COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Resident-Centred Risk Assessment in Aged Care course. This program has been designed to support aged care workers, care coordinators, and managers in understanding and applying effective, resident-centred approaches to risk assessment. Risk assessment is critical in aged care because residents are often more vulnerable due to age-related health conditions, mobility issues, and cognitive decline.

A structured and person-centred risk assessment process protects resident safety and wellbeing while promoting autonomy, dignity, and participation. This course introduces the principles of risk management, explores the wide spectrum of risks that may affect residents, and provides practical tools for monitoring, reviewing, and documenting strategies in line with legal and organisational responsibilities.

Risk assessment in aged care must balance safety with respect for resident rights and independence. This course begins by highlighting the importance of risk assessment, explaining the guiding principles of prevention, dignity of risk, and individualised care. It also addresses the legal and organisational responsibilities under aged care legislation and quality standards, reinforcing the duty of care that providers and staff share in keeping residents safe while supporting their choices.

Conducting a risk assessment involves a clear and systematic process. This section outlines the steps of identifying hazards, evaluating the likelihood and impact of risks, and implementing appropriate controls. It also emphasises the need for regular monitoring, review, and accurate documentation to ensure accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in service delivery.

Health and medical risks are common in aged care, given the prevalence of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and dementia. This section explains how to identify and manage risks associated with pre-existing conditions, medication mismanagement, frailty, allergies, and cognitive impairment. It also highlights the need for tailored care planning and emergency response strategies to ensure residents remain safe and supported.

Falls and mobility risks are among the most significant hazards in aged care environments. This section explores the factors that contribute to falls, including unsteady gait, poor balance, unsafe mobility aids, and environmental risks such as slippery floors or clutter. It outlines strategies for assessment, prevention, and intervention to reduce injury and promote mobility in safe ways.

Daily living activities carry risks that must be carefully assessed. This section covers risks associated with personal care, including falls during showering or toileting, pressure injuries in immobile residents, malnutrition or dehydration due to feeding difficulties, and choking hazards. Workers will learn strategies to support residents safely while maintaining dignity and independence.

Behavioural and cognitive risks, including wandering, aggression, forgetfulness, depression, and loneliness, present additional challenges in aged care. This section discusses the importance of recognising these risks, implementing proactive supports, and using behaviour management strategies that are compassionate, ethical, and tailored to individual needs.

The physical environment plays a major role in resident safety. This section examines environmental risks such as poor lighting, unsafe stairs, clutter, faulty appliances, and pets. It provides strategies for creating safer environments without overly restricting resident freedom, ensuring comfort and accessibility.

Communication and sensory barriers can lead to significant risks if not addressed. This section explains how hearing or vision impairment, language barriers, and miscommunication can affect safety in areas such as medication, mobility, and emergency response. It emphasises adapting communication methods and using assistive devices to improve safety and understanding.

Residents may also face risks of neglect, abuse, or exploitation. This section highlights social and abuse risks, including financial exploitation, emotional abuse, neglect, and isolation. It outlines the responsibilities of aged care staff in safeguarding residents, recognising warning signs, and reporting concerns promptly.

Infection control, nutrition, hydration, transportation, and emergency preparedness all represent additional areas where risks must be managed carefully. These sections address poor hygiene, wound care, food safety, contagious illnesses, and malnutrition risks, as well as unsafe transport practices, emergency planning, and risks from power outages affecting equipment or medication storage. They reinforce the importance of proactive planning and continuous monitoring.

Finally, organisational and care delivery risks, such as poor staffing, inadequate training, inconsistent communication, or missing care plans, can directly compromise resident safety. This section highlights the importance of building strong governance systems, staff development programs, and accurate documentation to ensure risk management is embedded across the organisation.

