Papa is a platform that connects health plans and employers with college students, known as Papa Pals, to provide in-home companion care and assistance for senior citizens. This service addresses social isolation and supports older adults in maintaining independence by offering personalized help with daily tasks, transportation, and companionship.
Funding
$301.4M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
+2Founders
Product
Problem
Older adults, underserved populations, and families often lack affordable, in‑home social support, leading to loneliness, higher healthcare utilization, and increased costs for health plans and employers.
Solution
Papa connects these individuals with vetted “Papa Pals” who provide companionship, assistance with daily tasks, transportation, and technology support directly in the home or by phone. The service is coordinated through a tech‑enabled platform that schedules visits, tracks activities, and reports unmet social needs back to health plans or employers. By delivering human connection alongside practical help, Papa improves mental and physical health, encourages preventive care, and reduces hospital admissions. Health plans and employers gain measurable outcomes and cost savings, while members experience greater independence and satisfaction.
Target Audience
Primary customers are health plans (Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Special Needs) and employer-sponsored benefit programs seeking to reduce costs and improve member well‑being.
Features
- Mobile app for Papa Pals offering visit guidance, safety protocols, and real‑time reporting of member needs
- Online member portal (no password required) for scheduling, managing visits, and accessing resources
- Integrated social care platform that surfaces social risk assessments and referrals to health plan resources
- Detailed dashboards and regular reports for health plan and employer clients showing utilization, outcomes, and cost impact
- Nationwide coverage across 10,000+ cities with a scalable network of part‑time caregivers
- Flexible service models for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Special Needs plans, and corporate wellness programs