Vaya Health’s Health Education and Aging Resource Team (HEART) provides education, support, and consultation to agencies and care providers of individuals age 55 and older who are experiencing mental health, substance use, dementia, or other emotional/behavioral concerns. The team works with caregivers, professional health care providers, agencies, and community organizations that serve older adults. It covers all 32 counties in the Vaya region, plus Durham, Harnett, Johnston, Mecklenburg, Orange, and Wake counties.
HEART is an interdisciplinary group that includes licensed clinicians, registered nurses, and qualified mental health professionals. Services are offered at no cost to participants through funding from Vaya and the state of North Carolina.
What HEART trainings are available?
All HEART courses are evidence-informed, meaning they are derived from evidence-based research and incorporated into a user-friendly format focused on promoting adaptive outcomes. All courses offer continuing education hours approved by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation.
HEART provides free onsite and web-based education and consultation services. Training topics are grouped into two categories: Core Curriculum and Psychiatric Medications.
Core Curriculum
Core Curriculum trainings focus on various mental health and substance use disorders and explore issues including ageism, communication, and self-care.
This course offers an examination of ageism and its effects on older adults in various aspects of life, including health care, social interactions, and community engagement. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how age-based discrimination impacts well-being and learn practical strategies to challenge and reduce ageism, fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment for all ages.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
This course explores the unique challenges of aging with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Participants will learn how aging affects individuals with these conditions and discover strategies for supporting their physical, cognitive, and social well-being. Emphasis will be placed on promoting independence and enhancing quality of life as individuals age.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
This introductory course aims to educate individuals on the most common mental health diagnoses among the aging population, along with treatment options to help overcome stigma. Variations between mental health and illness will be considered.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
A growing number of individuals report experiencing anxiety symptoms in recent years. This course examines anxiety as it disproportionately affects the aging population. Traditional and alternative treatments will be the focus of symptom management.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
Having extreme mood changes can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to function in life. This cycle is difficult to stabilize without proper treatment. This course looks at the causes, symptoms, and current treatment options for the older adult.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
With focus on maintaining brain health as we age, participants will learn about normal cognitive aging, risk factors for decline, and strategies to support brain health through lifestyle choices like nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation. Practical tips for caregivers and healthcare professionals will be provided to enhance the cognitive well-being of older adults.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
Communication is the thread that ties us all together. If it isn’t strong enough or is broken, relationships tend to unravel. Effective communication cultivates strong relationships and supports one’s voice being heard. This curriculum is designed to look at ways to neutralize barriers and methods to enhance clear, concise, and deliberate exchanges.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
This training is designed to help participants understand the physical and psychological impacts of disasters. It covers common reactions to trauma, offering insights into how individuals may respond in the aftermath. The training also emphasizes the importance of healthy coping strategies, aiming to increase awareness and equip participants with practical tools to manage stress and promote emotional well-being during recovery.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
This course covers a variety of complementary treatments for overall mental health that can support managing everyday stressors and improving wellness. These treatments can create opportunities for balance, stability, and stress reduction. Join us to explore topics from nutrition to mindfulness and many in between.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
Substance use is a reality in every community. This course identifies common substances, addiction development, and their impact on families and communities. The focus is on the older adult population regarding identification, safety, treatment, and recovery.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
This training highlights the role of nutrition in supporting individuals with dementia. Participants will learn how diet affects cognitive function and discover practical strategies for meal planning, feeding techniques, and addressing common challenges in dementia care.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
Have you ever had a secret you were too embarrassed to share? Those who hoard may not disclose symptoms due to potential embarrassment, judgment, and ridicule. This presentation will explore causes, symptoms, treatment, and care methods for those managing this condition. The focus is on the aging population.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
Depression is common in older adults and often overlooked or misdiagnosed. This course explores risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options. Care providers receive tips on how to support others experiencing depression.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
