Patterns and preferences for accessing health and aged care services in older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

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.