Who are Papa Pals?

Papa Pals are real people from your community who provide companion care and everyday support. They come from all kinds of backgrounds — including stay-at-home moms, veterans, community workers, and retired nurses and teachers — and choose this work because they want to make a meaningful difference while earning extra income. They apply to work with us directly, not through third-party agencies. What they all have in common is a desire to show up for older adults and families as a steady, trusted presence.

How does Papa ensure visits are safe and trustworthy?

We take trust and safety seriously from the very beginning. Before a Papa Pal is ever matched with a member, they go through screening that includes identity verification, background checks, motor vehicle record checks for driving-related visits, and additional review of their experience and fit. During visits, we use tools like in-app check-in and location-sharing features to help support accountability and visibility. After each visit, we ask for feedback so we can keep improving the experience and address any concerns quickly. Our goal is simple: make every visit feel dependable, comfortable, and worthy of your trust.

To learn more about all that we do to keep our members safe, please visit papa.com/papa-safety.

How am I matched with a Papa Pal?

We start by learning a little about what you need, where you are, and what kind of support would feel most comfortable. From there, we match you with a Papa Pal who fits your needs and schedule. The goal is not just to send someone — it is to make the visit feel like a good fit. If at any point you don’t think your Papa Pal is a good fit for you, you can request a new Pal when you schedule your next visit.

How is Papa different than home care, ride-share apps, task-based services, or other online care platforms?

Papa fills the gap between doing everything alone and paying for more support than you really need. Unlike traditional home care, getting started does not require long visits or a big weekly commitment. Unlike ride-share apps, Papa is not just curb-to-curb transportation. And unlike task-based marketplaces, Papa is not about sending a stranger into your home for a one-time job. We offer a more personal, end-to-end kind of support — someone who can help you out the door, carry in the groceries, get you to your appointment, and be a familiar face the next time you need an extra hand.

What happens on a visit?

A visit can be as simple as you want it to be. Your Papa Pal might help you carry out the trash, organize the mail, accompany you to an appointment, or sit down with you over coffee and get acquainted. There is no pressure to fill the time or have a long to-do list ready. The point is for the visit to feel comfortable, useful, and tailored to what would make life more enjoyable that day. After the visit, you rate the experience and let Papa know how it went.

Will I get the same person each time?

When you’re matched with a Papa Pal, you can request them again for all future visits. As long as they’re available at your requested time, they’ll be there! If they can’t make it and you need someone there, we can send a backup Pal in their place. Consistency matters, and many people feel more comfortable when they can build trust with the same familiar face over time. If at any point you’d like to be matched with a new Pal, we can do that, too.

How long are visits?

Unlike most home care companies, our visits start at 1 hour. After the first hour, time is prorated by the minute. This gives you the flexibility to start with something simple without feeling like you need to plan or overpay for a big block of time. You will never be forced to schedule a 4+ hour visit just to meet a policy minimum when you choose Papa.

How do I schedule visits?

You can schedule visits through our online portal on Papa.com after your intro call. We will also help you get set up and walk you through what to expect for your first visit during your intro call. If you’re ever confused, you can always ask your Papa Pal for help, too.

What does this mean for my family?

Papa can help with the little things before they become big things. We give families another set of eyes, ears, and hands — and help loved ones stay in the role they want to be in. They get to stay the son, daughter, spouse, or grandchild, instead of feeling like every visit has to turn into work.

How do I log in?

After you complete your intro call with someone from our team, you will have an account in our system and be able to log in through the online portal found at Papa.com using your phone number and date of birth. You’ll never have to remember a password!

I’m not in a crisis — why would I want this?

That is exactly when Papa can be most helpful. Papa is not just for emergencies or major life changes. It is often most useful in the everyday moments: when family cannot make it this week, when you need a ride somewhere important, when the kitchen table is covered in paperwork, or when one small household task is harder than it used to be.