The
Purple Nest
Care
Model
Comparing Models of
Remain-at-Home Care
When an elder requires round-the-clock care and the wish is to keep the elder at home, various options are available based on the level of care needed and budget considerations. One option is for the elder to live with a family member or possibly a friend. Aside from this solution, there are basically two models for 24/7 care: either utilizing an agency or creating what we call, "The Purple Nest Home Care Model".
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In the agency directed model of care, elders who need full-time care usually have three different caregivers per 24-hour shift in order to avoid overtime. At the least two different people are needed; one for the daytime hours and one for the over-night hours. Often times the employees change due to scheduling challenges and high turn-over.
In contrast, the Purple Nest model focuses on maintaining the elder's life style through a home support team. The team consists of family members, three to four companions, a care manager (CM) and a daily money manager (DMM). The companions work for the elder and stay in the home for 24-hour shifts, usually two days at a time. This also avoids caregiver burn out.
This model uses three main companions plus at least one more person for back-up shifts. Therefore, the same people work with the elder on a regular basis, for longer periods of time. Their entire focus is on the elder and their well-being. This is a significant advantage for people with dementia!
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The Purple Nest Home Care Model yields a savings of around $240,000 per year as illustrated in the table below.
Care Model | Description of Care Provided | Description of Personnel | Average Cost Per Day | Average Cost Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Purple Nest Home Care Model | In the Purple Nest care model, the elder's care is overseen by the elder's family, a team of companions, a care manager, and a daily money manager. The family is provided with the tools they need to set up this private pay business. | The companions may include friends, semi-retired individuals, experienced caregivers, or even family members. Companions are paid per 24-hour shift once the care moves to 24/7. | Average pay per 24-hour shift $365 | $10,950 -
$11,315* |
Agency Home Care Model | In the Agency directed care model, the agency oversees the entire care process, necessitating up to three different caregivers per 24-hour shift for elders in order to prevent overtime, often leading to varying staff. | Companions can be certified or non-certified employees and are bonded and insured by the agency. | The average cost is $42 per hour, totaling $1008 per 24-hour shift. | $30,240 -
$31,248 |
* Companion wages only. CM and DMM costs vary depending on the professionals’ rates and total hours worked.
These roles can also be fulfilled by a friend or family member. All rates listed above are for Portland, Oregon effective 2024; rates vary by city and state.