By the end of this course, you will have a thorough understanding of the principles and processes of resident-centred risk assessment in aged care. You will be equipped to identify, assess, and manage risks across health, environment, behaviour, communication, and organisational domains—ensuring that residents remain safe, respected, and supported in their daily lives while maintaining their dignity and independence.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Risk Assessment in Aged Care

·       Importance of Risk Assessment in Aged Care

·       Principles of Risk Assessment in Aged Care Settings

·       Legal and Organisational Responsibilities

2. The Risk Assessment Process

·       Identifying hazards and risks

·       Assessing the likelihood and impact

·       Controlling and managing risks

·       Monitoring and reviewing strategies

·       Documenting and reporting actions

3. Identifying, Assessing and Managing Health and Medical Risks

• Pre-existing health conditions.
• Medication needs and risks of mismanagement (missed doses, overdoses, interactions).
• Allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Frailty, reduced mobility, or chronic pain.
• Dementia, delirium, or cognitive impairment affecting decision-making.

4. Identifying, Assessing and Managing Falls and Mobility Risks

• Unsteady gait, poor balance, or muscle weakness.
• Unsafe use of walking aids, wheelchairs, or mobility scooters.
• Slippery floors, rugs, or clutter increasing fall risk.
• Poorly fitted footwear.

5. Identifying, Assessing and Managing Personal Care and Daily Living Risks

• Risk of falls during showering, toileting, or dressing.
• Pressure injury (bedsores) if the client is immobile.
• Malnutrition or dehydration if eating and drinking is difficult.
• Aspiration/choking risk when swallowing is impaired.

6. Identifying, Assessing and Managing Behavioural and Cognitive Risks

• Wandering or absconding (common with dementia).
• Aggression, agitation, or resistance to care.
• Forgetfulness leading to hazards.
• Depression, loneliness, or suicidal ideation.

7. Identifying, Assessing and Managing Environmental and Household Risks

• Poor lighting, uneven steps, or unsafe stairs.
• Unsafe bathrooms.
• Clutter, loose cords, or trip hazards.
• Faulty electrical appliances or heating risks.
• Pets that may cause trips or injuries.

8. Identifying, Assessing and Managing Communication and Sensory Risks

• Hearing or vision loss affecting safety and communication.
• Inability to understand instructions due to language or cognitive barriers.
• Miscommunication leading to unsafe situations.

9. Identifying, Assessing and Managing Social and Abuse Risks

• Financial abuse or exploitation.
• Neglect by family, carers, or institutions.
• Emotional abuse or isolation from social networks.
• Risk of scams or coercion.

10. Identifying, Assessing and Managing Infection Control and Hygiene Risks

• Poor personal hygiene leading to infection.
• Unsafe food handling or spoiled food.
• Risks from contagious illness.
• Poor wound care, leading to infection.

11. Identifying, Assessing and Managing Nutritional and Hydration Risks

• Difficulty preparing meals safely.
• Limited access to fresh food or safe drinking water.
• Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).
• Overeating or undereating due to cognitive decline or mood changes.

12. Identifying, Assessing and Managing Transportation and Community Access Risks

• Unsafe transfers in/out of vehicles.
• Difficulty navigating public transport.
• Risk of disorientation or confusion outside the home.
• Unsafe crossing of roads.

13. Identifying, Assessing and Managing Emergency and Disaster Risks

• Lack of emergency plan for fire, flood, or evacuation.
• Difficulty accessing exits due to mobility issues.
• No knowledge of emergency contacts or procedures.
• Power outage risks (loss of oxygen equipment, refrigeration for medications).

14. Identifying, Assessing and Managing Medication and Treatment Risks

·       Medication Mismanagement

·       Allergies or Adverse Reactions

·       Treatment Risks (Incorrect Clinical or Therapeutic Procedures)

·       Monitoring and Documentation Risks

15. Identifying, Assessing and Managing Organisational and Care Delivery Risks

• Inadequate training of carers or support workers.
• Poor staffing levels leading to neglect.
• Lack of clear care plans or risk management strategies.
• Inconsistent communication between healthcare providers.

16. Aged care Risk Assessment Checklist Template

17. Monitoring and reviewing strategies

·       Evaluating the Effectiveness of Risk Controls

·       Identifying Changes and Emerging Risks

·       Updating and Improving Risk Management Plans

18. Documenting and reporting actions

·       Importance of Accurate Record-Keeping

·       Recording Risk Management Actions and Outcomes

·       Reporting to Supervisors, Families, and Regulatory Bodies

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.