Working in aged care
Aged care is one of the fastest growing sectors in Australia.
Working in aged care offers variety, personal growth and the chance to make a difference to the lives of others.
The work is both challenging and rewarding – no 2 days are ever the same.
Every day aged care workers and responsible persons apply their professional skills, experience, creativity and empathy to protect older people’s independence, dignity, safety and wellbeing. They help find solutions to meet each person’s needs.
What aged care workers and responsible persons do
Aged care workers deliver essential care, services and support to older people.
While the role of an aged care worker varies, here are some of their common responsibilities:
- Personal care – helping with everyday personal tasks, like showering, toileting and dressing.
- Mobility and social activities – helping with moving around the home, shopping, appointments or joining in other activities.
- Helping with technology – helping people use tools and technology to stay independent.
- Giving medication – helping people take their medicine safely and as prescribed.
- Exercise – helping people with exercises that are right for their needs and ability.
- Talking with families and healthcare professionals – making sure everyone understands the care the older person needs.
- Household tasks and safety – cooking meals, cleaning or making sure the home is safe and tidy.
- Administration – working in the office of an aged care service.
Responsible persons have an important role in planning and delivering safe and quality aged care and services.
Depending on their role, they may have authority, responsibility and significant influence over the activities of the aged care service. Common responsibilities of responsible persons include:
- organising staffing and rostering
- making decisions about nursing services
- making decisions about service design
- supervising delivering of services
- engaging with older persons’ reference groups about services
- negotiating contracts to deliver care and services
- making sure the service complies with the Aged Care Act.
Types of aged care work
Aged care workers and responsible persons can be employed by a registered provider, or engaged through an associated provider or employment service. Aged care workers can work in different places. They can work in one location or move around throughout the day or week.
Home care services
People working in home care services deliver care and support to older people in their own home and in the community.
Home care workers help people stay independent and live safely and comfortably at home.
They also help older people stay active, connected and engaged in everyday life.
Residential care
People working in residential care services deliver care and support in a residential aged care home. They help meet older people’s needs in a safe, nurturing and supportive environment. This includes helping with daily activities, medical care and social activities.
What we do
The Commission is the national regulator of aged care. We check:
- registered providers to make sure they comply with their obligations
- aged care workers and responsible persons to make sure they comply with their obligations, such as the Aged Care Code of Conduct.
You can see results of our checks on providers in Find a report.
More information
To see if a career in aged care is right for you, watch Looking for a job and exploring your options?
For information about how to become an aged care worker, visit the Your Career website.
To find out more about working in aged care, including jobs across the country, go to I want to work in aged care.
