# Care Guide for Health Care Assistants — HQSC

**Source:** Health Quality & Safety Commission Te Tāhū Hauora  
**Published:** 8 August 2025 | **Modified:** 11 September 2025  
**Type:** Resource guide (PDF) — 20 clinical and practice topics  
**Target audience:** Health care assistants caring for frail older people in NZ aged residential care

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## Overview

The Care Guide for Health Care Assistants is a practical, evidence-informed resource designed to improve the quality of care for frail older people living in aged care facilities. It was developed as part of the HQSC's Aged Residential Care work programme.

## The 20 Topics

| #   | Topic                   | Description                                                      |
| --- | ----------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 1   | Communication           | Effective communication with residents, families, and colleagues |
| 2   | Kaumātua and Kuia Care  | Culturally responsive care for Māori older people                |
| 3   | Standards of Care       | Understanding regulatory and quality expectations                |
| 4   | Delirium                | Recognition, prevention, and management                          |
| 5   | Dementia                | Person-centred care for residents with dementia                  |
| 6   | Behaviours of Concern   | De-escalation and responsive behaviour management                |
| 7   | Depression              | Recognition and support for older people with depression         |
| 8   | Sexuality and Intimacy  | Respecting sexuality, intimacy, and relationships                |
| 9   | Bowels and Constipation | Assessment and management of bowel health                        |
| 10  | Cardiac Care            | Heart health monitoring and support                              |
| 11  | Syncope and Collapse    | Recognition and response to fainting/collapse                    |
| 12  | Acute Deterioration     | Identifying and responding to sudden health changes              |
| 13  | Diabetes                | Blood glucose management in aged care                            |
| 14  | Falls                   | Prevention and post-fall management                              |
| 15  | Moving and Transferring | Safe manual handling and mobility support                        |
| 16  | Nutrition and Hydration | Promoting adequate food and fluid intake                         |
| 17  | Pain                    | Assessment and management of pain                                |
| 18  | Respiratory             | Respiratory care and oxygen management                           |
| 19  | Skin Integrity          | Pressure injury prevention and wound care                        |
| 20  | (Bibliography)          | References and further reading                                   |

## Downloads

- **Full colour PDF** (5.6 MB): [Download](https://www.hqsc.govt.nz/assets/Our-work/Improved-service-delivery/Aged-residential-care/Publications-resources/Care-Guide-for-Health-Care-Assistants/CareGuide_Full_colour.pdf)
- **Black & white PDF** (4.7 MB): [Download](https://www.hqsc.govt.nz/assets/Our-work/Improved-service-delivery/Aged-residential-care/Publications-resources/Care-Guide-for-Health-Care-Assistants/CareGuide_Full_Black_and_White.pdf)
- **Topic-by-topic page:** [Browse by topic](https://www.hqsc.govt.nz/resources/resource-library/care-guide-for-health-care-assistants-by-topic/)

## Significance

- First resource of its kind specifically for the HCA workforce in NZ aged care
- HCAs provide the majority of day-to-day hands-on care
- Addresses key care quality areas: dementia, falls, pain, nutrition, delirium, skin integrity
- Includes cultural care guidance for kaumātua and kuia
- Aligns with the HQSC Frailty Care Guides (2023) which were created for RNs and senior clinical staff

## Related KB Files

- `02_Aged_Residential_Care/2023 - HQSC - Frailty Care Guides Complete Set.pdf`
- `02_Aged_Residential_Care/2026 - HQSC - Deterioration Early Warning System DEWS.md`
- `16 Political/08_Government_Agencies_and_Regulators/2026 Agency Profile - HQSC.md`

## Source URLs

- Main page: https://www.hqsc.govt.nz/resources/resource-library/care-guide-for-health-care-assistants/
- By topic: https://www.hqsc.govt.nz/resources/resource-library/care-guide-for-health-care-assistants-by-topic/
- Aged residential care programme: https://www.hqsc.govt.nz/our-work/improved-service-delivery/aged-residential-care/
- **Date accessed:** 9 June 2026