While living alone can offer our aging population a sense of autonomy and freedom, it can also present unique challenges that can impact their health and well-being. Regular check-ins, community involvement, and leveraging technology are vital for our independent seniors still living at home.
Meet CareYaya, a new Ann Arbor caregiving service that’s not just another name in the directory but a game-changer in the industry. This health-tech startup connects seniors and their families to “joygivers” who are students from top-rated universities.
Co-founder and CEO, Neal Shah, started CareYaya after deeply personal experiences in family caregiving.
He helped manage care for his aging grandparents and later became the primary caregiver for his wife during her cancer battle. Frustrated with the existing in-home care system, Neal embarked on a mission to create equitable access to quality, affordable care for everyone.
CareYaya employs student caregivers from top universities like the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Harvard, Duke, and many others.
Roxy Garrity, Chief Communications Officer at CareYaya,adds, “All students on the platform are pre-health, heading towards medical school, PA school, nursing school, etc. They receive training at their accredited universities and also from open-source training videos from UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care support.”
Ensuring the safety and well-being of the elderly is paramount.
“Both students and families are vetted by our staff. Caregivers are background checked by a third party, and enrollment is verified with the universities CareYaya operates at,” Garrity said.
Garrity emphasizes the role CareYaya plays in student education.
“Our platform enables students to gain hands-on experience in providing care to individuals, many of whom are affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” Garrity said.
CareYaya also tracks the hours students spend on patient care, aiding them when applying to medical schools and other healthcare-related institutions.
Testimonials speak volumes
Lisa Levin, managing care for her elderly mother with dementia, praises the service, saying, “This idea is genius for families who do not need high-skilled nursing care but do need some companion care with additional basic support for a loved one. They have saved my sanity, my health, maybe even my life!”Â
Dr. Lisa L., MD, Neurology, who cares for her mother with dementia, also shares her appreciation, “My mom has been able to stay independent longer, and really looks forward to the students coming. I highly recommend CareYaya for anyone looking for dementia care in the home.”Â
Avery Schutz, a junior at the University of Michigan, finds caregiving a great way to learn bedside manner for her future medical career.
The impact
Did you know that one out of four older adults will fall each year in the United States? And falling once doubles their chances of falling again? This makes falls a significant public health concern.
CareYaya has successfully prevented 450 falls.Â
The service also addresses the emotional well-being of seniors, with a 50% increase in mood and mental health when receiving companionship. The students truly make a difference, with families often saying it feels like having their grandkids around.
With over 3000 lives impacted, CareYaya is shaping the future of care.
How CareYaya works
For those interested in availing CareYaya’s services, the process is simple. Introduce yourself by entering your contact information and describing the kind of help you’re seeking. Schedule your visits, choosing when and how often you’d like care. Once caregivers accept your request, you’ll be matched with the best fit for each session.
The services offered by the student caregivers range from companionship, technology assistance, housekeeping, grooming, meal preparations, to even pet care.
Furthermore, students seeking to work alongside healthcare experts to elevate home-based care, boost community health, and decrease hospital readmissions can get more information here.
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