Tracking the number of caregivers across the United States is a nearly impossible task.
The most recent survey suggests that over 34 million people have been live-in caregivers — unpaid — to an elderly parent or family member.
And that estimate was well before coronavirus upended how we think about long-term care facilities and elderly housing.
As COVID continues to blur the lines between work and life, even more people have found themselves as unpaid caregivers to loved ones in need. Often, these caregivers have no training or background in what it takes to keep a sick or elderly family member healthy and safe.
Carewell was created to address these gaps and provide essential products and tools for a growing number of caregivers. With its Amazon-like feel, customers can navigate the website to find trusted personal care, cleaning, and medical supplies commonly needed for home caregiving.
Founded by husband and wife team Bianca Padilla and Jonathan Magolnick, Carewell has grown to include common healthcare and household supplies needed for elderly people living under a caregiver.
The Charlotte-based company raised a $5 million seed round this week from e.ventures, NextView Ventures, and Primetime Partners, as caregiving becomes part of more people’s daily lives.
The funding round showcases the growing need for informal caregiver-specific services, which is upwards of a $470 billion industry.
“Carewell is poised to become a national brand and top-level leader in the home care market,” said e.ventures’ Mathias Schilling in a statement. “Through an empathetic approach and authentic customer engagement, they’ve formed a strong community and laid a solid foundation built on trust. We’re thrilled to support the Carewell team in expanding their impact and improving the everyday lives of an even greater number of caregivers.”
