On this page:
Aged care workers play a vital role in keeping older people safe, healthy and well.
To do this, you need support from your employer and from us.
Your employer should provide a workplace that:
- supports you to meet your responsibilities
- is safe
- is respectful and inclusive.
Support to meet your responsibilities
Workers in aged care must comply with the Code of Conduct for Aged Care (the Code). Your provider should take steps to make sure you:
- are aware of the Code
- can easily access relevant policies and procedures
- are provided with education and training to help you understand your job, meet your responsibilities, provide quality care and grow in your role.
The Code is also there to support you. It sets clear guidelines for how to:
- treat older people with respect and care
- make safe and fair decisions
- respond to difficult situations
- protect the wellbeing of the older people.
Employers must provide access to training and support so you can:
- understand your responsibilities (including the Code)
- continue to provide quality care
- grow in your career.
If you haven’t received education and training on the Code, speak to your provider, your union or Contact us .
We also offer education and training to support you in meeting your responsibilities. Visit Education and training for workers page to learn more about our workshops and online learning.
A safe work environment
Your wellbeing matters. You have a right to a safe and healthy work environment.
Aged care work can be physically and emotionally demanding. Your employer must provide a workplace that supports you to do the varied and complex tasks involved in caring for others. This includes:
- supporting you to do your job well
- looking after your mental health
- providing support when incidents happen.
A safe work environment also means you can speak up – whether that is to share feedback or raise concerns – without fear they’ll punish or disadvantage you. This includes concerns about the care being provided or if you think your provider is not meeting their responsibilities, under aged care laws.
- call us on 1800 951 822 (free call)
- speak to your union for advice and support.
Your feedback helps improve aged care. Visit Making a complaint for more information.
A respectful and inclusive culture
A workplace that values respect, kindness, inclusion and diversity is important for workers and for people receiving care.
Your provider should:
- value and respect all people receiving care
- value and recognise your work
- support a culture of respect and inclusion
- make sure that their governing bodies and workers show respect and kindness to people receiving care.
