June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. At Vaya, we recognize this day as a call to action for raising awareness, advocating for change, and creating safeguards for the well-being of our older population.
Approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60 and older experience elder abuse each year. In North Carolina, reports of elder abuse have been on the rise, with over 18,000 reported cases of suspected elder abuse recorded last year. Elder abuse most commonly takes place in the form of financial exploitation and is responsible for billions of lost dollars annually due to scams targeting older individuals.
Vaya’s Geriatric and Adult Mental Health Specialty Team offers a dedicated interdisciplinary team focused on addressing the unique mental health and substance use needs of older adults. Their team provides education, training, and support to caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations. (Vaya Health – https://www.vayahealth.com/get-help/education-training/)
For more information on resources available in North Carolina, visit the links below:
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) provides Adult Protective Services (APS) for individuals aged 60 and older experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation. (NCDHHS – https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/aging-and-adult-services/adult-protective-services)
- Legal Aid of North Carolina offers free legal assistance to low-income older adults facing elder abuse issues, including financial exploitation and housing concerns. (Legal Aid of North Carolina – https://www.legalaidnc.org/)
- North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV) provides resources and support for older adults experiencing domestic violence or abuse, including crisis hotlines and safety planning. (NCCADV – https://nccadv.org/)
