Facility managers play a crucial role in ensuring safety and quality of life within long-term care (LTC) settings. Alongside environmental service managers (ESMs), their job extends beyond building maintenance and incorporates data-driven approaches to meet immediate needs and plan for the future. The lesson from recent years is clear: data can be transformative—if used effectively.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the value of data. Facility managers were deemed essential services. They relied on accurate, real-time information to meet healthcare protocols and regulations, and protect residents and staff.

Balancing compliance, efficiency, and resident well-being is essential. Data offers the insights needed to maintain this balance. However, raw data without a clear strategy can be overwhelming. Tools like visual dashboards, predictive maintenance software, and IoT sensors are necessary for turning information into practical, actionable insights. With advanced analytics, facility managers can not only understand past and present conditions but also forecast future needs.

In LTC facilities, data collection isn’t without hurdles. Many homes use building automation systems that output data in complex formats, making interpretation challenging. Integrating data from disparate systems and achieving interoperability with healthcare databases can also be obstacles, requiring thoughtful planning and sometimes specialized tools. These challenges highlight the need for streamlined data systems that can pull information from multiple sources to support better decision-making.

Good data is critical, but actionable insights are what truly drive success in LTC. Accurate data helps facility managers/ESMs identify trends and tangible benefits, such as cost savings, improved safety, and forecast needs—whether related to building maintenance or staffing levels.

Data has the power to transform LTC operations, particularly in:

• Regulatory compliance: Meeting legislative requirements is paramount, and data helps track compliance, reducing risks and liabilities.
• Adherence to health and safety standards: Regular tracking and reviewing compliance-related data, facility managers/ESMs can proactively address health and safety issues, ensuring legislative requirements while enhancing the overall home environment.
• Predictive maintenance: Anticipating maintenance needs before they become problems helps extend equipment life and reduce disruptions.
• Resource optimization: Data allows for smarter decisions on energy use, staffing levels, and budgeting, ensuring quality service within financial constraints.
• Informed budgeting and financial planning: With clear financial insights, data supports effective planning, justification of investments, and identification of savings opportunities. By tracking the ROI of data initiatives, facilities/ESMs can demonstrate how these efforts contribute to the long-term financial health of their home.
• Resident-centred metrics: At the heart of LTC data usage is the commitment to resident care. Facility managers/ESMs can track metrics like air quality, room temperature, response times, and environmental comfort to directly impact residents’ day-to-day experiences.

Creating a data-driven decision-making culture involves training staff to see beyond the numbers—to understand how data can enhance resident care and management. Engaging everyone, from frontline staff to leadership, in the process of gathering, interpreting and using data ensures a collective commitment to informed decision-making.

The LTC industry is evolving, and so is the role of data. Emerging trends like telemedicine integration, enhanced IoT capabilities, and real-time data analytics are expected to further improve facility management. Staying ahead of these trends will help LTC spaces remain resilient and responsive.

Today, data remains vital for resilience, compliance and safety. Focusing on these metrics aligns data usage with the core mission of LTC. It’s not just about understanding what is happening; it’s about leveraging that understanding to make informed decisions that enhance care and operational efficiency in LTC homes.

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