’s network of family, friends, advocates, and supportive services. AAASC’s staff believe that the aging process can present its own trials and challenges but with the right supports and services those obstacles can be managed and/or eliminated. The mission of the Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County is to provide supports, services and advocacy to older adults living in our communities so that they may do so safely, comfortably and with dignity. This website is for you to explore. We hope you will see the many different ways we are here to assist you, your family member, neighbor and/or friend.

Values
• We believe that all persons that we interact with deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
• We value innovation, perseverance, caring and competence in our delivery of services to older adults.
• We honor the rights and choices of older adults and embrace the opportunity to support them in reaching their full human potential.
• We value our interdependence with older adults, other agencies, neighborhoods, communities and each other.
• We believe that in collaborating and caring for each other, we build trusting relationships.

Principles
• Helpful and Kind: We strive to be part of the solution in everything we do in a kind and caring way.
• Creative: Services and Supports are constructed with creativity and a positive attitude.
• Person-Centered: Service and supports are based upon the needs of the person and are self-directed to every extent possible.
• Culturally Competent: Services and supports are sensitive and responsive to racial, ethnic, religious, and gender differences.
• Community-Based: Services and supports are provided in the home as long as it remains safe, comfortable and medically possible.
• Flexible: Services and supports are designed to be flexible based on the person’s needs.
• Coordinated: Services and supports are coordinated to reduce fragmentation and to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Coordination includes linkages with older adults, families, advocates, providers and professionals.
• Accountable: The Agency remains accountable to the older adults who access and use services, as well as to family members, community providers and other professionals.
• Strengths Based: Services and supports build upon the assets and strengths of consumers and help people maintain a sense of identity, self-esteem and dignity.