Enhancing aged care facilities: Benefits of app-based tech in facility management services

Ageing populations worldwide have led to an increased demand for effective and efficient aged care facilities and retirement villages. To meet the diverse needs and smooth functioning of such facilities, incorporating app-based technology in facility management services has become essential. In this article we explore how incorporating app-based technology in line with CMMS softwares can be beneficial for providers by increasing efficiency and resource optimisation to customise solutions and remote monitoring. 

As technology continues to evolve, embracing these advancements becomes essential in creating a holistic and responsive aged care sector.

App-based technology streamlines the facility management process, enabling quicker response times to maintenance requests. With a centralised system, facility managers can prioritise and address issues promptly, ensuring the safety and comfort of the residents. Utilising app-based technology for tasks such as logging and responding to maintenance requests, completing inspections, and more in such residential facilities, emphasises the crucial role transparency plays in enhancing the overall living experience for the elderly.

MDFM has put together a platform that is specifically designed to make it easier for retirement village residents  and their visitors to report issues or hazards in and around their properties.

‘MDFM Log-it’ was created to make it easier for retirement village residents to report problems such as electrical faults, plumbing issues, air conditioning problems or any other hazards in and around their homes. Often it is the people who live and spend time on the property are the ones who are most likely to spot an issue and report it promptly.

“We built this app so that Retirement Village Operators who don’t have a CMMS can offer a way for their residents to log a request. Or, they may have a CMMS, but it is not user friendly or simple enough for their residents to use,” says Jess Johnson from MDFM.

The app follows a few very simple steps wherein you  add your name and contact details, select your village and then report the issue you wish to be resolved. It’s a really efficient way for operators to receive requests that are digitally filed, and be able to respond to their residents so that everyone knows exactly where that issue is up to. This saves frustration and confusion between all parties. 

Sometimes aged care and retirement facilities may have residents who are not comfortable using newer technology. In these instances, MDFM provides a dedicated phone line service for their residents to report a maintenance request. These requests are then logged into the system by MDFM’s qualified team and the issue is treated and resolved as per the normal process.

Transparency is fundamental in building trust between residents, their families, and the operator of the facility . By utilising app-based technologies, residents and their visitors can easily track the progress of maintenance requests, giving them confidence that their concerns are being addressed in a timely manner.

“While a fully integrated CMMS or FM platform is the ultimate aim, the organisation may not be ready to take this on. It is a significant investment of resources to take on a system, implement and most importantly manage it effectively. If that is the case, there may be steps that you can take to start your journey towards digitising your maintenance. A maintenance request portal could be the first step,” adds Jess.

Transparent communication is crucial for maintaining a positive living environment. Apps allow for clear communication channels between residents, staff, and management, fostering a sense of community and ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding facility maintenance activities.

This empowers residents by keeping them informed about the status of repairs, upgrades, and overall facility management. This not only enhances their overall experience but also allows them to actively participate in decisions that may impact their living conditions.

Transparent processes of this manner also increases accountability within the facility management team. Residents and their families can hold the facility accountable for the quality of services provided, encouraging a commitment to excellence in maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment.

When implementing technology it is important to think about all of the users and how they will interact with it. For example, your maintenance staff might range from extremely tech savvy, to those who have hardly used a smart device. MDFM suggests offering training and on-call support or you may risk those team members avoiding using the platform and opting out of it altogether. Most CMMS platforms allow you to alter certain features for security purposes, which you can also use to  improve usability and reduce on screen clutter for your staff.

“The idea is to make sure that the system  suits their needs and wants. There is no point having amazing technology if it isn’t an accessible solution for all users. Sometimes you need to think creatively and design the system around the users,” adds Jess.

The data collected through ‘MDFM Log-it’ provides valuable insights into the facility’s overall health. Facility managers can use this information to make informed decisions regarding maintenance schedules, resource allocation, and long-term infrastructure planning.

There are many technological advancements in the maintenance space and needless to say, the choice can be overwhelming. Although not a software provider, MDFM has used many different platforms, which allows them to provide accurate independent advice and help with your decision. 

For more information please visit www.mdfm.com.au