Aged Care Interview Questions & Answers (Australia, 2026)

On this page

• Why do you want to work in aged care?
• What interviewers assess & look for
• The 7 strengthened Quality Standards
• The Statement of Rights
• Most common aged care questions
• Aged care worker questions
• Disability support worker questions
• Aged care vs disability support
• Support worker questions
• NDIS interview questions
• Dementia care questions
• Scenario & behavioural questions
• Questions by experience level
• What checks do you need?
• Career paths
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Tips & checklist
• FAQ

Why do you want to work in aged care?

This is the most common opening question, and a generic answer wastes it. Interviewers want genuine motivation and values that match person-centred care.

• Q: Why do you want to work in aged care?

  Model answer: "I find real meaning in supporting older people to live with dignity and as independently as they choose. Aged care lets me combine practical care with genuine human connection, and I value being part of a system that now puts a person's rights and preferences at the centre of everything. Knowing I can make someone's day better is what motivates me."

Tip: if you're new to the sector, lead with values and any caring experience (family, volunteering). If you're experienced, anchor it to outcomes — residents supported, families reassured, a difficult situation handled well.

What aged care interviewers assess — and look for

Almost every question maps back to a core competency. Knowing them tells you which stories to prepare.

If the table above is what they assess, here's roughly how employers weight it:

The 7 strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

Since 1 November 2025, the old 8 standards were replaced by 7 strengthened standards, monitored by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Being able to name and explain them is a strong signal in any aged care interview.

• Q: What do you know about the Aged Care Quality Standards?

  Model answer: "Since November 2025 there are seven strengthened standards under the new Aged Care Act, from 'The Individual' through to 'The Residential Community'. They're more measurable and person-centred than the old eight, and they put each person's rights and preferences at the centre. Day to day, that shapes how I plan care, respect choice, and speak up if something isn't right."

The Statement of Rights

The new Act introduced a Statement of Rights (replacing the old Charter of Rights). Expect a question on it — here are the key points in one place.

• Q: What is the Statement of Rights?

  Model answer: "It's part of the new Act and sets out the rights of older people accessing aged care — independence and autonomy, freedom of choice, respect for privacy, safe and quality care, and the right to raise concerns without fear of reprisal. Providers are legally required to deliver care in line with it, and as a worker I support those rights in every interaction."

Most common aged care interview questions

• Q: What does person-centred care mean to you?

  Model answer: "It means seeing the whole person, not just their care needs — their history, culture, preferences and goals — and building care around what matters to them. In practice it's asking, listening, and adjusting, so the person stays in control of their own life as much as possible."

• Q: What is dignity of risk, and how do you apply it?

  Model answer: "Dignity of risk means respecting a person's right to make their own choices, even when there's some risk involved, rather than being overly protective. I support the choice while managing the risk sensibly — explaining options, documenting the conversation, and involving the person and their family. Independence and quality of life matter, not just safety."

• Q: How do you handle stress and the emotional demands of the role?

  Model answer: "I stay organised, take my breaks, and lean on my team and supervisor when a day is hard. I also debrief after difficult events, like a resident passing, because looking after my own wellbeing is what lets me keep showing up with patience and warmth."

• Q: How do you work as part of a care team?

  Model answer: "I communicate clearly at handover, document accurately, and flag changes in a resident early. Care is a team effort across carers, nurses, allied health and families, and reliable communication keeps everyone safe and the person well supported."

Aged care worker interview questions

For aged care worker, personal care assistant and assistant in nursing (AIN) roles, expect hands-on care and dignity questions.

• Q: How do you support someone with personal care while preserving their dignity?

  Model answer: "I explain what I'm doing and ask permission, offer choices, and protect privacy — closing doors, covering the person, and never rushing. I encourage them to do what they can themselves, because maintaining independence is part of respecting their dignity."

• Q: What would you do if a resident refused care?

  Model answer: "I'd stay calm, find out why, and respect that they have the right to refuse. I'd gently explain the benefits, offer an alternative or try again later, and never force them. If refusal put them at risk, I'd document it and escalate to the nurse, because it's a duty-of-care and rights balance."

• Q: How do you safely assist with manual handling and transfers?

  Model answer: "I follow the person's care plan and manual-handling training, use the right equipment like a hoist or slide sheet, and never lift beyond safe limits or work alone when two people are required. Protecting the resident's safety and my own is non-negotiable under WHS."

Disability support worker interview questions

Disability support roles are governed by the NDIS. Interviews probe independence, choice and the NDIS Code of Conduct.

• Q: What does the NDIS Code of Conduct mean to you?

  Model answer: "It sets out how I must work with participants — respecting their rights, privacy and choices, acting with integrity, providing safe and competent support, and reporting any concerns. In practice it means the participant directs their own support, and I'm accountable for delivering it safely and respectfully."

• Q: What is person-centred active support?

  Model answer: "It's supporting a person to take part in their own life and daily activities rather than doing everything for them — breaking tasks into achievable steps so they build skills and independence. The goal is participation and choice, not just task completion."

• Q: How do you support a participant to make their own choices?

  Model answer: "I offer real options, present information in a way they understand, and give them time to decide. I respect the choice they make even if it isn't what I'd choose, while managing any risks. Supported decision-making is central to the NDIS."

• Q: How would you support someone showing challenging behaviour?

  Model answer: "I'd look for the cause — behaviour is usually communication — stay calm, keep everyone safe, and follow any positive behaviour support plan. I'd use restrictive practices only as a last resort and exactly as authorised, then document and report so the plan can be reviewed."

Aged care vs disability support worker interviews

The roles share core skills but sit under different frameworks. If you're interviewing for both, know which one you're in.

Support worker interview questions

• Q: How do you build trust with a new client?

