Australians living in remote and local areas face an increasing gap in essential care services, according to a new Anglicare Australia report. The study states that services that support older adults, families and vulnerable groups have grown thinly and are underfunded and unable to keep up with demand.
This report was released in late August as part of Anglicare Australia’s Australian Fair Li search series by all communities. It warns that services such as disability support, mental health care, senior care and family programs are essential, but often have little consideration for short-term funding, volatile staffing and local needs.
Using accounts from Anglicare members nationwide, the report highlights that people from remote and local communities must compete with services that are more difficult to access than those in urban areas. Funding is often tied to population levels rather than a unique challenge in rural life, forcing local providers to “provide in less.”
“These are important services,” said Kasy Chambers, executive director of Anglicare Australia. “But instead of being funded to meet local needs, they’re treated too often as first-class.”
Community services have a significant gap in labor shortages with little or no government support.
“The government is planning from the centre, but we expect the community to pick up pieces around the edge if the funds don’t meet demand or if staff can’t be found,” Chambers said.
Chambers said the Anglicare network is responding to the challenge despite the failures. “Nationwide, our members grow their own workforce, build housing for their own staff, and partner with local schools, training providers and First Nations organizations,” she said.
“These solutions are working, but they are treated too often for one-offs. Governments need to support the government to grow their services and stay in the community, not just with words but with long-term, flexible funds.”
Last updated on July 2, 2020, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare on Australians in Australia was last updated with original figures cited in 2020, revealing that one of the three people over the age of 65 lives in remote and very far areas of the country. 22% receive support from the elderly care home support program.
“Seniors who live in remote or very remote areas can face more barriers to accessing care services for seniors than seniors who live in major cities or local areas,” the web report said.
“The various demographic, geographic, climate, cultural, and socioeconomic factors contribute to the complexity of providing high-quality, aging care services, especially in rural and remote communities.”
According to the Institute, these services for the elderly are also important to welfare.
Provide support is essential to helping seniors maintain their health and independence. This includes support for mobility, self-care, communication, health needs, emotional or cognitive tasks, household chores, meal preparation, literacy and transportation. Such help can come from formal services or informalities from family, friends or neighbors.
