Vermonters Can Hire Help by the Hour Through New App
In the wake of the pandemic, Rustam Sengupta found himself grappling with a universal problem: burnt-out families struggling to provide adequate care for their elderly or disabled loved ones. This personal predicament sparked an idea that has now blossomed into a digital platform, Tuktu, designed to connect those in need with vetted local service providers.
Tuktu, an Inuit word meaning caribou, aims to act as a guiding force for those seeking support and companionship. The platform, launched in Vermont in February, offers a range of services, including rides to doctor's appointments, meal prep, house cleaning, and companionship, often for elderly parents or family members with disabilities. Services cost users $25 to $40 an hour, with Tuktu taking a 15 to 25 percent cut of the fee.
What sets Tuktu apart is its focus on the many needs that fall outside the traditional home-care model. Sengupta emphasizes that the platform is designed for one-hour companionship, a ride to an appointment, help with groceries, light household tasks, tech support, a weekly check-in, or assistance after surgery. This flexibility is particularly appealing to those seeking part-time work, as providers commit to between six and 16 hours of work a week.
The platform utilizes artificial intelligence to recommend services and match providers with clients. Providers, often college students and recent retirees, undergo interviews, background checks, and training to ensure quality. This meticulous process is a testament to Sengupta's commitment to community-powered platforms, as highlighted in a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General's report on loneliness and disconnection.
In Vermont, an aging population and community-minded ethos make it the 'perfect place' for Tuktu. With an estimated 23 percent of residents aged 65 or older and over a quarter living alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the need for such a service is evident. The AARP reports that one in four adult Vermonters provides unpaid care for family members, underscoring the demand for flexible and reliable support.
Melissa Merkel-Dallaryan, the Center on Rural Innovation's impact investing manager, shares this sentiment. She praises Tuktu's ease of use, allowing people to 'book on demand, like Uber,' making it ideal for Vermont's rural areas. The platform's diverse provider base, including college students, recent retirees, and service-oriented professionals, ensures a wide range of skills and availability.
Users and providers alike have shared positive experiences with Tuktu. Cheryl Hutchko from Toronto uses the service for her 95-year-old mother, finding comfort in the reliable care and companionship. Michael Ip, a social worker, appreciates the technology's ease of use and the reasonable prices, while Joyce Penner, a 70-year-old piano teacher, relishes the gratification of brightening someone's day.
In Vermont, Emery Guzyk, a UVM student, and Susan Wilson, a retired resident, have found flexible work through Tuktu. Gena Grover, a Shelburne resident, was impressed by Sengupta's friendliness and the platform's ease of use, recommending it to her community. Sengupta's personal involvement in providing occasional services adds a human touch to the digital platform.
Despite its digital platform, Tuktu's mission remains fundamentally low-tech. Sengupta's vision is to connect those in need with local service providers, fostering a sense of community and support. As Tuktu expands in Vermont, it has the potential to revolutionize the way families care for their loved ones, offering a flexible and reliable solution to a universal problem.