  Model answer: "I'm reliable, on time, and consistent; I listen more than I talk early on; and I follow through on what I say. Trust in support work is built through small, dependable actions and respecting the person's routines and preferences."

• Q: How do you maintain professional boundaries?

  Model answer: "I'm warm but professional — I don't accept gifts or money, share excessive personal information, or take on tasks outside my role. Clear boundaries protect both the client and me, and I'd raise any grey areas with my supervisor."

• Q: How do you maintain confidentiality and privacy?

  Model answer: "I only share client information on a need-to-know basis with the care team, keep records secure, and never discuss clients outside work. Privacy is both a legal obligation and a matter of respect."

NDIS interview questions

• Q: What do you understand about the NDIS?

  Model answer: "The National Disability Insurance Scheme funds reasonable and necessary supports for people with disability, built around individual goals and choice and control. As a support worker I help participants use their plan to live more independently and reach their goals, working within the NDIS Quality and Safeguards framework."

• Q: How do you support a participant to work towards their goals?

  Model answer: "I get to know what they want to achieve, break goals into manageable steps, and build them into everyday support — whether that's catching public transport, cooking, or joining a community activity. I track progress and share it so the plan stays useful."

Dementia care interview questions

Dementia care comes up in almost every aged care interview. Answers should show calm, person-centred communication rather than control.

• Q: How do you support a resident living with dementia?

  Model answer: "I get to know the person — their history, routines and what comforts them — and keep their environment calm and familiar. I communicate simply, give time, and focus on connection rather than correcting them. Knowing the individual is what makes dementia care work."

• Q: How do you respond to confusion, repetition or wandering?

  Model answer: "I stay patient and reassuring rather than arguing with their reality. For repetition I answer calmly each time; for wandering I make sure the environment is safe, gently redirect, and look for the unmet need behind it — boredom, needing the toilet, or looking for someone. I document patterns so the team can respond better."

• Q: What would you do if a resident with dementia became distressed or agitated?

  Model answer: "I'd lower the stimulation, use a calm voice and open body language, and validate their feelings rather than dismiss them. I'd try redirection or a familiar activity, and step back if I might be the trigger. Once settled, I'd note what helped so we can prevent it next time."

• Q: How do you communicate with someone experiencing cognitive decline?

  Model answer: "Short, simple sentences, one idea at a time, plenty of time to respond, and lots of non-verbal warmth — eye contact, a calm tone, gentle gestures. I use validation rather than correction, and meet them in their reality rather than forcing them into mine."

Scenario & behavioural questions (with STAR)

These test judgement under pressure. Answer with Situation, Task, Action, Result.

• Q: Describe a time you dealt with an aggressive or distressed person.

  Model answer (STAR): "(Situation) A resident with dementia became agitated and lashed out during personal care. (Task) I needed to keep us both safe and de-escalate. (Action) I stepped back, lowered my voice, stopped the task, and gave them space, then returned later with a familiar staff member and a calmer approach. (Result) They settled, accepted care without distress, and I logged the trigger so the team could adjust their care plan."

• Q: What would you do if you suspected a resident was being abused or neglected?

  Model answer: "I'd ensure the person was safe, document exactly what I observed, and report it immediately through the right channel — my supervisor and, where it meets the threshold, the Serious Incident Response Scheme. Safeguarding is a mandatory responsibility; I'd never ignore it or investigate it myself."

• Q: How would you provide culturally safe care to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander elder?

  Model answer (STAR): "(Situation) I supported an Aboriginal elder who was uneasy with parts of the routine. (Task) I needed to make care feel safe and respectful. (Action) I asked about their preferences, involved their family and community where they wanted, and adapted the routine around what mattered culturally to them. (Result) They became more comfortable and engaged, and trust improved noticeably. Cultural safety means the person feels respected on their terms."

• Q: A colleague asks you to lift a resident alone, against the care plan. What do you do?

  Model answer: "I'd decline politely and explain that a two-person transfer is required for safety, then use the correct equipment or wait for a second person. I won't put the resident or myself at risk, and I'd flag it if it kept happening. Following the plan and WHS is non-negotiable."

• Q: How do you support a resident receiving palliative or end-of-life care?

  Model answer: "I focus on comfort, dignity and presence — managing pain in line with the care plan, respecting their wishes and advance care directives, and supporting their family. I also look after my own wellbeing and debrief, because this work is emotionally demanding but deeply important."

Aged care interview questions by experience level

• Q (no experience): You have no aged care experience — why should we hire you?

  Model answer: "I bring genuine compassion, reliability, and life experience caring for family members, plus I learn quickly and follow guidance carefully. The technical skills can be taught; the patience and respect that good care needs are already how I work."

What checks do you need to work in aged care?

Have these ready to mention in the interview — being "job-ready" is a real advantage.

Aged care & support worker career paths

Showing you understand where a role can lead signals commitment.

Common aged care interview mistakes to avoid

• Saying "I just like helping people" with no depth — show what care actually means to you.
• Not understanding dignity of risk — or confusing safety with independence.
• Not knowing the new framework — the Aged Care Act 2024 and the 7 strengthened standards.
• Giving generic customer-service answers instead of care-specific ones.
• Vague scenario answers — not using STAR or a real example.
• Overstepping your role — promising clinical tasks or decisions outside your scope.

Aged care interview tips & checklist

Before the interview

• Refresh the framework — the new Aged Care Act, the Statement of Rights, and the 7 standards via the ACQSC and My Aged Care.
• Lead with person-centred care and dignity of risk in your answers.
• Match the role — aged care, disability, or community support are assessed differently.
• Ask good closing questions — see our end-of-interview questions guide, and send a thank-you email afterwards.

Aged care interview FAQ

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