12 aged care interview questions and answers

Revised: May 2025

Are you preparing for an aged care interview?  Knowing the most common aged care interview questions and how to answer them can help you feel confident and ready to showcase your skills. Within our detailed guide, we’ll help you to prepare for the 12 most frequently asked aged care interview questions. We’ve put together example answers along with advice to help you stand out to employers and secure your dream role.

Table of contents

• Situational aged care interview questions
• Legislation and regulation aged care interview questions
• Behavioural aged care interview questions
• How to answer questions using the STAR method
• Aged care interview tips
• Aged care job opportunities with Sanctuary

Common aged care interview questions

The situational questions

Aged care is a busy industry. When answering situational aged care interview questions, you need to be able to show that you can prioritise responsibilities and multitask effectively. You also want to show your ability to work at pace and support colleagues and patients while managing daily tasks. 

1.  Tell us about a challenging situation you faces while caring for an older person. How did you handle it?

Example answer: “Whilst caring for an individual with dementia, I encountered a situation when he insisted he needed to “go home”, even though he was already in the residence. He tried to leave, which posed a safety risk. I spoke to him in a calm, reassuring tone, validating his feelings instead of correcting. I redirected his attention to a photo album and engaged in a story from his past, which helped to calm him. Through being empathic and patient, the severity of the situation reduced.”

Why this works: This shows you are able to remain calm and provide a logical solution to a situation that could escalate.

2.  How do you manage prioritising multiple tasks whilst dedicating adequate time to each resident?

Example answer: “Through using effective organisation and communication, I can balance multiple tasks. I make to-do lists based on care plans and residents’ scheduled needs. I use this as a guide, however I make sure to stay adaptable if urgent needs arise.”

Why this works: This answer demonstrates you can multi task whilst remaining open and flexible to adapt to the needs of the residents.

3.  How would you handle unexpected situations that may arise in aged care?

Example answer: “I would stay calm, assess the situation quickly and prioritise resident safety and well-being. I would also work with my team to make sure any unexpected situations are handled safely and professionally.”

Why this works: This response shows you can work independently and as part of a team both of which are qualities that will make you an asset in any aged care setting. It also highlights that you can stay composed and adaptable when working in a fast-changing environment.

4.  How would you approach difficult conversations with colleagues, resident families and other external stakeholders?

Example answer: “I would approach these situations with clarity and professionalism as it is more likely to lead to constructive and positive outcomes. I would prioritise maintaining trust while remaining an advocate for residents, as this is fundamental to being a great aged care worker.”

Why this works: Emphasising your patient-centric nature demonstrates your commitment to resident wellbeing, which your interview will value. Aged care workers should always lead with passion, heart and unwavering focus for their residents’ needs.

Find out more about the duties and responsibilities of an aged care worker

The legislation and regulation questions

The aged care industry has numerous government bodies involved in determining processes. Understanding their respective guidelines is critical. In your aged care interview, your knowledge will be assessed to make sure that you meet the requirements for the role. It is important that you’re able to demonstrate your familiarity with the regulations that are in place. 

5.  Describe your understanding of the role of (job title) in aged care?

Example answer: “My understanding of (job title) is to meet medical needs and provide compassionate support to older persons so they remain comfortable and independent and maintain their dignity. A degree of leadership is attributed to my role, through ensuring care standards are met and championing the residents needs at all times.”

Why this works: This answer can be adapted to your role. Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the position and aligning your answer with the job description will show that you are a strong fit for the role.

6.  What do you know about the new Aged Care Quality Standards and Aged Care Code of Conduct?

Example answer: “The Aged Care Quality Standards put in place expectations for aged care providers to ensure their care remains person-centred and includes a right-based approach. The Aged Care Code of Conduct outlines expected behaviours of those working within the aged care industry.”

Why this works: Being clued up on the legislations and regulations that surround the aged care industry, especially upcoming updates, is integral to an aged care role. Knowing the above is mandatory for all aged care workers so make sure you are prepared to answer questions on these topics.

7.  What do you know about the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC)?

Example answer: “AN-ACC is the current funding model for all residential aged care services. This replaced ACFI in 2022, responding to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s report and recommendations to align with residents care needs.

Why this works: Knowing about funding and budgets in residential aged care is essential when working in a home.

8.  What do you understand about the Quality Indicators (QI) in the aged care industry?

Example answer: “Quality Indicators (QI) are used to monitor and improve the quality and safety of care. They help to track performance and identify areas of improvement. As of this year, there are eight indicators which measure performance.”

