Time spent on daytime direct care activities by personal carers in two Australian residential aged care facilities: a time–motion study

Abstract

Objective To examine the time, frequency and duration of each direct care activity conducted by personal carers in Australian residential aged care homes. Methods A time–motion study was conducted to observe 46 personal carers at two high-care houses in two facilities (14 days at Site 1 and 16 days at Site 2). Twenty-three direct care activities were classified into eight categories for analysis. Results Overall, a personal carer spent approximately 45% of their time on direct care, corresponding to 3.5 h in an 8-h daytime shift. The two sites had similar ratios of personal carers to residents, and each resident received 30 min of direct care. No significant differences between the two sites were found in the time spent on oral communication, personal hygiene and continence activities. Personal carers at Site 1 spent significantly less time on toileting and mobility activities than those at Site 2, but more time on lunch activity. Although oral communication took the longest time (2 h), it occurred concurrently with other activities (e.g. dressing) for 1.5 h. Conclusions The findings provide information that may assist decision makers in managing the operation of high-care residential aged care facilities, such as planning for task allocation and staffing. What is known about the topic? Overall, 30%–45% of the care staff’s time is spent on direct care in residential aged care facilities. What does this paper add? This paper adds knowledge about how much time is required to conduct each direct care activity and the frequency and duration of conducting these activities to meet residents’ day-to-day care needs in two high-care houses in two aged care facilities. What are the implications for practitioners? On average, a resident with high-care needs requires 30 min direct care. There may exist a basic minimum desirable ratio of personal carers to residents in high-care facilities. Residents’ toileting needs are high after meals. Communication with residents represents an essential role in providing care.