Obstacles to using and providing rural social care

The comparative disadvantage that some rural people experience in regard to welfare services, education, employment, income, and life chances generally, have been well established and are succinctly summarised in a review by Shucksmith.1 This briefing does not attempt to provide an overview of rurality or rural communities, nor explore the wider context within which debates about rural provision might take place. Information about these aspects can be found in a range of relevant sources which are identified at the end of this briefing. Instead, the briefing focuses on some of the most common obstacles to using and providing health and social care services in rural areas.