This course aims to increase the understanding of neurocognitive disorders and dementia. The curricula will examine the four most diagnosed types of neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) in older adults, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. Also included are intervention strategies to support adaptive care delivery.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
When intrusive thoughts create increased anxiety and overwhelming emotion, it can lead to compulsive behavior. This thought-behavior cycle can be overpowering to individuals, negatively affecting one’s ability to function in daily life. This class focuses on obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms and evidence-based treatment options.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
An individual can experience a crisis suddenly and without warning, especially when symptoms of a mental illness are involved. As a caregiver or responder, possessing skills that support de-escalation is imperative. Did you know that you can help? This course provides information about crises in older adults, barriers to de-escalation, and specific methods of stabilizing support.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
Supporting an older adult with a personality disorder can be challenging. This training looks at specific personality disorders, what to expect, and treatment options. Also shared are tips used to make interactions smoother and more effective.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
When trauma occurs, it can have lasting effects on the person who experiences it and their caregiver. This presentation defines PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and reviews the impact of trauma. Highlighted are treatment options and self-care strategies related to older adults.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
This training supports care providers in recognizing stress, understanding its impact, and developing practical self-care routines. Participants will explore how prioritizing their own well-being leads to more sustainable and effective care for others.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
Conversations about suicide are not always comfortable; however, having the dialogue opens the door for help! This course focuses on warning signs, adaptive responses, and prevention methods for aging individuals at risk of suicide.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
People living with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders have been misunderstood throughout history. In this presentation, the focus is on the manifestation of symptoms, causality, and risk factors. We’ll also explore ways to support and treat an individual experiencing psychosis.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
This training equips care providers with tools to recognize and respond to various types of loss and grief, offering practical ways to support caregivers navigating emotional fatigue, role strain, and prolonged uncertainty. Participants will learn grief-informed strategies to foster resilience and promote compassionate, holistic support.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
Psychiatric Medications
Psychiatric Medications trainings look at different types of medication and how they can be used to treat mental health issues in older adults.
The utilization of antipsychotic medications is accompanied by many challenges when treating older individuals. This course will focus on the classifications of medication, indications for use, and potential side effects. Emphasis will be on the vulnerabilities of using antipsychotics for this demographic.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
Receiving a chronic illness diagnosis can produce a range of emotional responses. In this training, we will explore the physical and mental impact of these conditions. Understanding can help us remain proactive, be resilient and promote better outcomes.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point. When excessive, it can negatively impact one’s quality of life. This course will explore medications used to treat anxiety, specifically in the aging population. Also explored will be effective therapies and potential medication side effects.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
Managing mood disorders can be a balancing act. This course provides information about the role medications play in maintaining equilibrium. It also teaches the importance of observing medication responses and monitoring for side effects. A review of alternative evidence-based strategies to support mood stabilization is also covered.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
Did you know misuse of medications is a growing problem in older adults? This course will review how the aging process can lead to unintentional misuse and adverse changes to the brain. Here, we will discuss interventions and methods available to support the reduction of this evolving concern.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
Antidepressants treat depression, but did you realize there are other uses for this medication? This course will examine the traditional use of antidepressant medications, potential side effects, and administration protocols. Off-label possibilities are also considered with a focus on the older population.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
Dementia can be a complex journey for the caregiver and care recipient. As research continues to reveal more, it’s imperative to remain informed to provide the best care. This presentation focuses on current medications and treatment protocols for the most diagnosed neurocognitive disorders.
You may visit our Calendar of Events for scheduled trainings.
To download the full list of trainings with details: HEART’s 2025 Course Description.
How can I contact HEART?
For more information, email HEART@vayahealth.com.
To refer a caregiver for consultation, complete the HEART Referral Form and send it to Vaya by confidential fax at 1-877-355-2436 or by secure email to HEART@vayahealth.com. We will contact you within three business days from the date we receive the referral.
Mental health and education resources
North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation
Older Adult Mental Health (North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services)
