Upon realizing the need firsthand for local, personalized care for aging loved ones, Rustam Sengupta sought out to create a solution to target this need. With a fragmented care ecosystem and a growing number of older persons needing support, Sengupta took it upon himself to develop a platform called Tuktu to relieve stress from families living far away, and provide companionship and help at home to those who need it most.
Tuktu, which means “caribou” in the Inuktitut language of the Inuit people living in the arctic regions of Canada and represents the local culture and spiritual relationship with the land, is revolutionizing the concept of Aging in Place.
What began with a spreadsheet and eight volunteers has grown into an artificial intelligence (AI) -powered digital platform, matching over 3000 community members – “Tuktus” – to like-minded older persons looking for support, companionship, and care across British Columbia, Alberta, and now Ontario.
Through a thorough vetting process and intelligent AI technology, families can feel at ease knowing matches are safe, local, and compatible. With services ranging from companionship to mobility assistance, help at home, and specialized services (overnight care, dementia care, etc.), Tuktu ensures older persons have access to the care they need while living independently.
The essence of Tuktu lies in its innovative approach to matching care recipients with tailored services. Through intelligent matchmaking algorithms, Tuktu's platform considers various factors such as demographic details, language proficiency, and cultural nuances. This ensures users relate to caregivers who understand and respect their individual preferences and needs. The result? A personalized care experience that fosters a sense of choice, reliability, and trust.
In March 2024, Tuktu reached a major milestone: Launching in Ontario.
“At Tuktu Care, we believe in redefining the way families access essential care services," says Laurie Lathem, Vice President of Growth at Tuktu Care Inc. "Our platform is more than just a service – it's a commitment to providing choice, reliability, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of our users. We are bringing back the feeling of community support to Canada."
With remarkable success in Canada’s west coast, the Tutku team understands the need is widespread across the country, and the Ontario expansion is just the beginning.