According to the June 2020 University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, 56 percent of older adults reported feeling isolated from others — up more than double from 27 percent in 2018. Many seniors rely on their caregiver for the companionship that helps them avoid these feelings of isolation. But as we know, caregivers can’t be with their loved ones all of the time.
Papa Pals is a program available through select Medicare Advantage plans that connects older adults with youthful partners to help with tasks such as running errands, light house chores, or even technology lessons. More importantly, they serve as a companion — really getting to know their “pals” and establishing meaningful relationships like the one you’ll hear Betty and Susan have formed in the below video.
Christopher Ciano, President of Aetna Medicare, a CVS Health company, has been essential to bringing these family on-demand services to select Medicare Advantage members and expanding the reach of these programs over time. Watch as he, Hilary Russo of Healthiest Community News, and Andrew Parker, Founder & CEO of Papa, connect with Aetna Medicare member Betty Schaeffer and Papa Pal Susan Wheeler to hear their story:
For more information visit: https://i.care.ly/aetna-medicare or call 844-588-0135 (TTY: 711), 7 days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM. A licensed agent will answer your call.