AAA: Area Agency on Aging (17 regional)

ACH: Adult Care Homes- Homes for the Aged or Rest Homes, Family Care Homes and Group Homes for developmentally disabled adults.

APS: Adult Protective Services (in each DSS, handles cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation)

AOA: Administration on Aging

CAC: Community Advisory Committee

DDA: Developmentally Disabled Adults

DFS: Division of Facility Services

DHHS: Department of Health and Human Services

DHR: Department of Human Resources

DHS: Division of Health Services (Health Departments)

DMA: Division of Medical Assistance

DOA: Division of Aging

FCH: Family Care Home

HA: Home for Aged; Rest Home

LTC: Long Term Care

NF: Nursing Facility

OAA: Older American’s Act

OBRA: Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (of 1987- Major Nursing Home Reform; of 1989- Nursing Home Changes)

SLTCO: State Long Term Care Ombudsman

STHL/ACA: Senior Tar Heel Legislature/Advisory Committee on Aging