SCIE media releases 2007

Research finds obstacles to delivering rural social care

04 October 2007

People in rural areas may be less well served by social care and health services, according to an overview of research by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE).

The research shows that social care services in rural areas generally don't provide the same level of service as those in towns and cities. Older people in rural areas are likely to be receiving lower levels of supportive services such as domiciliary care and meals on wheels than those in urban areas.

Reasons for difficulties in delivering and receiving rural social care can include access difficulties, increased stigma, lack of anonymity, a neglect of minorities and increased feelings of family responsibility.

Speaking about rural social care, Head of Knowledge Services at SCIE, Amanda Edwards, said:

"This overview of research brings important messages for practitioners, organisations, those who use services and policy makers.

"Around 20 per cent of people in England and 36 per cent of those in Wales live in rural areas. Yet when discussing social problems and solutions, there is a tendency to overlook rural issues and idealise country life.

"Research shows that there is considerable variability in rural services, but that overall those using services suffer from the higher costs and increased time associated with rural social care. As Rural Health Week seeks to raise the profile of rural health issues, the social care sector should also strive to pay more attention to these issues by publicising services, 'rural-proofing' policies and gaining a greater understanding of the different social dynamics in our country's smaller communities."

View Obstacles to using and providing rural social care

Media contact

Annie Goss | Communications Officer | T: 020 7089 7117 | M: 07739 458 192 | Email: annie.goss@scie.org.uk

Notes

• The deadline for trustee applications is 14 May 2007.
• SCIE is recruiting five new members and extending its board to a total of 16 members.
• SCIE's board represents a wide range of social care backgrounds including leadership, academia, service users and practitioners.