10 common aged care interview questions for PCAs 

Aged care interview questions for personal care assistants (PCAs) are designed to understand your skills, experience and motivations for working in the sector. 

In this article, we share 10 common aged care interview questions for PCAs, along with examples of how to answer them. Considering these questions ahead of your interview will help you get the job and build a career where you can make a positive difference to someone’s life every day.  

Common interview questions with example answers

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to aged care PCA interview questions and the same goes for your answers. The examples below are a great starting point to help you plan and feel more confident.  

Remember, it’s important to tailor your responses to reflect your own experiences. Interviewers can usually tell if you aren’t being genuine, so aim to be honest, thoughtful and above all, be yourself! 

Why did you choose a career in aged care?

This question gives interviewers insight into your motivation for working in aged care. They want to know that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re driven by a real desire to support others and make a meaningful impact. 

It’s also your chance to share your values and any personal experiences that inspired you to pursue this path. Whether you’ve cared for a loved one, discovered a talent for connecting with people from different backgrounds, or simply feel called to make a difference each day, your “why” is what will make your answer memorable. 

Before the interview, take time to reflect on what aged care means to you. That personal connection is what will help you stand out and show employers that you’re in it for the right reasons. 

Example answer: “I got into aged care because I’ve always respected older people and wanted to be in a role where I could make a difference in their lives. Being close to my grandparents growing up showed me how much kindness and support can mean to someone as they get older. I find it rewarding to help people with everyday tasks while also getting to know them, hearing their stories and making them feel comfortable. It’s work that matters and I feel lucky to do it.” 

Can you describe your experience providing personal care to elderly clients?

Interviewers ask this question to assess your hands-on skills and familiarity with daily care routines. Whether you have a long history of working as a PCA or are new to the aged care industry, crafting a thoughtful and considered answer will help you show why you’re the right person for the job.  

If you don’t have a wealth of professional experience to draw on, think of some examples from your own lived experience. If you have cared for a loved one, for example, make sure to highlight it. This will show your empathetic and caring nature while demonstrating you have the right skills and experience to fulfil the role’s duties. 

Example answer: “I’ve worked with elderly clients in both residential care and home settings, providing support with personal tasks like bathing, dressing, mobility and hygiene. I always aim to be respectful and patient, making sure clients feel safe and comfortable. I’ve also learned how important it is to communicate clearly and take the time to build trust. Every client has different needs, so I try to adapt my approach and be mindful of their preferences.” 

How do you ensure dignity and respect when assisting residents with personal tasks?

The most effective PCAs place the individual client’s needs, preferences and values at the centre of every care decision. This interview question is an opportunity to highlight your commitment to person-centred care, sharing how you tailor support to each client and promote their independence wherever possible. A strong response can show your understanding of how to balance safeguarding vulnerable people with respecting their choices and autonomy. 

Example answer: “I try to treat every resident the way I’d want a loved one to be treated, with kindness and respect. When helping with personal tasks like bathing or dressing, I make sure to explain what I’m doing, give them space where possible and always listen to how they prefer things to be done. It’s important to be gentle and patient and to check that they feel comfortable throughout. Even small things, like knocking before entering a room or calling someone by their preferred name, can help maintain their dignity.” 

What strategies do you use to manage challenging behaviours or resistance from residents?

Providing the necessary care to your aged care clients may not always be easy. Interviewers ask this question to get a sense of how well you manage complex and emotionally charged situations with compassion and skill. Residents may be experiencing pain or have dementia which can make them act confrontationally. Your ability to de-escalate these situations is key. Describing how you would respond helps employers assess your ability to stay calm under pressure and communicate with empathy in difficult situations. Your answer should demonstrate good judgement and show that you know how to document and respond to behavioural challenges professionally. 

Example answer: “When residents show resistance or challenging behaviours, I try to first understand what might be causing it; whether it’s pain, confusion, fear or frustration. I stay calm and I avoid reacting emotionally. I’ve found that giving residents choices, explaining things clearly and sticking to familiar routines can help reduce anxiety and build trust. If someone is upset or refusing care, I might offer a distraction, change the environment, or simply give them a bit of space before trying again. I also work closely with the team to share insights and strategies, especially when someone’s behaviour changes suddenly. Every resident is different, so I try to adapt my approach to suit their personality and needs.” 

How do you handle situations where a resident refuses medication or assistance?

Patience and empathy are essential qualities to being a successful PCA; communication and problem-solving are the key skills. Employers also want to see that you know when and how to report concerns, adapt your approach and involve other professionals when needed. It’s a chance to show that you’re thoughtful, safety-minded and committed to supporting residents while respecting their autonomy. 

