Papa
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Not a nurse.
Not a neighbor.
Something better.

Friendly, vetted companions to help with rides, errands, light housework, and good company—for you or someone you love. Starting at $30/hour and the first visit's on us.

Get matched
A Papa Pal and member together
Background-checked Screened & vetted First visit free
3M+
visits and counting
7,300
cities across the U.S.
4.8★
average visit rating
What a Pal can do

Whatever the day calls for, there's a Pal for it.

A Pal is a friendly, vetted helper from your area—not a nurse and not an aide, just a capable, trustworthy person who lends a hand with everyday things and good company. Here are a few of the ways they help.

Transportation
Rides to the doctor, the pharmacy, or just out to lunch—with good company along the way.
Light housework
Tidying up, laundry, the dishes, and a little light cooking—done together.
Companionship
A walk, a card game, or good conversation over coffee. Real company, not a clock.
Errands
Groceries, the post office, prescription pickups—checked off without the worry.
Getting organized
Sorting the mail, clearing a pile, getting back on top of things—no judgment.
And lots more.
Whatever you need a hand with, just ask—chances are we can help with that, too.
Meal prep Pet care Tech help Walks Bill sorting Watering plants Mail Card games Appointments Folding laundry A ride to church Just company Decluttering
How it works

Getting a Pal is simple.

No medical care, no contracts—just dependable, human help.

1
Tell us what you need
Answer a few quick questions—for yourself or someone you love. It's free and takes about two minutes.
2
We'll call and match you
A matching expert calls to understand what you're looking for, then pairs you with a background-checked Pal who fits. Want someone different? Just ask.
3
Your first visit
Meet your Pal, see how it feels, and go from there. Your first visit's on us.
Member stories

"I'm finally feeling like myself again."

Papa member Doris K., 56

Papa has kind of saved me. Now I have somebody to help me go to my appointments. I've got somebody to help me clean my house. I've got somebody to talk to… I'm finally feeling like myself again.

D
Doris K., 56
Wheelchair-bound member living in Tacoma, WA.

I was lost when I couldn't drive and get to the places I needed to go. It was a blessing to have Papa during this time. I don't think I ever missed an appointment.

A
Annie S., 82
Member living on her own in Laurel, MS

I am an old lady and not interested in meeting new people, but when Yvette comes by, she talks to me, and I enjoy it… No matter what I ask her to do, she does it.

M
Margaret, 103
Grandmother living in Pembroke Pines, FL
Papa member Sophia H., 72

Since I do not drive, she takes me where I need to go. She helps with my housework, we organize, and we garden together… I look forward to her visits every week.

S
Sophia H., 72
Retired teacher living in Miami, FL
Papa member Rafael G., 79

My Papa Pals come and they talk to me, and it's wonderful. It's really nice to be able to chat with them. Really really nice.

R
Rafael G., 79
Member living on his own in St. Petersburg, FL

I'll be feeling down, and Andreana will call, and it just picks me up… I trust her. She's like my best friend.

K
Kenneth G., 71
Member living on his own in Jacksonville, FL
Meet the Pals

Get to know the people who come to help.

Veterans, retirees, grad students, former teachers—and so many more. Real people from your area, each one screened and vetted before their first visit.

Papa Pal Carol
Carol
Papa Pal
4.9
Why I'm a Pal

It's really all about the companionship and taking time to listen... To me that's the most important part of the job.

Helps with
Light Housework Companionship Cooking
Papa Pal Ida
Ida
Papa Pal
4.9
Why I'm a Pal

I'd be taking care of my Grandmother if she was alive, so I'm going to take care of someone else's Grandmother... It only takes a moment to spread compassion, and Papa helps us spread it.

Helps with
Companionship Transportation Errands
Papa Pal Yvonne
Yvonne
Papa Pal
4.9
Why I'm a Pal

It helps that Dale gets a little rest from being Joan's primary caregiver and can get some time to himself. I know a lot of people who provide respite care, and they need that time away.

Helps with
Companionship Errands Light Housework
Papa Pal Jean
Jean
Papa Pal
5.0
Why I'm a Pal

I look forward to seeing them. They make me laugh. I make them laugh. They've certainly taken lonely days from me also. It works both ways for us.

Helps with
Light Housework Errands Transportation
Safety & vetting

Trust, before anyone knocks on your door.

Every Pal passes a comprehensive background check—including criminal, sex-offender registry, and motor-vehicle screening—before they're ever allowed to accept a visit, plus annual re-checks and continuous monitoring after that.

Whether it's your home or your parent's, inviting someone in is a big deal—we treat it that way.

Real people. Really vetted.
Comprehensive background checks
Every Pal clears a comprehensive background check before their very first visit.
Interviewed & screened
Every Pal is interviewed and agrees to our standards for safety, privacy, and respectful, dignified care.
Reviewed after every visit
Every visit is rated, and our team checks in regularly to keep standards high.
First visit
Free
After that
$30 /hr

No catch. Your first visit is $0.

No subscription. No commitment. Pay only for the time you use, whenever you need it. Our flexible scheduling means you book a visit and a Pal shows up—that's it.

A Papa Pal sharing a laugh with a member outdoors

Wondering if a Pal's right for you?

It's free to get started, and your first visit is on us. Tell us a little about yourself, and a real person from our team will help from there.

Ask us anything

What is Papa? +
Papa is a flexible way to get extra support at home. Our Papa Pals can help with everyday things like rides, errands, check-ins, and small tasks around the house — the kinds of things that can make it easier to stay independent and keep life moving. Papa has traditionally helped members through health plans and employers, and is now offering a self-pay option for families who want that same kind of support directly.
How much does this cost? +
All visits are billed at a rate of $30 per hour. We keep pricing simple and flexible so you can pay for what you need, instead of committing to more support than makes sense for you. Papa sends an invoice to your email, with 30 days to pay in full. If payment is not received within 30 days of the invoice date, your account will be frozen and you will not be able to schedule any further visits.
Do I have to commit to a lot of hours or visits? +
No, never. Papa is meant to be flexible. Visits start with a 1-hour minimum, and after that, time is billed by the minute. That means you can start small — even with a short check-in over coffee or one practical task at home — and only use Papa when it makes sense for you, never having to commit to more than what you need.
Is this really for me? I'm not sure I need that much help. +
You do not have to need a lot to benefit from a little. Papa is often a great fit for the stage in between full independence and formal assisted living — when a ride, a check-in, or an extra set of hands here and there would make life easier, or just more enjoyable. Many people start with something simple and take it from there.
What kinds of things can a Papa Pal help with? +
Papa Pals can help with everyday things that make life easier — like getting to an appointment, carrying in groceries, organizing mail, sorting through Medicare letters, taking out the trash, helping with a phone or TV, or making a quick trip to Lowe's. Some visits are practical, some are social, and many are a mix of both. If you're unsure if a Pal can help with something, just ask us or the Papa Pal you're matched with.
More questions?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
First visit's on us
No commitment, $30/hr after
Get matched