The Inspiring Journey of Tuktu: Home Care Re-Imagined
Meet Komal, one of the members of the founding team at Tuktu, a platform that is re-imagining home care. With over 10 years of experience in business development and market growth in various industries, Komal has utilized her expertise to make a significant social impact. This post will delve into her journey, the genesis of Tuktu, and how it is reshaping the home care industry.
Tuktu has received an overwhelming response from Tuktu providers and in the last year, signups have reached 2,000+ people. They currently have 200+ active Tuktu helpers on the platform from B.C. and Alberta, with an Ontario launch coming this February!
The Genesis of Tuktu
After moving from India to Canada, she found herself the primary caregiver for her parents, a responsibility shared by many eldest children in families around the world. As the emotional and logistical stressors of caregiving piled up, Komal realized the urgent need for innovative solutions to assist in day-to-day caregiving tasks and enhance the lives of parents and caregivers alike.
Buoyed by her experience and commitment to social entrepreneurship, Komal joined the founding team at Tuktu, a business model that could effect behavioural changes, similar to how Uber and Airbnb have transformed their respective industries.
A Fresh Perspective and a Changing Role
Tuktu's team (at this stage), all new to the senior care industry, brought fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. Komal's initial role involved identifying potential service providers and understanding how they could meet the needs of care recipients. Through consumer discovery, she found that seniors were often seeking help akin to that provided by close family members or friends.
Komal reached out to various groups, including professionals, retirees, students, and homemakers, to explore the possibilities of onboarding and verifying them as providers. The goal was to create a sense of trust and ensure the necessary checks were in place, all while maintaining a balance between automation and human interaction.
Tuktu's provider network has grown rapidly, with over 250 sign-ups in the past year and an impressive 80% retention rate. Their secret sauce? A robust AI tool that effectively matches care recipients with suitable providers.
Pivoting Towards Family Caregivers
Initially, Tuktu's Minimum Viable Product (MVP) was designed primarily for seniors. However, the team soon realized the substantial need among family caregivers. Thanks to their agile design and engineering team, they were able to pivot quickly. Now, Tuktu is a global platform, with customers from all over the world booking services for their loved ones in Canada.
Innovation and Technology in Home Care
Tuktu is addressing three significant challenges in home care through innovative technology:
1. Provider Availability: The platform alleviates the stress and potential burnout of healthcare workers by eliminating extraneous tasks, thus increasing the availability of providers.
2. Cost Efficiency: By operating as a digital product, Tuktu improves efficiency and cuts overhead costs, shifting traditional high cost home care model to inclusive community powered model.
3. Transparency: The digital interface allows for greater involvement from both providers and recipients. It offers control over the details of service provision, increasing transparency and personalization.
Tuktu's platform also enables engagement with families and provides transparency for social workers, nurses, and other stakeholders regarding standard practices.
Next Steps
Tuktu's journey is a testament to the transformative power of technology and innovative thinking in addressing social issues. The platform's growth and success are a beacon of hope for both caregivers and those in need of care. As Tuktu continues to expand, it promises to bring about more changes in the home care industry, redefining the relationship between employers and employees in the sector. The future of home care is here, and it is being re-imagined by Tuktu.
