Author Archives: Papa Inc.

Papa Inc. Adds Reliance to Its Growing List of Medicare Advantage Plans to Provide ‘Family on Demand’ to Their HMO Population

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa Inc, the leading technology-enabled platform for companionship & assistance for older adults & families, today announced it has been selected by Reliance Medicare Advantage to provide services beginning January 1, 2021 to their Michigan HMO population in order to enhance their quality of life through the eradication of social isolation and loneliness.

Papa has created a new category of care through technology by turning a large supply of talent (students, stay-at-home parents and young professionals) into a new category of provider that Papa calls "Pals."

As a partner, Papa will provide Reliance HMO members a program that bridges the gap between generations and offers seniors a unique at-home experience that can enrich their lives and combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Papa "Pals" can provide help with:

* Companionship - Whether it is board games, great conversation, or just enjoying each other's company, Papa provides valuable interactions either virtually or in-person;

* Transportation - Whether it is door to door, or door through door, Papa provides transportation to medical appointments, volunteer or work engagements, the grocery store, or even a visit to the park for a change of scenery;

* Technology Assistance - Papa Pals can assist with technology such as cell phones, computers and tablets to make sure members are staying connected to family and friends;

* Light Chores - Changing seasons can bring opportunity for Papa Pals to assist with light chores around the home such as gardening, snow removal, food preparation

"Loneliness and social isolation have many negative effects on older adults, including issues associated with the lack of transportation, independence and technical savvy," said Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) explains that more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. Considering the Census Bureau data that there will be 78 million people 65 and older by year 2035 compared to 76.7 million under the age of 18, we have an immediate responsibility to provide solutions that will result in positive long-term effects like lowering medical costs and improving their quality of life for this beloved population."

"Reliance chose Papa for their unique task-driven companionship services and mission to support families throughout the aging journey," said Jacob Nysson, Reliance COO. "We look forward to working with Papa to further evaluate our ageing members' needs and providing services to address those needs."

About Reliance

As Michigan's only doctor owned Medicare Advantage plans, Reliance Medicare Advantage is proud to provide southeastern Michigan residents on Medicare with a different kind of healthcare plan. For more information, visit: https://www.reliancemedicareadvantage.org/.

About Papa Inc

Papa is a platform of curated companions that provide support and assistance to older adults and families nationwide. Papa was founded in 2017 in Miami, FL. For more information, visit: https://www.joinpapa.com/.

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Papa Inc, the leading technology-enabled platform for companionship & assistance for older adults & families, today announced it has been selected by Reliance Medicare Advantage to provide services beginning January 1, 2021 to their Michigan HMO population in order to enhance their quality of life through the eradication of social isolation and loneliness.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Lotsa Helping Hands and Papa Partner as Senior and Patient In-Home Care Faces New Challenges During COVID

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa and Lotsa Helping Hands, two companies dedicated to providing seniors and patients living at home with support and caregiving assistance, are ensuring that these individuals continue to have the support they need amidst the pandemic's impact on the ability of working caregivers to stay at home.

A recent study from CMS shows that 1/3 of employees have left a position to care for a loved one as the duties of caregiving became too burdensome. This issue was recently highlighted by the New York Times and Washington Post as COVID-19 leads to increased demands on working caregivers.

"The level of effort it takes to care for a loved one with a medical condition or who is aging is tremendous. Caregivers go to heroic lengths, and the support of family, friends, and community that Lotsa facilitates is essential," says Matt McCabe, Managing Director of Lotsa Helping Hands. "But even that cannot cover all the needs. Compassionate third-party help is essential as well, and that is why we are thrilled about this partnership with Papa to support caregivers, patients, and seniors holistically."

Lotsa Helping Hands is a web and mobile application that allows caregivers to easily coordinate caregiving tasks and communication with other individuals providing support for their loved one. When supplemental support is needed for key tasks, caregivers can now lean on Papa's network to provide reliable, compassionate service.

Papa's program is fueled by students referred to as Papa Pals. They provide companionship, light house chores, transportation, and technology assistance. Through this partnership, the "Pals" are performing a number of tasks to support the needs of caregivers on the Lotsa Helping Hands platform. Tasks include ordering groceries and refilling prescriptions, cooking meals, helping members with non-essential and medical appointment transportation, and providing companionship as an extension of the Lotsa Helping Hands caregiving community.

During these uncertain times, Papa and Lotsa Helping Hands are uniting to ensure that seniors and patients continue to receive the caregiving support they need, even as COVID is pulling caregivers out of the home. Seniors and patients are particularly vulnerable to the impact of COVID from a health perspective but meeting social and emotional needs is equally important and a vital factor in physical health as well.

About Papa

Papa - Family On-Demand is a Miami startup that provides assistance and companionship to older adults and families throughout Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, California, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018.