Why this works: Going into further details on Quality Indicators demonstrates your knowledge of the industry but also your desire to keep up to date with changes surrounding your job role. Your interviewer will be impressed with knowledge not only of your position requirements, but of wider industry developments.

The behavioural questions

For an aged care home to run smoothly, it requires cooperation and successful teamwork from all workers. Displaying you can work efficiently in a team but also communicate effectively with the residents will impress your interviewer.

9.  Can you describe a successful collaboration you had with colleagues to improve the quality of care for seniors?

Example answer: “I was involved in a team based approach to an increase in fall reports at my previous place of employment. I worked with fellow nurses, as well as aged care workers and physiotherapists to identify risks which led to the implementation of changes.”

Why this works: Teamwork is invaluable in this instance. Working cooperatively with all stakeholders ensures a smooth delivery of aged care services.

10.  How do you ensure effective communication with residents who may have cognitive or communication impairments?

Example answer: “Through using a variety of techniques such as non verbal communication, simple and clear language and active listening, I am able to tailor my approach to the resident. This makes sure the resident feels respected and heard.”

Why this works: Communication is not one size fits all. Adapting your technique for each resident shows your flexible nature and willingness to ensures the best outcome for each resident.

11.  What motivates you to work in aged care, and how do you maintain your passion for it?

Example answer: “Making a real difference to someone’s life is the main driving factor for why I work in aged care. Having a resident and their families thank you for your work is a heartwarming, humbling experience. I also get to learn new skills and build on my knowledge every day.”

Why this works: Displaying real passion and desire to work in aged care is essential as you will come across challenging and emotional situations. Your employer will value your desire to work in the field, which shows you are an ideal employee.

12.  How do you manage stress and prevent burnout in a demanding caregiving role?

Example answer: “Through setting boundaries, utilising team support and practicing mindfulness and reflection I can enjoy the small wins and avoid becoming overwhelmed. Implementing self care helps me to separate work from home, so I can appreciate both in their own right.”

Why this works: It shows that you understand aged care is an industry where you will work under pressure, and that you have the resilience and ability to have boundaries in place.

Get interview ready with our aged care resume builder

How to answer aged care interview questions using the STAR method

When preparing for your aged care interview, it’s important that you know how to answer any question successfully. The STAR method is a powerful technique that will help you structure your responses carefully and effectively. 

• Situation: describe what happened. “I supported a resident who had limited mobility and very few family visits.”
• Task: go into detail with what you had to do. “I was responsible for daily care, emotional support and social activities.”
• Action: demonstrate how you dealt with the task. “I learnt her routine, understood her preferences and engaged in meaningful conversations.”
• Result: show what happened after your actions. “The resident became more engaged and her overall well-being improved.”

Expert aged care interview tips

Now you are prepared for the aged care interview questions you will need to answer, we have some additional tips to help you succeed. 

• Cultivate empathy: aged care is all about compassion. Showcase your empathy by sharing personal experiences or stories that highlight your ability to connect with seniors on a deeper level, also bearing in mind cultural sensitivities.
• Highlight communication skills: in your aged care interview, you will want to display effective communication skills. Be ready to discuss how you can navigate challenging conversations with sensitivity and patience.
• Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration: emphasise your teamwork and collaboration abilities. Aged care often involves working closely with a team of professionals, both clinical and non-clinical, to ensure the best care possible.
• Showcase adaptability: aging is a dynamic process, and roles in aged care often require flexibility. Share examples of how you’ve adapted to evolving situations in your previous experiences.
• Display clinical skill and knowledge: be prepared to discuss your clinical skills, especially those relevant to aged care. Showing your awareness of aged care regulations and how you maintain knowledge in relation to this is a necessity to succeed in the aged care industry.
• Quiz the quizzer: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the home, team dynamics, and any specific challenges they face. Questions you could ask that will impress your interviewer include:

When did you enter the aged care industry and what has your journey been like?
What does a typical day look like in the home?
What is the resident demographic?

Research the aged care home you are applying for beforehand to show you are prepared. Asking in-depth questions about

• How the home is run
• Ask about the accreditation and funding process
• History of the organisation

Aged care job opportunities with Sanctuary Recruitment

By preparing for these 12 aged care interview questions and understanding tips on how to answer, you’ll be well-equipped to shine in your interview and contribute positively to the lives of older persons. Remember, aged care is a noble calling, and your dedication can make a profound difference in the lives of the residents in your care. Let your passion and expertise be known in your interview, and success will be within your grasp. 

Sanctuary Recruitment is Australia’s number one aged care recruitment agency, and we specialise in getting the right aged care job to match your skills and expertise. Click below to see the jobs we have available or call us on 02 8459 8101 for more information.