On June 12, 1985, a letter was sent to all 136 licensed Homes for the Aged requesting that we get together to discuss mutual problems and share information. 40 Homes responded.

On July 23, 1985, our first meeting was held at Grace Episcopal Church in Newington, which is in the center of the state. 28 Homes were represented. All agreed that we needed an association. Mike Spada of Essex Rest Home agreed to act as the leader for the next meeting. Many more meetings were held and consequently the Connecticut Association of Licensed Homes for the Aged (CALHA) was formed.

In November 1985, 46 Homes joined and CALHA was incorporated in January of 1986. The name "Homes for the Aged" was outdated and legislation was passed in 1999 changing our name to "Residential Care Homes" hence CARCH was appropriate.