Join Papa is an online platform in the US that pairs older people with university students who are paid to help them with their errands – or just provide some good company and friendship.
The students (or ‘Papa Pals’) – most of whom are studying nursing or social work – are carefully vetted and trained so they can provide high-quality care for their senior pal.
They’re also given a personality test to determine whether they have the right level of compassion and the character to assist an older person (an important point).
While many Papa Pals help out with basic chores like grocery shopping or cleaning the house, others are simply there to spend time with the older person.
The app now has more than 300 young students caring for seniors through the service in its home state of Florida and will expand to eight more states this year.
Maybe our grandkids will start stepping it up if there’s more competition around …
