‘Living my best life’: COA member Annette’s experience with Papa

For many people, being able to go to the grocery store is an easy weekly task that they take for granted. But for those who aren’t able to drive — like CareOregon Advantage (COA) member Annette — basic, everyday tasks like this can become a real struggle. Having access to COA benefits like the Papa program can be crucial to members’ well-being. “Papa has been a fabulous success in my life,” attested Annette.

COA brings Medicare and Medicaid coverage together, offering members like Annette unique extra benefits. One of those benefits is access to the Papa program, which provides in-home support services at no cost through a network of in-person helpers called “Papa Pals.” In addition to companionship and help at home, Papa Pals can also provide rides for needs like shopping, picking up medicine, or seeing family and friends.

“I've used Papa because sometimes I don't have energy and there are certain tasks like sweeping that cause my back to go into spasms. It's nice to know that I don't have to force myself to suffer in pain. I can schedule someone to come in and do those simple little things,” says Annette. “It actually improves my life because I don't have to endure increased pain. That's a real benefit.”

Annette’s health journey

Annette is a survivor, in the truest sense of the word. Over 25 years ago, she was diagnosed with advanced (F4) liver disease, and doctors predicted she had less than two years to live — but she’s still here, defying every expectation.

As a single parent, she credits her daughter for giving her the strength to keep going. “My daughter was my reason for persevering and seeking treatments to slow down and reverse the damage to my liver,” she said. By persistently seeking out and sticking to those treatments, her liver disease has now been downgraded to mild to moderate (F1-F2).

In more recent years, she has faced a series of additional health challenges, including being immunocompromised, chronic depression, fibromyalgia, multiple spinal and nerve conditions, and three separate COVID-19 infections. After Annette’s first bout with COVID in late 2019, the virus settled in her inner ear. In addition to hearing loss, the resulting inflammation permanently affected her depth perception, ultimately leading her to stop driving.

Along with these vision and hearing changes, her chronic pain and fatigue persisted. After she stopped driving in 2020, Annette relied on family and friends for transportation, though their schedules were often busy. “Being a resourceful person, I found occasional help,” she noted. “However, once I could utilize Papa, a door was opened which gave me back autonomy. I am exceedingly grateful.”

Despite her physical health and a limited budget, her mindset has also improved substantially. “At sixty-nine, I feel like I’m living my best life,” she added.

Starting to get out again

After more than three years of limited mobility and transportation options, Annette became a COA member in January 2023. A plan representative told her about Papa Pals, and she joined the program in June of the same year.

Annette has since utilized the service for a variety of needs, including grocery shopping in person again instead of relying on delivery. “It feels good to see my cupboards and freezer full,” she noted.

Right now, she’s also using Papa Pal rides for another important reason: “I have a dear friend who is battling cancer,” she said. “I will be able to go see her during this difficult time.”

Meeting her “Papa Pal,” Lana

Another bonus of the Papa program is that COA members can request visits with a specific Papa Pal once they’ve formed a connection. “I have the opportunity to spend my time with a Pal that I respect and enjoy,” Annette explained.

One Papa Pal that Annette has formed a bond with is Lana Aragon, who has been with the program since 2022 and has completed more than 1,400 visits. Before becoming a Papa Pal, Lana worked as an in-home caregiver for 25 years with a number of agencies. She is passionate about helping older adults, Veterans and people with disabilities stay healthy at home.

Why Lana became a Papa Pal

Lana was drawn to Papa as a way to support the communities she cares about, both inside and outside of their homes. “I enjoy getting out and about and spending time with my members,” she said. “They've become part of my daily routine. If I don’t have a Papa to drive or take somewhere, my day is not complete.”

“I love getting up every day, helping and doing this,” she added. “It brings me joy; it brings me happiness.”

Lana is also sensitive to the challenges that members may face with other transportation providers. “With other services, members can wait hours to get picked up from the grocery store,” she noted. “With Papa, they feel secure that someone will be there when they’re done shopping or after their doctor’s appointment. That they’ll be able to go home, take their nap and relax.”

Annette and Lana’s friendship

Regarding Annette, Lana has only good things to say. “She’s very artistic,” she said. “Every time we go somewhere, she talks, and that’s what I love. There are some members that don’t talk — that’s OK, too — but I like it when we talk. We talk about her family,” Lana explained. “She’s just an outgoing person, and I enjoy every minute I spend with her.”

As Lana noted, Annette uses crafting as a creative outlet in a life shaped by chronic pain and fatigue. Annette enjoys making sun catchers and beaded propagation vases, and she finds joy in the rose bushes and other flowers outside her home.

“Designing and creating items specific to the recipient is a gift that I rely on to bring positive energy into my life,” Annette said. “Placing my focus on creating beauty allows me not to be consumed with fear and worry.”

Annette enjoys Lana’s company just as much as Lana relishes hers. “A trip to the grocery store is something I anticipate with joy. Lana doesn't complain and has a good outlook on life, which comes through during our conversations,” Annette said. “She takes me where I want to go with a smile. It's nice to find someone upbeat to spend a few hours with.”

In addition to providing rides, Papa Pals can help COA members with household chores and offer technical assistance with computers, smartphones and more. But most of all, they offer friendship and emotional support.

“My life is definitely better because I can rely on the kindness and the help that I receive via Papa,” Annette added.

Thinking about a Medicare Advantage plan?

CareOregon Advantage members can get 60 hours a year of no-cost support services from Papa, among other benefits.

CareOregon Advantage pairs your Medicare and Medicaid benefits together, all provided by one local team. Learn about our plan and see if it’s right for you.