WellAWARE Systems raises US$7.5 million

Another affirmative vote for telecare:  WellAWARE Systems of Charlottesville, VA announced an additional US$7.5 million in venture capital funding from Valhalla Partners and .406 Ventures.  This is in addition to their current investors, major non-profits The Evangelical Good Samaritan Society and Volunteers of America, which jointly represent 30,000 senior housing units and over 40 home healthcare agencies. WellAWARE's sensor-based system and behavioral monitoring reporting were developed from initial research at the University of Virginia. It uses a sensor array for motion through the home and specialized sensors for impact/fall, bed strip, doors (for wander) and humidity/temperature (unattended bath/shower and stove) to generate 24/7 alerts and reporting in a SaaS format, plus optional PERS integration (via AMAC).  The company in its release states that it is 'the leading developer of next-generation wellness monitoring solutions for senior care providers'.  This claim will not make GE Healthcare, which acquired its earlier-stage competitor QuietCare from Living Independently for an undisclosed sum last week, very happy.  Press release (Business Wire). WellAWARE website.

Update 11 December:  An interesting partnership for WellAWARE outside the usual 'senior care' area.  Opportunity Manor is a St. Cloud, MN-based non-profit that provides support for the disabled at 17 sites, and will use the system to enable increased independence in their residential settings.  Implementation is pending grant approval.  Release (website).