As the peak body for rural health, the Alliance’s response to the Discussion Paper focuses on carers in regional, rural and remote areas. In this context, the Alliance wishes to highlight that the burden of disease is 1.4 times higher in remote and very remote areas compared to major cities and 1.5 times higher in the lowest socioeconomic group compared to the highest socioeconomic group.1 As a result, there is a greater need for care within these population groups. Yet when it comes to carers, research indicates that little is known about the specific challenges facing rural carers in carrying out their role, and the barriers that limit their capacity to provide ongoing care and support.
In particular, the family ‘carer’, the person who is most involved in the person’s day-to-day care, is vital in rural areas as the lack of formal care services to address poor health, disability and old age in rural areas can result in greater reliance on family in these areas. However, research indicates that even if formal care services are available, they may not be affordable, as those living in rural areas report lower incomes than those in urban areas.
Women in particular are relied upon and expected to care for their children, parents and in-laws, with 12.3 percent of all females providing emotional support, supervision, advocacy and service coordination. This ultimately has a major economic and social impact on women and their wellbeing, in particular, in rural, remote and regional Australia.
The provision of care in rural areas presents novel difficulties that may not be evident in metropolitan locations. Some of these challenges are highlighted below.