For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About Lotsa Helping Hands

Lotsa Helping Hands is dedicated to helping family, friends and communities support individuals in need of assistance while living at home. Patients often have difficulty asking for help, whether through embarrassment or simple inability. Caregivers are overwhelmed and the traditional methods of organizing via phone calls, email or text is onerous. Volunteers--friends, family, and community groups--want to help but often do not know what is needed. Lotsa addresses this need through a tech-enabled care calendar that allows caregivers to easily coordinate caregiving responsibilities such as transportation, meal preparation, visitation, medication compliance, and home maintenance across family, friends, and healthcare professionals.

For more information, visit https://lotsahelpinghands.com

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Papa and Lotsa Helping Hands, two companies dedicated to providing seniors and patients living at home with support and caregiving assistance, are ensuring that these individuals continue to have the support they need amidst the pandemic's impact on the ability of working caregivers to stay at home.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

College Students Connect with Older Adults in Miami During Coronavirus Pandemic

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa Inc, a Miami-based company that brings college students and older adults together, is providing wellbeing checks for isolated members, in partnership with AvMed.

During the current coronavirus pandemic, state and city governments have ordered social distancing to protect its citizens - especially older adults who may be more susceptible to COVID-19.

The problem with social distancing is the loneliness that comes with it and older adults - the very group we strive to protect - are also the most vulnerable, sometimes needing help shopping, doing household work, and just having someone to talk to.

Papa Inc, a Miami-based company that brings college students and older adults together, is providing wellbeing checks for isolated members, in partnership with AvMed.

The students, referred to as Papa Pals, provide companionship, light house chores, transportation, and technology assistance. During the pandemic, the "Pals" are conducting wellbeing checks to enrolled AvMed members, as well as virtual companionship via the telephone. Tasks include ordering groceries and refilling prescriptions, organizing emergency phone numbers, helping seniors register with telehealth programs, and simply lending an ear.

As part of the AvMed and Papa pilot program, Medicare Advantage members were supplied with up to nine hours of Papa Pal services per month.

A recent AARP study found that there is a 26 percent increased risk of early death due to feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

"Loneliness and social isolation have many negative effects on older adults, including issues associated with the lack of transportation," said Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "The COVID 19 crisis compounds these effects and our Pals have become a critical resource for members."

Companies like Papa and AvMed make a difference in helping aging seniors by providing necessary options for them to stay nourished and healthy while maintaining their social distance.

About Papa

Papa - Family On-Demand is a Miami startup that provides assistance and companionship to older adults and families throughout Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, California, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018.

For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About AvMed

AvMed is one of Florida's oldest and largest not-for-profit health plans, providing Medicare Advantage coverage in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, Individual and Family coverage in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach, and coverage for Employer Groups in more than 30 counties

Papa Inc, a Miami-based company that brings college students and older adults together, is providing wellbeing checks for isolated members, in partnership with AvMed.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Papa Partners with FlexCare to Expand Services to Families

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa, a nationwide provider for older adults and families announced today its partnership with FlexCare, LLC to provide employer groups Papa's nationwide services. This partnership allows FlexCare's employer groups to benefit from Papa Pals' companionship, transportation, technology assistance, and light household chores. Papa and FlexCare will start their partnership immediately and continue to alleviate the loneliness epidemic among family members and provide respite to employees.

"Papa is excited to welcome FlexCare to the partnership family as we continue to uplift employees' family members with face-to-face or virtual companionship visits," said Founder and CEO Andrew Parker.

Currently 1 in 6 Americans working full-time or part-time report assisting with the care of an elderly or disabled family member, relative, or friend (*see note 1). In an AARP study, 69% of working caregivers caring for a family member or friend reported they had to rearrange their work schedule, decrease their hours, or take an unpaid leave in order to meet their caregiving responsibilities. In fact, most caregivers experience at least one change in their employment due to caregiving such as cutting back work hours, taking a leave of absence, receiving a warning about performance/attendance, among others (*see note 2).

With Papa and FlexCare working together, the partnership can help improve unmet needs for care and improve access to care for older adults and families. This will also reduce stress and increase well-being for family caregivers who work full-time positions.

FlexCare is excited to partner with Papa in providing caregiver/companionship services to the employer market. We view this as a tremendous opportunity to provide a valuable benefit to employers and their employees, said Principal Lee Shoemake.

According to a recent study from Harvard Business School, businesses are oblivious to the number of employees who are caring for family at home.

It may seem, on the surface, that this is something businesses can just ignore, but in reality, as unemployment is dropping, the number of family caregivers is rising. That's only going to grow more as the cost of health care rises and our population ages. Almost 44 million people are acting as unpaid caregivers in the United States alone.

More than 80% of the employees surveyed said their caregiving duties impacted their work, yet less than 25% of employers felt that caregiving impacted the work of the very same employees.

FlexCare is committed to fulfilling this important employee benefit which will not only assist with reducing absenteeism but also provide a value benefit to each employee and their family members.

About Papa

Papa is a Miami startup that has evolved to Family-OnDemand and provides assistance and companionship to older adults and families throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018. For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About FlexCare

FlexCare, LLC is a leading telehealth provider of online and on-demand healthcare delivery services to private and public employers, associations, brokers, school systems and more. By using telehealth services instead of more expensive urgent care and ER visits, FlexCare, LLC TeleHealth cuts unnecessary costs and keeps members smiling (instead of waiting).

