What is duty of care in aged care?

Understanding care that prioritises dignity, safety, and connection

When we talk about aged care, it’s not just about providing the basics—it’s about creating a life where seniors feel safe, respected, and supported. At the heart of this commitment lies the duty of care, a principle that goes beyond rules and regulations to embody compassion, trust, and respect.

So, what is duty of care in aged care? It’s the responsibility to ensure every resident’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being is nurtured. From safe environments to attentive support, duty of care forms the foundation for the respectful, high-quality care every provider in the aged care industry must uphold. Personal choices involve personal risk, so there’ll always be some risk in order to afford residents the dignity and autonomy they deserve in their personal and social life. But as aged care providers, we still have an obligation to keep residents secure.

Over the years, we’ve seen the profound impact of getting it right. It’s in the peace of mind families feel, the confidence residents gain, and the trust that grows between carers and those they support. In this blog, we’ll explore what duty of care truly means, why it matters, and how it shapes every aspect of the residential aged care experience we’ve created for our residents. Let’s discover how this vital principle ensures safety and dignity at every step.

What you’ll learn in this guide:

• The meaning and importance of duty of care in aged care.
• The legal and ethical responsibilities of duty of care.
• Real-world examples of duty of care in action.
• How duty of care shapes emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
• How OXA Care upholds duty of care every day.

This is more than a discussion—it’s a reflection of what we stand for and how we bring these principles to life every day.

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What does duty of care mean in aged care?

Duty of care in aged care means putting the needs of residents at the centre of everything we do. It’s about ensuring their safety, health, and happiness, while fostering an environment where they feel valued, respected, and supported. This commitment isn’t just about meeting physical needs—it’s about creating a life filled with dignity, independence, and joy.

For us, duty of care means tailoring our approach to each individual. Whether it’s offering a listening ear during a difficult moment or helping residents maintain their independence through thoughtful routines, it’s these small, intentional actions that make a lasting difference.

Examples of duty of care in aged care

Everyday moments reflect the heart of our duty of care:

• Ensuring physical safety: We remove tripping hazards, install grab rails, and provide well-lit spaces to prevent falls. Carers receive specialised training in assisting residents with mobility to ensure safety during daily activities.
• Providing emotional support: Loneliness is common in older adults, which is why we prioritise connection. From heartfelt conversations over morning tea to creating opportunities for residents to share stories during group activities, we ensure everyone feels seen and heard.
• Respecting autonomy: Residents are encouraged to make their own decisions about their day, whether it’s choosing their meals, participating in hobbies, or deciding how to spend their time. Supporting independence preserves their dignity and sense of control.
• Comprehensive health management: We monitor chronic conditions closely, ensuring residents have access to necessary medications, tailored diets, and regular health check-ups. For instance, a resident with diabetes might receive meals designed to manage blood sugar levels alongside regular glucose monitoring.
• Fostering social connections: Shared meals, group games, and virtual calls with loved ones bring joy and reduce feelings of isolation. For residents with family far away, we arrange video calls to ensure they stay connected.
• Preventing neglect and harm: Staff undergo regular training to identify and address risks like dehydration, pressure sores, or signs of discomfort, acting quickly to provide relief.
• Tailoring care to individual needs: From culturally appropriate meals to celebrating personal milestones, we embrace each resident’s unique background and preferences.

Duty of care is about addressing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—ensuring they feel cared for and cherished every day.

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Legal responsibilities under the duty of care in aged care

The duty of care in aged care is more than a moral commitment—it’s a legal requirement designed to safeguard residents’ health, rights, and dignity in all aged care facilities. These responsibilities create a framework for quality care, ensuring that every aspect of a resident’s well-being is supported.

Providing a safe environment

A safe aged care setting is essential for residents to live confidently and comfortably. This involves:

• Proactive facility maintenance: From fixing loose carpets to improving lighting, we ensure that all areas are free of hazards.
• Risk assessments: Before activities like bathing or mobility exercises, we assess potential risks and put safeguards in place to prevent harm.
• Infection control: We follow stringent hygiene protocols to minimise illness, a practice reinforced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our respite care services are designed with these safety principles in mind, offering temporary relief for any aged care worker or family member while ensuring residents’ well-being.

Delivering quality care

Providing appropriate and high-quality care means addressing the physical, emotional, and medical needs of every resident.

• Qualified carers: Our staff undergo continuous training to stay updated on best practices in aged care.
• Personalised care plans: Every resident’s care is tailored to their unique needs, ensuring they receive the right support, whether it’s chronic disease management or memory care.
• Timely medical attention: From onsite nurses to external specialists, we ensure swift responses to any health concerns.

