The proportion of rural and regional (RR) older Australians continues to grow, exacerbating geographical issues of access to mental health services and supports in a group less likely to seek such assistance than either younger or urban cohorts. Alarmingly, although the incidence of mental illness is similar in both urban and RR Australia, rates of suicide and self-harm are higher in RR areas. Rural and regional older adults represent some of the most vulnerable members of our society, as do those experiencing mental ill-health, making this specific group particularly vulnerable yet under-represented in current literature. Prioritising the lived experience of this cohort provides important representation and context and can inform place-based strategies and approaches previously not considered.
Consequently, this project captured the perspectives of older adults who have experienced mental illness whilst living in RR Australia, and that of their carers, to better understand the specific challenges and enablers determining access to RR health services for wellbeing. To do so, focus groups were conducted in RR Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria with older adults (65+ years), each of whom reported recent experience of mental illness as an older adult in RR Australia (either clinical diagnosis or self-reported symptoms).
Data was analysed via Thematic Analysis to provide authentic understanding of the unique experiences of older adults with mental illness in RR Australia. The subsequent findings present foundations on which to develop person-centred resources and strategies to meet the needs of this vulnerable group, while potentially reducing stigma associated with accessing care.