In addition to telemedicine and the Papa Caregiver/Companionship program, FlexCare TeleHealth also provides Dermatology, Behavioral Health and Telespine benefits.

Using their proprietary online administrative system, FlexCare seamlessly provides multiple employee benefits either bundled or unbundled which makes for ease of administration for employers.

Website: http://www.flexcare.com/

Dashboard: https://www.myflexcare.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlexCarePlus

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexcare-telemedicine/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook: https://facebook.com/FlexCarePlus

Instagram: https://instagram.com/FlexCarePlus

Sources:
Note 1: https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-work-and-caregiving
Note 2: https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2015/caregiving-in-the-united-states-2015-report-revised.pdf

MULTIMEDIA:
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Papa, a nationwide provider for older adults and families announced today its partnership with FlexCare, LLC to provide employer groups Papa's nationwide services. This partnership allows FlexCare's employer groups to benefit from Papa Pals' companionship, transportation, technology assistance, and light household chores.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Papa Expands Its ‘Family-On Demand’ Services to Competitive Health, Inc.

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa, a nationwide provider for older adults and families announced today its partnership with Competitive Health, Inc. (CHI) to provide employer groups and associations across the country with companionship, transportation, technology assistance, and light household chores.

The benefit will go live March 2, 2020 nationwide. This partnership allows CHI's clients and members the peace of mind to stay focused at work, improve job satisfaction, positively impact employee health and wellbeing, and minimize absenteeism.

"We are excited to partner with Competitive Health and give families the support they need throughout the aging journey," said Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "There are over 40 million caregivers in the US today who also work full-time jobs and we want to give more employees the help they need for their loved ones."

A recent poll found that 56% of caregivers also work full-time jobs. The poll also found that 70% of working caregivers suffer work-related difficulties due to their dual roles.1

"At our company, we want to value caregiver employees and offer support from Papa to lower stress and improve morale at the workplace," said Kimberly Darling, President & CEO of Competitive Health, Inc. "Family comes first and we want our team to know that we fully appreciate and support their needs."

Employers are also affected by the demands of caregiving. Across the U.S absenteeism costs the U.S economy an estimated $25.2 billion in lost productivity. Also, reported in the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Survey, 24% of caregivers caring for a family member or close a relative impacts their work performance and keeps them from working more hours.

About Papa

Papa is a Miami startup that has evolved to Family-OnDemand provides assistance and companionship to senior citizens throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018.

For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About Competitive Health, Inc.

Competitive Health, Inc. is the preeminent supplier of digital health solutions. The firm's direct agreements with the nation's leading digital health solutions, telehealth companies, retail clinics, and PPO networks, position Competitive Health to provide unlimited access and unprecedented savings to clients and members. Competitive Health has saved hundreds of millions of dollars for employer groups, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, affinity groups and exchanges, since 1996.

Learn more at: https://competitivehealth.com/

*Sources: https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-work-and-caregiving

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Papa, a nationwide provider for older adults and families announced today its partnership with Competitive Health, Inc. (CHI) to provide employer groups and associations across the country with companionship, transportation, technology assistance, and light household chores.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Papa and Priority Health Announce Strategic Partnership Launch to Offer Senior Citizens More Freedom to Age in Place

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa Inc., a nationwide provider for seniors and caregivers announced today its newest partnership with Priority Health. Papa will provide "Grandkids On-Demand" for Priority Health's PriorityMedicare Edge(SM) and PriorityMedicare Ideal(SM) Medicare Advantage plan members. The launch went live January 1, 2020 and it will be the only insurance plan in Michigan to cover services for seniors such as transportation, technology services and companionship to qualified members.

This partnership will improve senior citizen's mental health and help reduce loneliness and social isolation to allow seniors to age in place.

"We are thrilled to partner with Priority Health and help support their Medicare Advantage PriorityMedicare Edge and PriorityMedicare Ideal members in Michigan for their needs as they age in place," said Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "The partnership is exciting for both organizations."

Aging in place is becoming more popular with senior citizens. A recent survey from AARP (*see note 1) showed that roughly 90% of American seniors wish to live at home for as long as possible. The downside to aging in place is the social isolation it brings. A recent poll from The National Poll on Health Aging (*see note 2) found that more than a quarter of its respondents said they only had social contact once a week, or less, with family members they don't live with, friends and neighbors. Papa's partnership with Priority Health will give seniors more care and companionship.

"We are excited to be the first health plan in Michigan to provide the unique services which Papa provides," said CEO of Priority Health Joan Budden. "Most people are not used to a health care plan that provides in-home assistance to this degree, which is creating excitement in our Medicare community."

About Papa

Papa is a Miami startup that has Grandkids On-Demand who provides assistance and companionship to senior citizens throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018. For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About Priority Health Plan

With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering a broad portfolio of health benefit options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than a million members each year, and offering a network that includes 97 percent of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Priority Health is the smart choice for people seeking affordable, quality health insurance.

