Imagine a world where seniors can confidently walk around, staying active and independent, without worrying about falls or accidents. As we age, it’s natural for our mobility to decrease, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up on being active. That’s where walkers come in, providing support and assistance for older adults to move around safely.
However, using walkers isn’t without its challenges. Falls can still happen, posing risks to seniors’ well-being. It’s for this reason that a North Dakota-based digital health tech startup called WalkWise has stepped in to create a healthier and safer world for seniors.
WalkWise has developed a smart mobility aid attachment, an IoT remote monitoring system specifically designed for those at the highest risk of falling: walker users. WalkWise’s ingenious solution empowers seniors to maintain their independence with ease and discretion.
The WalkWise smart walker attachment also goes above and beyond the traditional walkers. It not only tracks activity and fitness levels but also acts as a guardian angel, instantly alerting families and caregivers in case of emergencies. Moreover, it uses machine-learning algorithms in the cloud to screen for potential infections, keeping seniors even safer.
With monthly reports on walking activity, seniors can now take pride in their walker and the positive impact it has on their mobility and health. But that’s not all – WalkWise’s technology also empowers senior care organizations to better serve those with mobility impairments, enhancing the quality of care provided. With many health organizations already using WalkWise’s system, now the startup is aiming to commercialize its patented smart mobility aid attachments for seniors.
Today, WalkWise announced it has raised $1.2 million in funding, led by gener8tor, with support from Groove Capital, Big Stone Capital, 701 Angel Fund, and the North Dakota Development Fund to its sales team and expand its marketing operations.
WalkWise Founder & CEO Peter Chamberlain told TechStartups in an email that the company will use the capital infusion to fortify its supply chain and advance the technology behind its smart mobility aid attachments and analytics system. These developments will enable more healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding patient care, reducing high-cost episodes and preserving independence.
“When our customers started seeing 30%-40% reductions in fall rates and were telling us about how they used WalkWise data to detect infections and injuries among their patients, we knew we had an obligation to spread the word,” Chamberlain said.
The investment is a clear vote of confidence from investors who recognize the incredible potential of WalkWise to revolutionize the way we care for older adults. With this significant financial support, WalkWise is gearing up to make a lasting impact, accelerate its market presence, and drive growth to benefit seniors and their care providers.
What sets WalkWise apart is its cutting-edge patented IoT device that can easily attach to existing mobility aids like walkers, wheelchairs, and canes. This smart technology equips healthcare providers with real-time data on the well-being and risk profile of their patients who rely on mobility aids.
Through the power of advanced low-power connectivity, new cellular IoT technology, and sophisticated analytics, healthcare professionals gain crucial insights that enable timely interventions. By improving mobility aid compliance and preventing falls, WalkWise empowers seniors to live independently and enjoy a higher quality of life.
The impact of WalkWise is already being felt across the healthcare landscape, with its adoption by healthcare organizations in 15 states, including some of the industry’s biggest names. The benefits for both caregivers and seniors are evident, as this innovative solution is transforming the way we approach eldercare.
As WalkWise continues to evolve and innovate, we can look forward to even greater advancements in senior care and mobility support. It’s an exciting time for the industry, and WalkWise is at the forefront of this positive change, bringing enhanced well-being and peace of mind to countless seniors and their families.
“We are thrilled to have the support of these partners in advancing our vision of becoming the ‘standard of care’ for all senior-care organizations,” said Chamberlain. “Our customers have seen first-hand how the data can be used to save lives, improve care quality, and reduce healthcare spending, and now it’s our job to drive adoption of this solution.”
