I work in aged care. Recently my employer has changed my role and I now provide some social support to my residents – both group and individual activities. Do these count as direct care for the care minute calculation? 

Personal care services for the purpose of counting direct care minutes include one-on-one social and emotional support activities if an individual receives direct support from an RN/EN or PCW/AIN as part of a group activity being held, or as an individual activity. Providing social activities to a group, such as a group bingo session does not count toward direct care minutes. 

There’s a regularly updated online guide produced by the federal government which outlines the latest advice about direct care minutes and RN 24/7 responsibilities that you can use to assist.

You can access this this information via the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Aged Care website.

If you need more support, contact us at gensec@nswnma.asn.au

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