Aged Care Code of Conduct

This lesson introduces the Code of Conduct for Aged Care and explains why it matters on every shift. Key points: the Code describes the behaviour expected of everyone who delivers care, supports and services to older people. It applies to registered providers, their responsible persons and aged care workers, including volunteers, contractors and agency staff. It continues under the Aged Care Act 2024, which commenced on 1 November 2025. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission regulates the Code. You will also see how the eight elements group together into rights, safe care and protection from harm.

This lesson covers the first three elements of the Code. Key points: element one asks you to respect each person's right to express themselves, make their own decisions and direct their own life, including choices that carry some risk. Element two asks you to treat people with dignity and respect and to value their culture, identity, beliefs and life history. Element three asks you to respect privacy, both personal privacy during care and the privacy of personal information. You will see practical examples from residential care and home visits, and what to do when a choice worries you.

This lesson covers elements four and five of the Code. Key points: element four asks you to provide care, supports and services safely and competently, with care and skill. That means working within your role and training, following care plans, and asking for help or training when you need it. Element five asks you to act with integrity, honesty and transparency. That means telling the truth, recording accurately, owning mistakes, declaring conflicts of interest and never accepting money or gifts that could influence you. You will see examples of how these elements apply on residential and home care shifts.

This lesson covers elements seven and eight of the Code. Key points: element seven says care must be free from all forms of violence, discrimination, exploitation, neglect and abuse, and sexual misconduct. Element eight asks you to take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to those harms, whoever causes them. You will learn what each form of harm can look like in aged care, including financial abuse and neglect, why older people can be at higher risk, and the steps to take when you see or suspect harm, including reporting to your provider immediately so serious incidents can be reported to the Commission.

This lesson covers element six of the Code and the whistleblower protections in the Aged Care Act 2024. Key points: element six asks you to promptly raise and act on concerns about anything that may affect the quality and safety of care. Start with your team leader or manager, and use other options if that does not work or is not appropriate, including the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Anyone can make a whistleblower disclosure, including workers, older people and families. Protections include confidentiality, the option to stay anonymous, and protection from reprisal and from civil, criminal or administrative liability.

This final lesson explains what happens when someone does not meet the Code of Conduct. Key points: the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission can act when a provider, responsible person or worker behaves in a way that is not consistent with the Code. Its responses range from a reminder of responsibilities letter or caution letter, to requiring extra training, to investigation and banning orders. A banning order can stop or restrict a person working in aged care, temporarily or permanently, and is published on the Commission's Register of Banning Orders. We also take our own action under our policies. The lesson ends with a course summary.

This case study is set in a residential care home on a busy, short staffed morning. Personal care worker Farah feels the pressure to cut corners, and then overhears a colleague speaking harshly to a resident living with dementia. You decide what Farah should do, then see how the team leader responds to both the resident and the colleague. Key points: the Code still applies when time is short, harsh words can be psychological harm, check the person is safe first, and tell your team leader straight away rather than confronting a colleague yourself.

This case study follows Tomasz, who visits Mrs Grace Park in her own home three times a week. Mrs Park is grateful for his help and offers him a valuable gift, and later Tomasz notices signs that a relative may be taking advantage of her. You decide how Tomasz should handle the gift, then see how he responds to the new concern. Key points: politely decline gifts and money and tell your team leader, respect the person's independence and choices, record facts and report concerns straight away, and never investigate or confront a family member yourself.