‘It’s just too far’ — challenges accessing aged care in Rural Australia
If you live in a rural or remote town in Australia, you’ll know that aged care isn’t always easy to come by. Whether it’s waiting for a Home Care Package, trying to get regular nursing support or finding a place in a residential aged care home, distance and limited services can make things harder than they need to be.
![<p>If you’re in Australia’s outback, care may seem like it’s a world away. [Source: byryo via iStock]</p>](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/wp/byryo__2005.jpg?fm=pjpg&format=auto&w=550&q=65)
If you’re in Australia’s outback, care may seem like it’s a world away. [Source: byryo via iStock]
The rural reality
Around one-third of older Australians live outside major cities, but aged care services don’t always follow. In remote regions, like Moranbah and Clermont in Queensland, older residents face difficult decisions: stay in the communities they’ve known their whole lives or move hours away to access care.
As reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, some families have been left with no local aged care beds at all. In some cases, people have had to travel hundreds of kilometres just to receive basic support:
Why is it so hard?
- Staff shortages
Aged care providers in rural areas often struggle to attract and keep qualified staff. By 2030, Australia is expected to face a shortfall of more than 110,000 direct care workers — many of those in regional areas.
- Limited services
In smaller towns, it’s not always financially viable for for-profit aged care providers to operate. That means people often rely on government-run or community-led services, which may have fewer resources or limited spots available.
- Distance and transport
Even when care is available, getting to and from services — like allied health appointments, respite care or day programs — can be a real challenge without reliable transport options.
What about Indigenous communities?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are more likely to live in remote areas, but often have less access to culturally safe aged care. They also tend to access aged care services at a younger age, on average, 73 compared to 85 for non-Indigenous Australians. This makes it even more important that care options are available closer to home.
What can help?
The government funds a few special programs to support people in rural and remote areas. For example, multi-purpose services are flexible care services designed specifically for smaller communities. You might also be eligible for extra funding or travel assistance depending on where you live.
→ Find out more at My Aged Care – Rural and Remote Support
Community-led solutions are also emerging. In towns like Bombala, residents helped reopen a closed nursing home by working together to create a more flexible assisted living model. It shows the power of local people pushing for change.
How the Aged Care Guide can help
Whether you’re just starting out or urgently looking for services, the Aged Care Guide can help you.
- Search for services by location
Find home care providers, nursing homes and respite services near your town.
- Learn how to get assessed
Step-by-step information on the ACAT/ACAS assessment process.
- Compare providers
See what services they offer, whether they’re not-for-profit or private and read helpful articles.
➢ If you can’t find exactly what you need nearby, Aged Care Guide can also show services in surrounding areas so you can explore all your options.
Accessing aged care shouldn’t mean leaving your home, your family or your community behind. However, for too many Australians outside the cities, that’s still the reality. With more awareness, better funding and tools like the Aged Care Guide, it’s possible to start bridging that gap.
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