Aged Care Blog

Care minutes in residential aged care

Care minutes in residential aged care

First published: November 2024

As part of the aged care reform roadmap, the Department of Health and Aged Care are making changes to the number of direct care minutes a resident in residential aged care receives each day from a clinical aged care worker. As of 2023, it sat at 200 minutes per day with 40 of these being from a registered nurse. In October 2024 this increased to 215, with registered nurses needing to dedicate at least 44 minutes of their day to each resident in their care. Due to workforce shortages in aged care, a new initiative was introduced with the 2024 changes, whereby 10% of the registered nurse minutes could be delivered by an enrolled nurse.

Why are care minutes in aged care important?

The aged care industry is governed by numerous bodies stating the legal and ethical requirements that surround resident aged care. The eight aged care quality standards showcases what good care looks like, with emphasis on the fact that anyone who receives aged care is entitled to the right to be treated with dignity and respect, as well as a level of care that meets their needs via a holistic approach. Through the reports published by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (the first being in 2019), 148 recommendations were listed when considering the development of the new Aged Care Act. There were a number of these that were focused on the standard of care in relation to staffing interactions:

  • Recommendation 13: Embedding high quality aged care
  • Recommendation 14: A general duty to provide high quality and safe care
  • Recommendation 86: Minimum staff time standard for residential care
  • Recommendation 122: Reporting of staffing hours

How are the care minutes in a residential aged care home reported?

Every aged care provider must submit a Quarterly Financial Report which details:

  • Care minutes delivered by clinical members of staff (employees in a non direct care role do not count towards this)
  • Financial statements
  • Food and nutrition reports
  • Outbreak management expenses
  • Answers to viability and prudential compliance questions
  • Labour costing at the home level

What happens if the care minutes level is not being met?

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission receives every QFR. If the care minutes are not being fulfilled, then action may be taken against non compliance.

The public can access information via this governing body to see how each service and provider is meeting their care minute targets. There is a current workforce shortage in Australia in the aged care industry, so there are many government initiatives which aims to increase these numbers. Workforce acquisition and retention was also named in the recommendations by the Royal Commission, which led to the 15% pay rise increase in 2023, along with efforts places upon quality training and education and utilising overseas nursing pools through programs such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme as an example.

Looking for reliable aged care nursing staffing solutions to fulfill your care minute requirements?

Sanctuary Recruitment are experts in the field of aged care, pairing highly skilled and experienced professionals with assignments that match our candidates and clients needs, wants, and values.

To find out more about what we offer and how we can supply passionate and dedicated nurses to your home, contact our team today:

Register with us

Looking for a new opportunity
in the aged care sector?

Register today

Expert staffing solutions

Need staffing support on a temporary, contract or permanent basis?

Send an enquiry

Subscribe Here!

Subscribe to our blog!

Leave a Comment





Aged care blog
Delivering impact: how our partnership with Alphacrucis University College is changing the lives of Pacific Islander aged care workers

First published: October 2024 Sanctuary Recruitment and Pulse Staffing Australia, under the global healthcare partner Acacium Group, have secured a bid for this year’s Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme. Aiming to fill labour gaps and alleviate work shortages across the country in a multitude of sectors, the PALM scheme allows for workers from the…
Palliative approach in aged care

First published: August 2025 The spectrum of palliative care covers more than just end-of-life care. A palliative approach to aged care encompasses methods to improve the quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, to ensure they are as comfortable as possible. Types of palliative care In residential aged care, palliative care is delivered with…
Celebrating International Nurses Day

First published: May 2024 International Nurses Day, celebrated around the world on the 12th May each year, recognises the importance of healthcare professionals, in particular recognising the role that nurses play in our society. This day, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, calls to our attention the unwavering commitment that nurses show everyday across every…
Day in the life of an aged care registered nurse

Aged care nursing is fast paced and deeply rewarding. Every shift brings new challenges and the chance to make a real difference in someone’s day. It’s a career built on compassion, skill and a commitment to ensuring each patients needs are met and their voices are heard. Within this blog, we will outline what a…
Creating a heartwarming holiday season in aged care

First published: December 2023 The festive season in Residential Aged Care is a time to bring the residents and their families together to celebrate the Christmas period. It may be a new experience for those observing this occasion away from the comfort of their family home, so making sure that everyone feels included in the…
Shining a spotlight on female leadership in aged care

First published: March 2024 A background to women in leadership The aged care industry is dominated by female workers, with 86% of the RAC workforce (direct care workers) identifying as female. Despite this overwhelming percentage, female leadership positions are still low in comparison to men, with women CEOs making up 19% across all industries. Females…
Care minutes in residential aged care

First published: November 2024 As part of the aged care reform roadmap, the Department of Health and Aged Care are making changes to the number of direct care minutes a resident in residential aged care receives each day from a clinical aged care worker. As of 2023, it sat at 200 minutes per day with…
Aged care worker resume sample and tips

First published: January 2024 When looking to land your dream job, standing out from the competition can be done through a carefully crafted aged care resume. Showing off your invaluable experience and aged care qualifications is essential, but it can be difficult to know where to start.  Within this blog, we’ve detailed how to perfect…
A complete guide to aged care qualifications and certification requirements 

First published: July 2025 There are many different roles within aged care, some of which require a higher degree of education and training. Getting the right aged care qualifications and certificates can support you in establishing a long and rewarding career in the field. They ensure you understand the safety, legal and ethical protocols to…
5 benefits of rural nursing in Australia

A career in remote and rural nursing comes with a wealth of personal and professional rewards. From expanding your clinical skills to experiencing real job satisfaction, nursing outside of Australia’s major cities opens the door to meaningful, impactful work. It’s a chance to grow as a nurse while supporting those who need care the most….