CareLinx is Acquired by Sharecare
Sharecare, a digital health company, announced its acquisition of CareLinx, a platform connecting families with caregivers, on August 11, 2021. This acquisition integrated CareLinx's network into Sharecare's platform. Sharecare aimed to enhance its home healthcare presence.
Why the Acquisition Happened
The acquisition was driven by the demand for home-based care. For CareLinx, joining Sharecare offered access to Sharecare's client base. The merger sought to create a streamlined experience.
Impact on CareLinx Services and Users
Following the acquisition, CareLinx services were integrated into the Sharecare ecosystem. Users can still find and manage caregivers, with services now linked to Sharecare's digital health tools.
The platform continues to offer access to various services, including non-medical and personal care. Technology features such as real-time care coordination and scheduling are still available. The acquisition also strengthened CareLinx's partnerships, including for AARP members.
How CareLinx Fits into the Broader Sharecare Platform
CareLinx now functions as Sharecare's in-home care division. This integration enables Sharecare to identify individuals who could benefit from in-home care and connect them with CareLinx's network. The combined platform aims to improve care coordination. The integrated services support various health needs.
A Comparison of the Platforms
Understanding the changes involves comparing the services before and after the acquisition.
| Feature | Pre-Acquisition CareLinx | Post-Acquisition CareLinx (by Sharecare) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | A direct-to-consumer marketplace for finding and hiring caregivers. | An integrated component of a broader digital health platform, offered to employers, health plans, and individuals. |
| Technology | An online and mobile platform for managing caregiver search, scheduling, and payment. | Integrated into Sharecare's data-driven virtual health platform for better coordination and analytics. |
| Target Audience | Primarily families and individuals seeking affordable home care. | Expands to include health plans, large employers, and government programs like Medicare Advantage. |
| Services Offered | Caregivers for non-medical and personal care needs. | Expanded to include more integrated clinical support, telehealth, and comprehensive care coordination within the Sharecare ecosystem. |
| Business Model | Caregivers set their own rates, with CareLinx charging a service fee. | Still uses the marketplace model, but with greater emphasis on B2B partnerships with health plans and employers. |
Alternatives in the Senior Care Market
Individuals seeking alternatives to the integrated Sharecare/CareLinx model have several options. The home care market includes various services.
- Homethrive: A platform offering resources and human Care Guides for family caregivers, often through employers and health plans.
- Home Care Agencies: Traditional agencies handle caregiver hiring, vetting, and payroll, offering a comprehensive service, often at a higher cost.
- Other digital platforms: Services like Care.com connect families with caregivers, operating under different models.
- Optum Advisory Services: A competitor focused on healthcare strategy, less directly consumer-facing for caregiving.
For guidance on choosing senior care options, authoritative resources like the National Institute on Aging can be helpful. Check out the National Institute on Aging's resources.
The Future of CareLinx
Under Sharecare, CareLinx is evolving as part of a larger health platform. The goal is to use CareLinx to address care gaps. CareLinx's technology and network are expected to become more integrated within Sharecare's offerings.