Respecting residents’ rights

Residents’ rights are protected under the Aged Care Quality Standards, including:

• Privacy: Safeguarding personal aspects of the resident’s life, such as their private information and providing space for confidential care.
• Autonomy: Supporting residents to make their own choices, from what they eat to how they spend their day.
• Freedom from abuse: Ensuring every resident is treated with kindness and care, free from neglect or mistreatment.

Reporting and accountability

Transparency builds trust between and aged care provider, the resident they’re caring for, and that resident’s loved ones. Transparency initiatives include:

• Incident reporting: Promptly notifying authorities of any significant events, such as falls or medication errors.
• Continuous improvement: Using feedback and audits to refine practices and enhance the quality of care.

According to My Aged Care’s advocacy guidelines, anyone receiving government-funded aged care (such as our residents) is entitled to an aged care advocate who will ensure their rights and entitlements are being respected.

How duty of care ensures quality care in aged care

The duty of care forms the backbone of exceptional aged care, guiding every decision and action to ensure residents feel supported and valued. At OXA Care, we view this as our promise to provide the highest standard of care, tailored to the unique needs of each resident.

Prioritising safety

Safety is about more than preventing accidents—it’s about creating spaces where residents feel confident and comfortable.

• Mobility-friendly spaces: Non-slip flooring, handrails, and clear walkways encourage movement while minimising risks.
• Infection control: Communal areas are regularly sanitised, and staff are trained to follow hygiene protocols.

Delivering personalised care

Recognising each resident’s individuality is essential. Personalised care plans are thoughtfully crafted in collaboration with residents and families, ensuring needs and preferences are fully respected. Our tailored aged-car wellness programs integrate meaningful activities that align with residents’ interests and well-being goals.

• Collaborative care plans: We involve residents and their families in designing care plans that consider medical needs, personal preferences, and goals.
• Regular reviews: Plans are updated as residents’ needs change, ensuring support remains effective.

Supporting independence and dignity

Empowering residents to make decisions helps them maintain a sense of purpose and self-worth.

• Encouraging participation: From choosing meals to joining social activities, residents are given the freedom to shape their daily routines.
• Honouring preferences: Cultural, spiritual, and personal preferences are respected in every aspect of care.

Building trust through transparency

Open communication strengthens relationships and reassures families.

• Regular updates: Families are kept informed about their loved ones’ care.
• Welcoming feedback: We actively seek input to refine our aged care services and address any concerns promptly.

A commitment to duty of care ensures that residents not only receive excellent care but also feel empowered and valued every step of the way.

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How OXA Care embodies the duty of care

At OXA Care, we don’t just meet duty of care standards—we strive to exceed them. For us, duty of care is about creating a home where residents feel safe, supported, and cherished every day.

Putting safety first

From ensuring our spaces are hazard-free to conducting regular risk assessments, safety is at the core of our care practices. Residents are involved in discussions about their environment, empowering them to express concerns or preferences.

Providing personalised care

We take the time to understand each resident’s story, preferences, and needs. Whether it’s designing a meal plan that respects dietary requirements or tailoring activities to individual interests, our care is as unique as the people we serve.

Fostering meaningful connections

Relationships are at the heart of what we do. Aged care workers build genuine bonds with residents, offering not just assistance but companionship. Shared moments, like a chat over tea or a collaborative art project, foster a sense of belonging and joy.

Listening and improving

We believe in continuous improvement. By listening to residents and their families, staying informed about best practices, and conducting regular reviews, we ensure our care remains exceptional.

The duty of care is a promise we take to heart, guiding every choice we make and every action we take. It’s our way of honouring the trust you place in us, creating a home where your loved ones can thrive in every sense.

Let us care for your loved one with dignity, respect, and compassion

We know that entrusting someone you love to the care of others is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. That’s why we work tirelessly to provide the compassionate, personalised support that your loved one deserves.

We see the difference that thoughtful care makes every day—a warm smile that brightens the morning, a small adjustment that ensures comfort, or a conversation that sparks joy and connection. These moments matter, and they’re at the heart of everything we do.

We hope this guide has provided clarity and reassurance about what the duty of care truly means and how it shapes the high standards we uphold. Whether you’re considering care for a loved one or exploring options for yourself, we’re here to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you find the support you need. If you’d like to learn more about our duty of care, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s code of conduct has more provider-focused information that you’ll still find useful to know.

Together, let’s create an environment where your loved one can thrive with dignity, purpose, and joy. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can care for your family as we would our own.