Sources:
*NOTE 1: AARP1: https://states.aarp.org/virginia/home-matters-survey
*NOTE 2: Healthy Aging Poll2: http://www.healthyagingpoll.org

Papa Inc., a nationwide provider for seniors and caregivers announced today its newest partnership with Priority Health. Papa will provide "Grandkids On-Demand" for Priority Health's PriorityMedicare Edge and PriorityMedicare Ideal Medicare Advantage plan members.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Papa Announces Launch with Alignment Healthcare for Medicare Advantage Members

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa Inc., a leading provider for seniors and caregivers nationwide, announced today its partnership with Alignment Healthcare to provide "Grandkids On-Demand" for qualifying members of its Medicare Advantage plans. A soft launch kicked off in Los Angeles on Sept. 1, 2019, with expansion to additional membership on Jan. 1, 2020.

Papa will provide qualified Alignment members with assistance around the home, technology support and general companionship to reduce senior loneliness and social isolation, while improving overall mood.

"The impact of social determinants of health, which include loneliness and isolation, has a significantly negative effect on older adults," said Andrew Parker, Founder and CEO of Papa. "Our commitment to support these members by removing the obvious barriers associated with SDOH has a huge impact. We are proud to partner with Alignment Healthcare, a progressive partner that recognizes the importance of improving the lives of their members beyond medical care."

In partnering with Medicare Advantage plans, Papa empowers seniors with companionship, technology support and home help. Research from the National Institute on Aging shows that social isolation and loneliness are linked to higher risks for heart disease, cognitive decline and other chronic illnesses (*See Note 1). Papa Pals allows seniors to engage in meaningful and productive activities with a companion.

"At Alignment Healthcare, we believe caring for older adults, especially those with little support at home, needs to go beyond a physician's office," said Dawn Maroney, consumer president of Alignment Healthcare. "That's why we are excited to partner with Papa, which shares our mission to put the seniors we serve first and improve their overall health care experience."

About Papa

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Papa is the first and only companion health company that provides access to a curated network of motivated and vetted companions who are available for on demand, in-home assistance. With nationwide expansion under way, Papa Pals are currently available in Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018. For more information, visit http://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About Alignment Healthcare

Alignment Healthcare is redefining the business of health care by shifting the focus from payments to people. We've created a new model for health care delivery that cuts costs and improves lives by unraveling the inefficiencies of the current system to drive patients, providers and payers toward a common goal of wellness. Harnessing best practices from Medicare Advantage, our innovative data-management technology allows us to commit to caring for seniors and those who need it most: the chronically ill and frail.

With offices and care centers across the country, Alignment Healthcare provides partners and patients with customized care and service where they need it and when they need it, including clinical coordination, risk management and technology facilitation. Alignment Healthcare offers health plan options to California residents through Alignment Health Plan, and partners with select health plans in North Carolina to help deliver better benefits at lower costs. For more information, please visit http://www.alignmenthealthcare.com/.

*NOTE 1: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

Papa Inc., a leading provider for seniors and caregivers nationwide, announced today its partnership with Alignment Healthcare to provide "Grandkids On-Demand" for qualifying members of its Medicare Advantage plans. A soft launch kicked off in Los Angeles on Sept. 1, 2019, with expansion to additional membership on Jan. 1, 2020.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Papa Partners with Higi to Support Health Screenings and Ongoing Support for Senior Citizens via Accessible Healthcare Technology

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa Inc., a leading provider for seniors and caregivers nationwide announced today its newest partnership with Higi, a healthcare technology company that operates a nationwide network of Smart Health Stations. Papa Members can now visit Higi's 10,000 stations, publicly available at grocery, pharmacy, and other community locations with assistance in transportation and technology usage from a Papa Pal.

At Higi's stations, Papa Members can routinely check their vitals and screen for health status and preventive care needs, and better understand the impact their lifestyle choices and habits can have on their health. Papa Members who have mobility problems, can no longer drive, have limited transportation options, live in rural areas, or lack companionship will benefit from Papa and Higi's partnership. Furthermore, Papa's Medicare Advantage Clients will benefit from having more information on the issues and health needs of their members.

"Our partnership with Higi creates an innovative way for seniors to understand their health needs and gain access to support for their long-term wellbeing," said Papa's Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "We see a considerable potential partnering with Higi and providing preventive care options for seniors by incorporating Higi's vast, national network of retail-based Smart Stations."

Chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease account for seven out of ten deaths in the United States; these diseases are often preventable or manageable through early detection. Currently 45% of the U.S. population is living with at least one chronic disease, which can be crippling to someone's quality of life if left undiagnosed or untreated (*See Note 1).

"We believe that partnering with Papa will give older adults the opportunity to learn more about their health, and in doing so, more reasons to use the benefits provided by their health plans," said Higi CEO Jeff Bennett. "By including a Higi Station visit when Papa Pals bring their senior companions to the grocery store or pharmacy, we're adding to the long-term benefits of companionship and transportation offered by Papa by creating an opportunity to capture a broader picture health."

