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Handover notes

Handover notes examples for support workers

Examples and forms to help workers communicate shift information clearly.

Open the shift handover templateRead the shift handover guide
1 matching resourceEditable starting pointsAustralian care context

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Included resource types

Staff Shift Handover Form

Handover Notes / Form

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Short worked examples

Fictional examples for learning, not complete care records. Replace all details with accurate observations in your approved record system. These examples do not provide clinical advice, determine reportability or replace urgent escalation and provider procedures.

Fictional example 1

A changed appointment needs confirmation

Observation
Tuesday, 2:00 pm: the client said their Thursday appointment time had changed. The new time had not been confirmed with the clinic.
Action taken
Recorded the client's request to check transport. No booking was changed during this shift.
Notification / pending
Coordinator notified at 2:10 pm; confirmation remains outstanding.
Next action / owner
Coordinator to confirm the time with the client's agreement before changing transport, then update the next worker.
Use the shift handover form

Fictional example 2

Separate completed support from an unfinished task

Observation
Tuesday, 4:00 pm: laundry was washed; the drying cycle was still running at the end of the visit.
Action taken
Meal preparation completed as agreed. Folding was not completed; the client was informed.
Notification / pending
Outstanding laundry task recorded in the handover for the evening worker.
Next action / owner
Evening worker to check with the client whether folding is wanted and within the agreed visit tasks, then record the outcome.
Use the shift handover form

Make the next shift easier to understand

Good handover notes help the next worker or coordinator quickly understand what changed, what stayed the same, and what needs attention. The examples on this page focus on practical shift information rather than long narrative records.

  • Capture key changes in routine, appointments, meals, mobility, communication, or family contact.
  • Separate completed tasks from follow-up tasks so the next worker can act quickly.
  • Keep wording brief, respectful, and consistent with the provider's handover process.

Handover notes should support continuity of service. They do not replace progress notes, incident reports, care plan reviews, clinical records, or supervisor review where those are required.

Matching resources

Open the working file

Choose the document closest to the task, then adapt it to your organisation's process.