Aged Care Nursing Skills Every Carer Should Have

Caring for older Australians is more than just a job. It’s a responsibility that requires compassion, patience, and the right set of practical skills. Whether you’re just starting your career in aged care or you’ve been in the industry for years, there are core nursing skills every carer should master to provide safe, respectful, and effective support.

If you’re working towards or already hold a CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support or CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support, developing these skills will set you apart and help you make a real difference in someone’s life.

1. Effective Communication

Clear communication is at the heart of quality aged care. You need to be able to:

• Listen actively to residents and their families
• Give clear instructions for safety and comfort
• Adapt your tone and language for people with hearing loss, dementia, or other communication barriers

Good communication builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and helps residents feel valued.

2. Personal Care Skills

Aged care nursing often involves assisting residents with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. These tasks require:

• Respect for privacy and dignity
• Awareness of cultural preferences
• Gentle but confident handling to avoid injury
  
  

Training programs like HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid also prepare you to respond to emergencies while performing these tasks.

3. Infection Control Practices

Infection prevention is a non-negotiable skill in any care environment. You’ll need to:

• Follow correct handwashing procedures
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly
• Follow facility cleaning and waste disposal protocols
  
  

These practices protect residents, staff, and visitors, and are part of national aged care standards.

4. First Aid and CPR Skills

Emergencies can happen at any time in aged care settings. Knowing how to respond to falls, choking, or cardiac arrest is critical.

• HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) covers essential life-saving skills
• HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid covers a wider range of scenarios including burns, fractures, and allergic reactions
  
  

Having a current first aid certificate is also a legal requirement in many aged care roles.

5. Understanding of Age-Related Conditions

Older people may live with chronic illnesses, mobility issues, or cognitive decline. Skilled carers understand:

• The signs and symptoms of common conditions like dementia, arthritis, and diabetes
• How these conditions affect daily living
• How to adapt care plans to changing needs
  
  

This knowledge improves safety and quality of life for residents.

6. Emotional Support and Empathy

Aged care isn’t just about physical health. Many residents experience loneliness, grief, or anxiety. Being able to offer emotional support is just as important as meeting physical needs.

• Take time to chat and listen
• Encourage participation in activities
• Show patience and compassion
  
  

7. Observation and Reporting

Carers are often the first to notice changes in a resident’s condition. Observing and reporting these changes quickly can prevent serious health issues.

• Keep accurate records
• Report concerns to supervisors or health professionals
• Follow facility procedures for incident reporting
  
  

8. Teamwork

Aged care is a collaborative effort between carers, nurses, doctors, therapists, and families. Good teamwork ensures residents receive consistent, high-quality care.

• Share information openly and respectfully
• Support your colleagues during busy periods
• Be willing to learn from others
  
  

FAQ

What qualification do I need to work in aged care?
Most entry-level aged care jobs require a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), which can be completed in as little as six months.

Do aged care workers need first aid training?
Yes. A current First Aid and CPR certificate is often mandatory under workplace health and safety requirements.

Can I specialise in dementia care?
Yes. Many carers choose additional dementia-specific training after completing their core qualification.

Ready to Build Your Aged Care Skills?

If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of older Australians, the right training is your first step.

ANTS offers nationally recognised aged care courses with practical placements to get you job-ready fast.

Talk to us about Certificate III or IV enrolments today and start building the skills that matter.