*Note 1: Sources: (PDF) https://www.fightchronicdisease.org/sites/default/files/docs/GrowingCrisisofChronicDiseaseintheUSfactsheet_81009.pdf

About Papa

Papa is a Miami startup that has Grandkids On-Demand who provide assistance and companionship to senior citizens throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018. For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About Higi

Higi is a consumer health engagement company making it easier for all people to measure, track and act on their health data through a free nationwide network of over 10,000 FDA-cleared self-screening Smart Health Stations located in pharmacy retailers and other community points of trust. Enhanced by over 80 different third-party integrations (i.e. apps, devices, monitors, EHRs and more), Higi's Smart Health Stations connect across the existing healthcare ecosystem, bridging station activity with digital tools to interact with consumers on the go and extend engagement, making it easier for consumers to remain active in their health.

Healthcare stakeholders use Higi as a new access point to better reach, connect with and activate targeted populations; collect biometric and other health determinant data to stratify and prioritize; motivate consumers to take specific actions at a point of care or within the expanding care ecosystem activated by Higi connectivity. To date, more than 58 million people have used a Higi station to conduct over 335 million biometric tests. For more information, visit us at https://higi.com/.

Papa Inc., a leading provider for seniors and caregivers nationwide announced today its newest partnership with Higi, a healthcare technology company that operates a nationwide network of Smart Health Stations. Papa Members can now visit Higi's 10,000 stations, publicly available at grocery, pharmacy, and other community locations with assistance in transportation and technology usage from a Papa Pal.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Florida Blue and Papa Partner to Address Social Isolation, Improve Health Outcomes

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Florida Blue, the leading health insurer in Florida, announced today that it is partnering with Papa, a nationwide provider of senior services, to offer Florida Blue members in select Medicare Advantage plans assistance with transportation, house chores, companionship and other senior support services.

Social isolation is a significant issue for aging adults and can have a major impact on overall health. Papa, which connects college students to seniors, removes some of the burden and stress on family caregivers and provides a level of assistance and companionship for older adults. The program bridges the gap between two generations and offers seniors a unique at-home experience that can enrich their lives and help combat feelings of loneliness.

"Driven by our mission to help people and communities achieve better health, we take a holistic approach to health by offering solutions to fit our members' needs and address social determinants of health like social isolation," said Kathy Feeny, president of Florida Blue Medicare. "There is no one-size-fits-all solution for seniors, which is why we 're working with companies like Papa that specialize in senior services and understand how to meet the unique needs of aging adults."

Starting Jan. 1, 2020, Florida Blue members in select Medicare Advantage plans, who have certain chronic conditions, can qualify for up to 120 hours of assistance a year (30 hours per quarter) by completing an annual wellness visit and a health risk assessment.

Once a member qualifies, Papa will provide a consultation to learn about the individual's needs and discuss ways in which a Papa Pal can help. Papa carefully selects their "grandkids on demand" or college students, many of whom have a specific health-related focus of study. The senior, or their family member, can request a Papa Pal on demand through a phone call, a mobile app or an online platform.

According to the 2017 National Population Projections by the U.S. Census Bureau1 there will be 78 million people 65 and older by year 2035 compared to 76.7 million under the age of 18. As the senior population continues to grow, the need for reliable companionship and transportation will, too.

"Expanding our reach and partnership with Florida Blue will give more support to members who need extra assistance," said Papa Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "Papa is a company that genuinely cares about all seniors and we believe everyone should be able to experience what a difference a Papa Pal brings to the home. We are much more than a service; we become family. That is what support looks like and what aging adults need when someone comes into their homes. We are happy to provide that service."

About Florida Blue
Florida Blue, Florida's Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, has been providing health insurance to residents of Florida for nearly 75 years. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, the company serves more than 5 million health care members across the state. In total, Florida Blue and its affiliated companies serve 16 million people in 29 states. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About Papa
Papa is a Miami startup that has Grandkids On-Demand who provide assistance and companionship to senior citizens throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018. For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Florida Blue, the leading health insurer in Florida, announced today that it is partnering with Papa, a nationwide provider of senior services, to offer Florida Blue members in select Medicare Advantage plans assistance with transportation, house chores, companionship and other senior support services.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Papa and Aetna Announce Collaboration in Florida for Medicare Advantage Members

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa Inc., a leading provider for seniors and Medicare Advantage Members announced today its collaboration with Aetna, a CVS Health company. Papa connects local college students, known as "Papa Pals," to older adults who need help with companionship, house chores and technology lessons. Certain Medicare Advantage members who live in Florida and have one or more chronic conditions will be eligible to receive assistance with Papa Pals starting January 1, 2020.

"Loneliness and social isolation have many negative effects on older adults, including issues associated with the lack of transportation," said Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "We are excited to work with Aetna in areas of Florida to help more seniors with companionship. We are happy to continue our journey combatting the loneliness epidemic with Aetna."

