Reform in Focus: What Counts as Care Minutes? Understanding the Personal Care Worker Definition

Overview:

With the rollout of mandated care minutes in aged care, there is new scrutiny over who delivers the care, and how that is counted.

This blog unpacks the definition of a Personal Care Worker (PCW) and what Clinical Facilitators need to do to support compliant, qualified care delivery.

senior with a walker

What is the Change?

Only care delivered by qualified, direct care staff counts towards mandated care minutes. That includes:

• Personal care

• Assistance with mobility and hygiene

• Support outlined in the care plan

Cleaning, cooking, or lifestyle roles do not contribute to care minutes, even if performed by the same worker.

Why this Matters to Clinical Facilitators

You play a critical role in:

• Clarifying scope of practice

• Supporting staff qualification pathways

• Aligning rostering with compliance needs

• Ensuring proper documentation of direct care time

Action Areas for Facilitators

Compliance Focus	How You Can Help
Scope of Role	Deliver examples of what is (and is not) considered care under the reform
Workforce Development	Recommend training for unqualified workers to transition into care roles
Shift Planning	Help teams ensure the right people are delivering the right care at the right time
Care Documentation	Reinforce accurate time-tracking and note-keeping for personal care

Reflective Prompt:

“Think about your last shift. How much of your time went to direct care, and was it clearly documented?"

 Final Thought

It is not just about minutes, but, about meaningful, quality care delivered by appropriately qualified staff. Clinical Facilitators help ensure staff are supported, within their scope, and are proud of the work they deliver.

Next Topic:

Transition to Registered Supporters