INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Seniors over 65 are one of the fastest growing age groups in the United States, but they are still an underserved market
They also provide company for seniors, many of whose own adult children or grandchildren are busy working or live far away
One day, however, Parker was unable to go on a grocery run
Since his workload was increasing, Parker posted on Facebook for a helper
A woman named Andrea responded and after his family interviewed her and did a background check, she began assisting his grandfather
regularly.The experience made Parker realize there was a gap in the market for seniors who, like his grandfather, were mostly independent
are studying nursing, social work or hospitality
Before they are matched with seniors, Papa Pals undergo a background check and a motor vehicle records check and inspection
The company also asks them to complete a personality test
Parker describes the ideal Papa Pal as not only interested in working with seniors for career experience, but also outgoing, empathetic and
services is transportation
Many seniors need more than a Uber
Papa Pals also help with technology, like teaching seniors how to set up Netflix or video chat with their grandkids
The service starts at $15 an hour and a premium membership option allows seniors to interview Papa Pals, pick a team of helpers and request
same-day appointments.Parker says Papa has plans to expand into at least five states next year
The startup also wants to build an ecosystem of senior services, so when customers start to need more intensive services like in-home care,
Parker says one of the things that will help it maintain an advantage against any future startup competitors is its backend, which enables
it to match seniors with available Papa Pals quickly, whether they use its app or phone number
Papa Pals see an in-app dashboard that lets them accept appointments, then provides them with requests made by seniors or their families
The system also manages traffic and logistics and algorithmically calculates compensation for Papa Pals (on average, Parker says they make
$20 to $30 per visit, which typically last about three hours).Papa is currently gearing up for the introduction of new Medicare Advantage
supplemental benefits that will cover some of the services it offers, like transportation to medical appointments
The ruling will go into effect next year and Papa has begun initial discussions with providers of Medicare Advantage, which has about 20
million beneficiaries.Papa is also expanding its business-to-business model by working with partners, including senior living facilities, to
