Patterns and preferences for accessing health and aged care services in older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. (6th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Larke, Benjamin M.; Broe, Gerald A.; Daylight, Gail; Draper, Brian; Cumming, Robert G.; Allan, Wendy; Donovan, Terrence; Costa, Daniel; Lah, Suncica; Radford, Kylie
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal on ageing. Volume 40:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 145
• Page End: 153
• Publication Date: 2020-11-06
• Subjects: aging -- cultural competency -- health services -- health services needs and demand -- Indigenous Population; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Australia -- Periodicals; Old age -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12864
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-6381

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To determine preferences for health and aged care services in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and explore related factors. Methods: Mixed‐method, cross‐sectional study including 336 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and older from regional and urban areas. Results: Exclusive preference for Aboriginal Community Controlled services was most common. This preference significantly increased when preferences for, and use of, aged care and disability services were considered. The likelihood of holding an exclusive preference for Aboriginal Community Controlled services was higher in regional settings compared to urban and in those reporting lower engagement in traditional activities during childhood. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the majority of older Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people prefer aged and disability care provided by Aboriginal services. Given the anticipated increase in service demand in this population, there is a growing need for culturally safe services, particularly in regional settings.