The Monash School of Biomedical Sciences has recently completed a study of 115 residents across four high care facilities in Melbourne, testing infection with antibiotic resistant superbugs. 33% were found positive, indicating care facilities are a reservoir of infection.

50% of the 115 residents had received antibiotics in the three months before the tests.

While open wounds and dementia patients who can’t express the true state of health are of concern in the facility, the greater concern is infection when the residents are admitted to hospital. 22% of the 115 residents had been admitted to hospital for at least overnight in the three months before the test.

The research concludes that infection control in care facilities will need to be structured similar to hospitals with alcohol based wash for hand hygiene and elimination of carpets, being replaced by linoleum is a start.