A recent AARP study found that there is a 26 percent increased risk of early death due to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. As health declines, it is more common for seniors to experience increased symptoms. AARP also found that 46 percent of women ages 75 or older live alone (*see note 1). Another study by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) found that loneliness is more dangerous than obesity and is as hurtful to the body as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (*see note 2).

Companies like Papa and Aetna make a difference in helping aging seniors by providing necessary options for them to stay a part of a community and alleviate social isolation and loneliness.

"Social isolation is a crisis, especially among seniors," noted Dr. Robert Mirsky, Chief Medical Officer for Aetna Medicare. "We want to make sure they remain connected to their communities and have a sense of purpose and belonging in their lives, and a sense they are continuing to contribute to society. Papa Pals are a great way to help seniors do this."

Sources:
*NOTE 1: https://connect2affect.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/AARP-740C-Loneliness-Report-v3-with-LOGO-TAG.pdf
*NOTE 2: https://www.hrsa.gov/enews/past-issues/2019/january-17/loneliness-epidemic

About Papa

Papa is a Miami startup that has Grandkids On-Demand who provide assistance and companionship to senior citizens throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018.

For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About Aetna

Aetna, a CVS Health company, serves an estimated 38 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental and behavioral health plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers' compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services. Aetna's customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, visit https://www.aetna.com/ and explore how Aetna is helping to build a healthier world. @AetnaNews

Aetna Medicare is a HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our SNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1105s2p-papa-logo-300dpi.jpg

Papa Inc., a leading provider for seniors and Medicare Advantage Members announced today its collaboration with Aetna, a CVS Health company. Papa connects local college students, known as "Papa Pals," to older adults who need help with companionship, house chores and technology lessons.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Papa and HomeThrive Strategically Partner to Better Support Loved Ones Aging in Place

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa Inc., a nationwide provider of services for seniors and caregivers announced today its newest partnership with HomeThrive. The launch will begin November 11, 2019 in Illinois, Michigan and Florida where Papa Pals will work with HomeThrive and their clients to provide Papa's companionship and in-home support services to improve the health of loved ones currently aging in place and living independently.

With over 34 million people serving as unpaid caregivers to adults over the age of 50, demand has steadily increased for solutions that both enable loved ones to live independently at home and make it easier for family caregivers to support them. HomeThrive and Papa are combining efforts to offer a comprehensive care service, provided as an employer or payor benefit, that integrates Papa's innovative "grandkids on-demand" capabilities with the expert coaching and personal assistance services delivered by HomeThrive CareGuides, who are master's level- social workers assigned support to the entire family.

A recent study in 2018 from the Home and Community Preferences survey shows that almost 80% of adults age 50 and older want to remain in their communities and/or homes as they age (*see Note 1). People who prefer to age at home want to stay around their friends and community. If someone has a strong commitment to their environment, they have stronger reasons to want to live at home.

"Older adults want to age in place. We are excited to partner with HomeThrive to support them and their clients and help loved ones thrive at home," said Papa Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "Our Papa Pals provide amazing companionship and support members with transportation to improve their lives. We look forward to expanding our services with HomeThrive."

Aging adults also want to stay in their homes because they want to maintain their independence. Papa Pals are able to help them live independently while helping them with everyday tasks in and out of their homes. Seniors have the capability to have assistance when and where they need it.

"We are thrilled to partner with Papa and support more aging adults in their homes," said Leland Brewster, VP of Product and Business Development at HomeThrive. "Families who aren't able to have a live-in caregiver can now have peace of mind knowing that vetted and qualified Papa Pals will be able to assist their loved ones and help them stay engaged and healthy at home."

About Papa

Papa is a Miami startup that has Grandkids On-Demand who provide assistance and companionship to senior citizens throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018. For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About HomeThrive

HomeThrive provides non-medical care management and personal assistance services to help aging loved ones thrive at home with dignity and purpose. HomeThrive matches each client and their family with one of its dedicated masters level social workers who begins by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of home safety, health, and well-being to inform a personalized care plan. The same social worker develops a trusted relationship with the senior and provides ongoing expert coaching to embrace healthy behaviors and identifies, recommends, and coordinates any necessary third party services to provide meals, transportation, home care, medication delivery or other essential offerings. To learn more, visit https://www.homethrive.com

(*Note 1: https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/community/info-2018/2018-home-community-preference.html )

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1105s2p-papa-logo-300dpi.jpg

Papa Inc., a nationwide provider of services for seniors and caregivers announced today its newest partnership with HomeThrive. The launch will begin November 11, 2019 in Illinois, Michigan and Florida where Papa Pals will work with HomeThrive and their clients to provide Papa's companionship and in-home support services.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Papa’s ‘Grandkids On-demand’ for Seniors Launches Nationwide Expansion in Six New States

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa, a leader in the Elder Tech industry announced they have expanded services to California, Illinois, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Papa is expanding beyond its current markets of 19 cities throughout Florida, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Papa Pals support older adults with transportation, household chores, technology, and companionship. The Papa Pals are like "Grandkids On-demand!"

