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The Benefits of Outsourcing Facilities Management Services in Aged Care

Outsourcing facilities management services in aged care is gaining traction as a strategic approach to improve operational efficiency while ensuring that elderly residents’ comfort and well-being remain paramount. By partnering with specialised service providers, aged care facilities can achieve higher standards of care, comply with regulations, and effectively manage costs.

The primary benefit of outsourcing facilities management in aged care is cost efficiency. It allows facilities to leverage expertise and resources that would be costly to develop in-house. This often includes specialised maintenance, housekeeping, and safety measures tailored to the unique needs of elderly care environments. Moreover, outsourcing can enhance compliance and risk management. Third-party service providers are well-versed in the stringent regulations governing aged care facilities, ensuring all practices meet legal standards and reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties. 

Outsourcing ensures consistency and reliability in service provision, contributing to a stable and safe living environment for residents. This consistency is crucial in fostering a sense of security and comfort for the elderly, who greatly benefit from a well-maintained and managed living space. Another critical factor is the ability to focus core resources on resident care. By entrusting experts such as Intaus Group, aged care staff can dedicate more time and attention to their primary responsibility: the health and well-being of the residents. This shift in focus not only improves the quality of life for residents but also boosts staff morale and productivity.

Here are some key benefits to outsourcing:

1. Expertise and Specialisation

Outsourcing allows aged care providers to leverage the expertise of specialists. The team at Intaus Group bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in maintaining and managing facilities. We ensure all aspects of the facility are kept at a high standard, including everything from routine maintenance to compliance with health and safety regulations.

 

2. Cost Efficiency

Outsourcing can lead to significant cost savings by reducing the need for in-house staff. Service providers often have economies of scale that allow them to offer services at a lower cost.

 

3. Compliance and Risk Management

Aged care facilities must adhere to strict regulatory standards. When you choose to outsource, much of your compliance is managed by experts who are up-to-date with the latest regulations. This can reduce the risk of non-compliance and the associated penalties. Service providers also have their own risk management procedures, reducing the potential for accidents and incidents.

 

4. Operational Efficiency

Outsourcing facilities management can streamline operations, allowing aged care providers to focus on their core mission of caring for residents. Intaus Group can offer rapid response times and efficient service delivery, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly.

 

5. Access to Advanced Technology

Many facilities management companies have access to advanced technology to assist in the managing and monitoring area of service. This includes real-time tracking of maintenance activities, predictive maintenance using data analytics, and automated reporting. These technologies can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your aged care facility.

 

6. Flexibility and Scalability

When you outsource, it gives you the flexibility to scale services up or down based on your needs. At Intaus Group we find this particularly helpful in the aged care sector as demands can fluctuate. We can quickly adapt to these changes, ensuring that your service remains consistent.

 

7. Improved Resident Satisfaction

A well-maintained facility directly impacts the quality of life for residents. By outsourcing to companies such as Intaus Group, aged care providers can ensure that the environment is safe, clean, and comfortable, leading to higher resident satisfaction and better overall care.

Compliance Monitoring

Aged care providers must adhere to a range of government regulations and standards. These have been designed to protect residents and ensure they receive high-quality care. In Australia, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) oversees compliance.

The ACQSC regularly monitors aged care providers to ensure they meet these standards. This includes routine inspections, audits, and assessments. If a provider fails to meet the required standards, the ACQSC can take regulatory action, such as issuing formal notices or sanctions.

The ACQSC uses a star rating system to provide transparency about the quality of care in aged care homes. These ratings are based on compliance performance and history, helping families make informed decisions when choosing a provider.

If you are looking to outsource the facilities management there are numerous benefits, cost efficiency, enhanced compliance, and an improved focus on resident care. By partnering with Intaus Group, your aged care facilities can create a safer, more comfortable environment for elderly residents, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life.

 

Mobile Access Control Systems: A Strata Maintenance Perspective

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, traditional lock-and-key access control methods are giving way to more convenient and efficient solutions. Mobile access control, powered by digital credentials on smartphones and wearable devices, is emerging as a game-changer for managing physical access to buildings and facilities. Intaus Group wanted to explore the benefits of mobile access control from a strata maintenance standpoint.

What Is Mobile Access Control?

Mobile access control allows authorised individuals to enter sites, buildings, or rooms using their smartphones instead of traditional keys, badges, or access cards. Here’s how it works:

  1. Digital Credentials: Users download a mobile app that acts as a “virtual key.” This app securely stores their access credentials.
  2. Bluetooth Connectivity: Mobile access control often relies on Bluetooth technology. When a user approaches a gate, door, or barrier, their smartphone communicates with a mobile-capable reader, granting access.
  3. Other Methods: Besides Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication (NFC) can also facilitate mobile access control within a specific distance.

Why Choose Mobile Access Control?

Convenience

  • User-Friendly: Residents and maintenance staff find mobile access more convenient than carrying physical cards. No more fumbling for keys or badges!
  • Efficient Entry: Swift entry and exit streamline daily operations, benefiting both residents and maintenance personnel.

Sustainability

  • Reduced Waste: Mobile access eliminates the need for plastic access cards, contributing to environmental sustainability.
  • Energy Savings: Smartphones consume less energy than traditional card readers, aligning with green initiatives.

Cost-Effectiveness

  • Lower Maintenance Costs: Fewer physical components mean reduced wear and tear, resulting in long-term cost savings.
  • No Lost Cards: Residents won’t misplace their virtual keys, reducing replacement costs.

Enhanced Security

  • Secure Encryption: Mobile credentials use robust encryption, making them harder to clone or compromise.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Strata managers can track access events in real time, enhancing security protocols.

Challenges and Considerations

While mobile access control offers numerous benefits, strata managers should consider the following:

Integration: Ensure seamless integration with existing systems and databases.

User Training: Educate residents and maintenance staff on using mobile access effectively.

Backup Plans: Have contingency plans for network outages or smartphone malfunctions.

 

Incentives for upgrading to mobile access solutions 

Upgrading to mobile access solutions offers users enhanced convenience and experience as the primary benefit. The advantages of shifting to mobile access include bolstered security, streamlined credential issuance and management, and cost-effectiveness.

Despite organisations showing interest in mobile access, the expenses associated with transitioning to these solutions and the challenges of adapting to a new system hinder some from making the upgrade.

Sustainable and environmentally responsible to merge old and new

Emphasis is placed on the importance of a new access control system’s ability to integrate with existing security platforms and accommodate future technologies. Sustainability is driving progress in access control, prompting organisations to enlist sustainability consultants for discussions on upgrading physical access control systems.

Mobile access control isn’t just about security; it’s a holistic solution that aligns with sustainability goals, reduces costs, and enhances convenience. Strata communities can embrace this technology to improve overall efficiency and resident satisfaction.

Intaus Group can assist you and your strata with the transition to mobile access control systems. If you are considering unlocking the future—one smartphone at a time, speak to our team today.