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These college students moonlight as grandkids for hire. Seniors love it.
Key Excerpts from Article on Website of Washington Post
Posted: July 29th, 2018
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2018/06...
When Andrew Parkers grandfather began suffering from dementia three years ago, his grandmother had to start taking care of the house and caring for him. It was hard work, and one day, Parker got the idea to hire a college student to help out. His grandfather loved it. So did his grandmother. For a few hours, he said, She got to go do her own thing. It got Parker thinking. Theres so many seniors and so many college students out there. So in January, [he] launched a business called Papa, after his name for his grandfather. It connects students with seniors for light housekeeping or driving chores, but the companys real goal is in its slogan: Grandkids on-Demand. We are specifically a service that links two generations, Parker said. Our emphasis is this is a really fun day for a senior. Someone who might say, I dont want to bother my daughter or son but I want someone who can be with me for a day so I dont have to annoy my kids. To date, the company has around 250 members who pay a monthly fee of $15 to $30 to belong, and then pay $15 per hour for visits by students, or Papa Pals. Pals must be enrolled in a 4-year college, or be working on a masters degree, a social work degree, or a nursing or medical degree. They must have a four-door car and pass a background check. The biggest thing were focusing on is curing loneliness, Parker said. The ... nature of the relationship and the relative youth of the Pals can also make them easier to work with than more traditional aides.
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