Growing with popular demand, Papa's platform connects older adults with college students for companionship and assistance to aid the loneliness epidemic in aging adults.

"Loneliness has a huge negative impact on older adults' lives and it's a silent health epidemic people aren't speaking about," said Andrew Parker, founder and CEO of Papa. "The nucleus family is no longer together; people are busy and families are working. Older children want to give their parents and grandparents the support they need, so they send a Papa Pal. Our growth in new cities gives more people the chance to give their families the support they need."

According to a study by Brigham Young University (*note 1), loneliness shortens a person's life by 15 years, which is about the same impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The AARP Loneliness study (*note 2) estimates that 42.6 million adults age 45 and older are chronically lonely.

"Our Papa Pals help the older adult they are taking care of as well as the caregiver. People need a support system they can rely on. With our expansion in new cities, we will be able to give our service to more aging adults and caregivers." said COO Alfredo Vaasmonde.

Nilsa Torres, a caregiver who has taken care of her mother her entire adult life started using a Papa Pal every day for the past few months. She said, "Being a caregiver for so many years, I feel like I don't have a life. I don't have that additional help from family members. She [Papa Pal] has breathed new life into our lives. When I come back even if it's like three hours, four hours I'm a brand new person emotionally. It de-stresses me."

Papa is expanding at a healthy rate to keep up with the growing demand of seniors and elders who need extra assistance. The platform that developed in Miami has rapidly grown in a little over a year. By the end of 2019 Papa plans to open 20 new markets around the country.

Learn more: https://www.joinpapa.com/

About Papa:

Papa is a Miami startup that has Grandkids On-Demand who provide assistance and companionship to senior citizens throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

References - notes:
*note 1: https://theweek.com/articles/815518/epidemic-loneliness
*note 2: https://www.americannursetoday.com/loneliness-epidemic/

Papa, a leader in the Elder Tech industry announced they have expanded services to California, Illinois, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Papa is expanding beyond its current markets of 19 cities throughout Florida, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Papa Pals support older adults with transportation, household chores, technology, and companionship. The Papa Pals are like "Grandkids On-demand!"

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Papa Announces Appointment of Industry Veteran Chuck Hector to Executive Team

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa, Inc., the nation's first human companionship platform for seniors, today announced the appointment of healthcare benefit industry veteran Chuck Hector as Chief Growth Officer. Mr. Hector will play an instrumental role in leading the company's expansion of its "Grandkids On-Demand" service to address the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness in our nation's senior segment.

He will be responsible for Papa's product and revenue strategies, sales and client success, as well as strategic alliances to drive distribution to seniors.

"Papa has quickly become central to the conversation around the social determinants of health for seniors," explains Andrew Parker, Papa Founder and CEO. "Chuck brings 20 years of experience bringing new and innovative solutions to market, and will surely accelerate our growth and expansion, partake in the evolution of our vision and help establish new benchmarks for addressing senior isolation. He is a key addition to our executive leadership team," said Parker.

Before joining Papa, Inc., Mr. Hector was Chief Revenue Officer of MDLIVE, Inc., a telehealth industry leader, where he managed sales, implementation and client success for 8 years, guiding the membership growth to 35M members. He also spent 4 years with IncentOne, the online platform for incentive-based activity tracking, and 3 years with Chicago based ComPsych, the national leader in employee assistance and work-life benefits.

"I couldn't be more excited to join Papa at a stage when they are gaining national attention for their work," says Hector. "I know the subject of senior loneliness hits very close to home for me, and many of friends who have aging parents. Papa will go a long way to stem the tide of this epidemic and the associated expense to health plans and employers."

Hector graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Illinois and earned his MBA from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, with a concentration in healthcare administration. He will continue to reside in Deerfield, Ill. with his wife Kari, and their four children. He will assume his duties on March 4, 2019.

About Papa, Inc.:

Based in Miami Florida, Papa, Inc. is the first and only end to end companionship platform targeting seniors that allows the member to self-direct the experience, while gathering helpful information to improve the members interaction with their insurer. Through the "Grandkids On-Demand" product line, Medicare, Medicaid and Duals members receive access to college enrolled students for companionship, light house work and transportation. Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian is the notable seed investor and will guide the Y Combinator graduated company through Series A funding.

For more information, visit: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Papa, Inc., the nation's first human companionship platform for seniors, today announced the appointment of healthcare benefit industry veteran Chuck Hector as Chief Growth Officer. Mr. Hector will play an instrumental role in leading the company's expansion of its "Grandkids On-Demand" service to address the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness in our nation's senior segment.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Papa Continues to Expand Across Florida to Stop the Loneliness Epidemic

ORLANDO, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- As of August 2018, Papa expands to the Orlando and Jacksonville markets to assist seniors and elders with transportation, household chores, and technology. Papa's mission to cure loneliness for seniors is aligned with their goals to bring on energetic college students who aspire to bridge the generational gap and give companionship to senior citizens. There are no signs of stopping the growth as they are currently in 11 cities throughout Florida.