Example answer: “If a resident refuses medication, I first try to understand why, whether it’s confusion, fear, or simply wanting more control. I never force anything and explain the purpose of the medication in simple terms to try and give them space to make their own decision. If they continue to refuse, I document it properly and let the nurse or supervisor know, especially if it’s something critical. I also check if there’s a pattern and talk with the team about possible adjustments like changing the timing, offering alternatives or involving family or a GP if needed. Ultimately, I respect the resident’s right to refuse but I do everything I can to make sure they’re informed and supported.” 

Tell us about a time you worked as part of a team to improve a resident’s care plan

Scenario-based questions help employers evaluate your skills and experience to understand if you’re a good fit for their team and culture.  As a PCA, you can work with one client or several, but you will always be operating as part of a larger team that contributes to your client’s care.  Asking this question enables you to show your care planning experience, sharing examples of times you’ve collaborated well. 

Example: “In my last role, I worked with the nurse and physiotherapist to improve a resident’s care after a fall. She was hesitant to walk, so I suggested adjusting her routine to include gentle walks when she felt more confident. The physiotherapist added exercises and the nurse reviewed her pain meds. After updating the care plan and briefing the team, she became more willing to move around and regained some independence.” 

What is your understanding of dementia and how you adapt your care approach?

As more people live into older age, PCAs are increasingly required to support people experiencing cognitive decline from conditions like dementia. This can be difficult for both clients and their families and employers need PCAs who are knowledgeable and sensitive to the impacts of this neurological condition. Demonstrate your understanding and discuss tailored strategies you would apply to support better health and wellbeing for the person in your care. 

Example answer: “Having cared for several people with dementia, I adapt my care by keeping routines consistent, using clear and calm communication and paying attention to non-verbal cues. As a progressive condition, I understand that it can affect people’s memory and behaviour so they may sometimes be confused, angry or forgetful which must be very frightening. I try to understand each person’s preferences and triggers, so I can support them in a way that feels familiar and respectful.” 

How do you stay updated with best practices and regulatory standards in aged care?

Employers want proactive PCAs who demonstrate accountability for their own learning and a commitment to continued professional development. When planning your answer, make sure to list any qualifications or courses you’ve undertaken. Don’t forget to mention any informal training you’ve had, such as learning from a mentor or shadowing senior colleagues on the job. 

Example answer: “I like to stay on top of things by checking updates from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and doing online training when I can. I have also attended workshops that cover changes to the Quality Standards. At work, we talk about new guidelines as a team and figure out how they fit into what we’re already doing. I also read newsletters and aged care blogs to keep up with what’s happening in the sector. It helps me feel confident that I’m doing things the right way and giving clients the best care I can.” 

Describe a situation where you had to respond to a medical emergency. What did you do?

Dealing with medical emergencies is part of the job when you’re a PCA. Employers want to know if you can maintain your composure in high-stress situations, as this is the best way to help the people in your care. When you’re recounting your story, take the interviewer through what happened step by step. This will help them understand the context of what you were dealing with and what you did to respond. Your answer enables them to assess your readiness should a medical emergency arise and highlights your procedural knowledge. 

Example answer: “During a morning shift, I noticed a resident slumped in their chair – they were unresponsive. I quickly checked for signs of breathing and called for help using the emergency call system. While waiting for the nurse, I followed my training and placed the resident in the recovery position and monitored their breathing. Once the nurse arrived, we worked together to assess the situation and called an ambulance. I stayed with the resident, kept them comfortable, and reassured nearby residents who were concerned. After the incident, I documented everything clearly and joined the team debrief to review what happened and how we responded.” 

What do you find most rewarding and most challenging about working in aged care?

Self-awareness is a valuable skill in a PCA. Interviewers ask this question to understand what drives you and how well you cope with the ups and downs of aged care work. They want to see if you’ve thought about the emotional aspects of the role, like building meaningful connections and dealing with loss which is an inevitable part of the job. Your answer will give insight into your values and resilience. It’s a chance to show that you’re capable and committed to compassionate care. 

Example answer: “For me, one of the most rewarding parts of working in aged care is building relationships with residents. Knowing that the support I provide makes a real difference in their daily lives is really rewarding. Whether it’s helping someone feel more comfortable, encouraging independence, or simply having a chat that brightens their day, it’s those small moments that really stick with me. At the same time, it can be emotionally challenging, especially when residents decline in health or pass away. It’s tough, but I’ve learned how important it is to stay compassionate while also looking after my own wellbeing. Supporting people through difficult times is part of the job and I try to approach it with empathy and professionalism.” 

PCA job opportunities with Sanctuary

Whether you’re new to aged care or looking to land your next PCA role, Sanctuary can help. As Australia’s leading aged care recruiter, we help professionals find roles that make a positive difference to older people’s lives every day. Find your next role by exploring our latest assistant in nursing jobs.