The role of a Care Assistant at Avery Healthcare is one of deep purpose, responsibility, and genuine human connection. Care Assistants provide essential daily support to residents in Avery’s award-winning care homes, ensuring dignity, safety, and companionship at every stage of care. The job description typically includes assisting with personal care, mobility support, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and building relationships that enrich residents’ lives. Salaries for Care Assistants at Avery Healthcare usually range from £10.50 to £12.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and shift patterns. More importantly, this role opens doors to career progression in healthcare and delivers the fulfilment of making a lasting difference.
As an interview coach with over 25 years of experience, I, Jerry Frempong, have guided hundreds of candidates into roles at respected employers like Avery Healthcare. This article will prepare you thoroughly with 25 Avery Healthcare Care Assistant interview questions and answers, explained in depth. We’ll also explore the STAR model, effective job interview preparation, common do’s and don’ts, and leave you with encouragement to walk into your interview confidently.
25 Interview Questions and Answers for a Care Assistant Role at Avery Healthcare
Below you’ll find the most likely interview questions, structured into opening questions, competency-based questions, and closing interview questions. I’ve added example answers and coaching commentary to help you shine.
1. Tell me about yourself.
Answer: “I’m a compassionate and reliable person with three years of experience working in residential care. I thrive on supporting older people to live with dignity and independence. At my last care home, I developed strong skills in personal care, communication with families, and ensuring safety at all times.”
Coaching note: Keep this concise, relevant to the Care Assistant role, and show personality.
2. Why do you want to work at Avery Healthcare?
Answer: “Avery Healthcare has a reputation for excellence in care and resident wellbeing. I’m drawn to your values of compassion, respect, and quality, and I would be proud to contribute to a team that puts residents at the heart of everything.”
3. What do you understand about the role of a Care Assistant?
Answer: “The role is about supporting residents with their daily needs – personal care, mobility, meals, and emotional support – while treating them with dignity and respect. It’s also about teamwork, communication, and safeguarding.”
4. How would you handle a resident refusing care?
STAR Answer:
Situation: At my last home, a resident often refused morning washes.
Task: I needed to ensure hygiene while respecting her wishes.
Action: I calmly reassured her, offered choices, and returned later when she was ready.
Result: She began to trust me more, and her refusals decreased.
5. How do you ensure dignity and respect when providing personal care?
Answer: “By asking permission before tasks, explaining what I’m doing, ensuring privacy, and engaging residents in conversation so they feel at ease.”
6. How would you support a resident with dementia?
Answer: “I’d use patience, reassurance, and clear communication. I’d avoid correcting them harshly and instead enter their reality with empathy. Following care plans is essential.”
7. What skills do you think are most important for a Care Assistant?
Answer: “Empathy, patience, strong communication, reliability, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.”
8. Can you give an example of teamwork in a care setting?
STAR Answer:
Situation: A resident required two-person support for mobility.
Task: I worked with a colleague to move them safely.
Action: We used correct manual handling techniques and communicated clearly.
Result: The transfer was safe, and the resident felt secure.
9. How do you handle stressful situations?
Answer: “I remain calm, prioritise immediate safety, and seek support when needed. Afterward, I reflect and learn from the situation.”
10. How do you safeguard residents?
Answer: “By being vigilant, following procedures, and immediately reporting concerns about abuse, neglect, or safety risks to my manager.”
11. Describe a time you went above and beyond for a resident.
STAR Answer: “A resident was upset about missing her granddaughter’s wedding. I helped arrange a video call and decorated her room to feel like part of the celebration. She was delighted and grateful.”
12. How would you deal with conflict with a colleague?
Answer: “I would stay professional, focus on the resident’s needs, and resolve issues through open communication or escalate respectfully if needed.”
13. Why should we hire you?
Answer: “Because I bring proven care experience, reliability, and genuine passion for improving residents’ lives. I align with Avery Healthcare’s values and standards.”
14. How do you handle confidential information?
Answer: “By following GDPR guidelines, storing information securely, and never sharing outside the care team.”
15. How would you respond to a resident’s family member raising a concern?
Answer: “I’d listen attentively, empathise, and escalate the concern to my manager while ensuring the family feels heard and valued.”
16. Describe how you follow care plans.
Answer: “I read and follow each plan carefully, make accurate records, and adapt my support to each individual’s needs.”
17. What do you enjoy most about care work?
Answer: “The chance to make a real difference to someone’s day – even small gestures like a smile, conversation, or cup of tea bring huge joy.”
18. How do you manage your time on busy shifts?
Answer: “By prioritising urgent needs, using teamwork, and staying organised while remaining flexible.”
19. How do you ensure residents’ nutritional needs are met?
Answer: “By assisting with meals, encouraging choice, and monitoring dietary requirements such as allergies or special diets.”
20. What is your understanding of infection control?
Answer: “It means following strict hygiene practices, correct PPE use, handwashing, and reducing risks of cross-infection.”
21. How do you cope with emotional aspects of care?
Answer: “I stay compassionate but use supervision, debriefs, and self-care to manage my own emotions.”
22. Tell me about a time you adapted to change quickly.
STAR Answer: “When COVID protocols changed daily, I adapted quickly, attended training, and supported my team to stay safe.”
23. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer: “I see myself progressing within Avery Healthcare, possibly into Senior Care Assistant or Nursing Assistant roles, continuing professional development.”
24. What questions do you have for us?
Strong options:
“How do you support staff development?”
“What do you value most in your Care Assistants?”
“What opportunities for progression are available?”
25. Do you have any final words before we close?
Answer: “I’d like to thank you for considering me. I’m genuinely passionate about joining Avery Healthcare and making a positive impact on residents’ lives.”
Do’s and Don’ts for Avery Healthcare Care Assistant Interviews
Do research Avery Healthcare’s values and homes.
Do use the STAR model for competency answers.
Do arrive early, dress smartly, and smile.
Don’t give one-word answers.
Don’t criticise former employers.
Don’t forget to ask your own thoughtful questions.
Final Interview Coaching Encouragement
Remember: every interview is an opportunity, not a test. Employers want to see your compassion, reliability, and willingness to learn. Practice aloud, prepare stories from your experience, and use the STAR model to structure your answers. With the right job interview preparation, you can walk into Avery Healthcare’s interview room feeling calm and ready.
If you’d like personalised support, I offer one-to-one interview coaching online sessions where we refine your answers, practise roleplays, and build confidence. You can learn more and book a session with me at interview training. With expert guidance from an experienced interview coach, you can transform nerves into confidence and secure the Care Assistant role you deserve.