Because of their expansion to the Orlando and Jacksonville markets, Papa will be recruiting qualified candidates at University Central Florida, Rollins College, Full Sail University, Valencia College, Seminole State College, University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Edward Waters College, and Chamberlain College of Nursing in the upcoming weeks.

"I am excited to say that we are on track expanding Papa throughout the state of Florida by the end of year," says CEO and Founder Andrew Parker. "We have realized that loneliness in America is an epidemic not many people are talking about. As the life expectancy keeps increasing we are also finding more people with the feelings of isolation and desolation. Our Papa Pals are well-trained companions and we listen to our members' feedback to keep improving for them."

He adds, "Through our data we noticed that a first visit may last an hour or two, but recurring users of Papa show longer visits up to 10 hours. This shows us that we are on our way to curing senior's loneliness while two generations connect through board games, technology, daily errands or doctors' visits."

COO, Alfredo Vaasmonde says, "We are seeing great growth. As we notice more demand is needed in different markets we strategically get after it and make it happen. We are excited to help seniors in these areas and make a difference."

More than 40 percent of seniors experience loneliness on a regular basis, according to a recent University of California, San Francisco study and more than half of these respondents said they would like providers to connect them to people or activities in their community to help them stay healthy (*see note 1). In an AARP study it stated that loneliness is also linked to health issues and can lead to death (*see note 2). Papa has been listening to these studies and is taking action to prevent these issues and show seniors that no matter their age they can still participate in activities and feel accepted.

Cited Information:

Note 1: Perissinotto, C. M. (2012, July 23). Loneliness in Older PersonsA Predictor of Functional Decline and Death. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1188033
Note 2: Anderson, G. Oscar. Loneliness Among Older Adults: A National Survey of Adults 45+. Washington, DC: AARP Research, September 2010. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00064.001

About Papa:

Papa, Inc. is a Miami based startup that opened late 2017. Papa provides assistance to its senior members throughout South Florida, Sarasota, Tampa, Fort Myers, Naples, Jacksonville and Orlando. Papa plans to expand to 4 different states at the beginning of next year.

URL: https://www.joinpapa.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/
Download App: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/join-papa/id1105425605?mt=8
Instagram: @join_papa

As of August 2018, Papa Inc. expands to the Orlando and Jacksonville markets to assist seniors and elders with transportation, household chores, and technology. Papa's mission to cure loneliness for seniors is aligned with their goals to bring on energetic college students who aspire to bridge the generational gap and give companionship to senior citizens.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/

No Signs of Slowing Down: Papa Continues to Grow Throughout Florida

FORT MYERS, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- As of July 2018, Papa Inc. expands to the Fort Myers and Naples markets to assist seniors and elders with transportation, household chores, teaching technology, and companionship. Papa recruits college students, and bridges the generational gap of young adults and senior citizens through their platform. Currently Papa has 300 Papa Pals on board who have the freedom to choose their schedule.

In the upcoming weeks Papa will be searching for qualified candidates at Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Southwestern State College, Hodges University, Southwest Florida College, and Nova Southeastern University to join their team.

"We have found that Papa Pals that join our platform and go through our rigorous onboarding process are more productive and engaged. They have the power to choose their own hours and we have created an environment that lets our Papa Pals be independent," said Andrew Parker, founder and CEO of Papa.

According to a study by Bentley University (*see note 1), 77 percent of Millennials say that flexible work hours make the workplace more productive for people their age.

"Our Papa Pals go through different personality tests because we understand the importance of their role, and that's why we make sure they are a right fit. Our Papa Pals love it because they are learning hands-on experience and our members feel comfortable, safe, and heard," said COO Alfredo Vaamonde.

Because of its growing demand, Papa is now in 9 cities and plans to offer its services throughout Florida by the end of the year. The platform is growing rapidly and many active senior members benefit from this Miami start up. Seniors who do not have a car or family member that can assist their needs at any given moment request a Papa Pal, also known as a Grandkid On-Demand.

Senior members like Barbara who has been using Papa every day for the past few months said, "The most important thing is that I feel comfortable with the person and that I feel taken care of. I can talk to them [Papa Pals] and we are friends."

About Papa:

Papa Inc. is a Miami startup that opened late 2017 and has on-boarded over 300 Papa Pals to provide assistance and companionship to its senior members throughout South Florida, Sarasota, Tampa, Fort Myers, and Naples. Papa plans to expand to 8 different states at the beginning of next year.

Learn more at: https://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

Download App: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/join-papa/id1105425605?mt=8

Instagram: @join_papa

*NOTE 1: https://www.bentley.edu/newsroom/latest-headlines/mind-of-millennial

VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/SYADLWEp5s8

As of July 2018, Papa Inc. expands to the Fort Myers and Naples markets to assist seniors and elders with transportation, household chores, teaching technology, and companionship. Papa recruits college students, and bridges the generational gap of young adults and senior citizens through their platform. Currently Papa has 300 Papa Pals on board who have the freedom to choose their schedule.

Related link: https://www.joinpapa.com/