myo

4000 families are using myo to stay

connected

yo offers its app free to care providers for the duration of the pandemic

“We are so proud to be offering our service for free to all UK care providers for as long as it takes for the crisis to stabilise...” myo

Thousands of families have been able to cope with the restrictions on visiting care homes a little better after OXFO portfolio venture myo offered its app free of charge to care providers throughout the UK. Unlike mainstream social media platforms or digital communication apps, myo was designed specifically for care homes. It bypasses the problems of residents not being able to use technology or forgetting day-to-day events by involving caregivers, who download the app to their own phones. They can then share pictures and videos of residents’ lives with their families and friends, and read out messages or show photographs that are posted on the platform in reply. Over 4000 families downloaded myo for the first time in the first weeks of lockdown, and engagement with existing customers increased tenfold. The company later worked in partnership with Caring Homes Group (CHG), one of the UK’s largest providers in elderly care, to make it more widely accessible. The Foundry connected myo to Oxford's AHSN, to Atea to explore expanding into Nordic countries, Houzen Holdings and others. myo is multi-lingual and is now used in over 120 institutions in three countries. myo raised a seed round of £1.5m, and Munich-based BonVenture Group has announced that it is investing a seven-figure amount. The impact has already been felt. Relatives' trust in the quality of care has increased by 70%, caregivers have saved 30% more time when using myo to communicate, and experience a 500% increase in positive communication with families; they receive 350% more appreciation, and residents see a 300% increase in contact with their families. Care homes experienced improved staff retention levels, an enhanced reputation and increased profitability. Richard Böckel, myo’s Cofounder and MD, who founded myo following working in a care home and seeing the need said: ‘With doors to care homes now closed to limit the further spread of Covid-19, myo’s communication platform is vital as perhaps never before. We are so proud to be offering our service for free to all UK care providers for as long as it takes for the crisis to stabilise and we stand with all those on the frontlines of health and social care at this time of unprecedented human challenge.’ myo now has 19 team members across the UK, Germany and Croatia. During the pandemic myo has won multiple awards including Laing Buisson's Innovate in Care, and Rising Star Award, and it was a Care Sector Supplier Award finalist.