New research has revealed that people in rural areas may be ‘less well served' by social care and health services. This was the finding by the Social Care Institute for Excellence. Reasons for difficulties in delivering and receiving rural social care include access difficulties, increased stigma, lack of anonymity, a neglect of minorities and increased feelings of family responsibility. ‘Around 20% of people in England and 36% 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,' said head of knowledge services at SCIE, Amanda Edwards.
