Antibiotics are a powerful tool in modern medicine – they can fight infections, speed up healing, and even save lives. But like all good things, they need to be used wisely.
If your loved one is living in aged care, you might have questions like:
Why aren’t they being given antibiotics for that cough?
What happens if someone has a resistant infection like MRSA?
How do aged care homes make sure residents stay safe and healthy?
Let’s take a closer look at how antibiotics are used in aged care, what antibiotic resistance really means, and how homes are working hard to keep your loved ones well – today and in the long term.
What Are Antibiotics (And When Are They Used)?
Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria – things like urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin infections, or pneumonia. But they don’t work on viruses, like the flu or COVID-19.
In aged care, antibiotics are prescribed only when truly needed, after careful medical assessment. This isn’t about denying treatment – it’s about making sure antibiotics still work when they’re really needed.
What Is Antibiotic Resistance?
Over time, if antibiotics are used too often or incorrectly, bacteria can become “smart” and learn how to survive the medicine. This is called antibiotic resistance.
When that happens, infections become harder to treat, and stronger or more complex medications are needed. Some resistant infections – like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or MRSI (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus infection) – can live on the skin or in wounds and may take longer to heal.
What Is Antibiotic Stewardship?
You might hear aged care staff or doctors mention antibiotic stewardship. It’s just a fancy term for:
- Using antibiotics only when necessary
- Choosing the right antibiotic for the job
- Using the correct dose for the right length of time
It’s part of a national effort led by groups like the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and it’s especially important in aged care, where residents can be more vulnerable to infection.
Stewardship helps protect your loved one and the whole community from dangerous superbugs.
What If My Loved One Has a Resistant Infection (Like MRSA or MRSI)?
Sometimes, residents may already have an antibiotic-resistant bacterium in a wound or on their skin. This doesn’t always mean they’re sick – many people carry these bacteria without symptoms.
Here’s how aged care homes manage it safely:
- Infection Control Plans
Staff follow strict hygiene routines – like handwashing, wearing gloves, and using protective gear when needed.
- Wound Management
Wounds with resistant bacteria are carefully cleaned and dressed by trained nurses, often with advice from wound care specialists.
- Isolation (If needed)
In some cases, residents may be temporarily isolated – not to punish them, but to protect others while still ensuring social interaction where safe.
- Clear Communication
Families are always kept informed. If your loved one has a resistant infection, you’ll be told what it means, how it’s managed, and what to expect.
What Are Staff Doing to Prevent Infections?
Aged care providers are guided by the Aged Care Quality Standards (especially Standard 3: Personal and Clinical Care of the current standards, of Standard 5: Clinical Care under the Strengthened Standards coming into effect 1 July 2025) ) and are legally required under the Aged Care Act 1997 (soon to be the new Aged Care Act that comes info effect 1 July 2025) to deliver safe, effective care.
This includes:
- Vaccination programs (like flu and COVID boosters)
- Regular staff training in infection control
- Antibiotic review programs led by GPs and pharmacists
- Working with infection control experts when needed
These efforts help prevent infections before they start – and ensure antibiotics are ready when they’re needed most.
What You Can Do as a Family Member
- Ask questions about antibiotic use – it’s okay to be curious
- Trust the care team’s advice, especially if they recommend to “watch and wait”
- Practice good hygiene when visiting, especially handwashing
- Stay up to date with vaccinations, including your own
Together, you are a part of the circle of care that helps keep everyone safe.
Antibiotics save lives – but using them wisely is key to making sure they keep working.
In aged care, there’s a strong focus on smart antibiotic use, infection prevention, and caring for residents with resistant infections like MRSI in a safe, respectful way.
So next time you hear “we’re holding off on antibiotics for now,” know this: it’s not about doing less, it’s about doing the right thing at the right time – to protect your loved one now and in the future.
Need More Info?
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission: www.agedcarequality.gov.au
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care: www.safetyandquality.gov.au
A GP or aged care nurse can answer questions specific to your loved one
