Who cares about Aboriginal Aged Care? Evidence of home care support needs and use in rural South Australia.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess awareness, needs and use of Australian Government-funded home aged care services among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples from rural and remote South Australia. DESIGN: Mixed-method study. SETTING: Four rural and remote communities with a higher proportion of Aboriginal populations (Ceduna, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln and Whyalla). PARTICIPANTS: Fifty Aboriginal peoples aged 50-89 years (68% females) interviewed between August 2020 and October 2021. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participant awareness, needs and unmet needs. RESULTS: 88% of the participants indicated they needed home care support with daily activities (median number of needs = 3; interquartile range 2-6 needs), especially housework (86%) and transportation (59%). However, only 41% of those reporting current needs were receiving home care services. The most prevalent unmet needs were allied health (87%), housework (79%), help with meals/meals preparation (76%), shopping (73%) and personal care (73%). Overall, 62% of the participants were unaware of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, and 54% were unaware of the Home Care Packages program. Qualitative data showed participants felt there is insufficient information and public consultation about these services for older Aboriginal adults. Regular communication in group activities was the preferable approach to becoming aware of these services rather than websites, posted materials or phone calls. CONCLUSION: Further work is needed to increase home aged care service access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples living in rural and remote settings. Promotion of these programmes through local group activities could facilitate access to these services and facilitate community engagement in decision-making.