When the folks at Home Helpers receive a call about home care, one of the biggest concerns is, "How can we afford this?"

Most families, especially in our recent economy, think that they cannot afford to pay for assistance. So, Connie and her family at Home Helpers developed a list of questions that can act as a guide for families to find various resources:

First and foremost, Home Helpers will ask if either of the potential clients were service members in the military. Connie has a lot of experience with the Veterans Administration because every male in her family is a veteran, including her son who she currently employs. Veterans could qualify for a number of benefits, depending on when and where they served as well as disabilities that may have developed. Some examples are: Aid and Attendance Pension, Disability Compensation, Home Health Aide, Respite, Adult Day Care or Skilled Nursing Facility.

Second, they will ask if the potential clients have Long Term Care Insurance. Some insurance policies will cover all or a portion of the cost for home care. Families should check their policies and ask if there are any waiting periods or daily allowances.

Their third resource is the Area Agency on Aging where respite vouchers may be available to help pay for services like Home Helpers. It is available on a limited basis and inquiries should be made as early in the year as possible. For more information, call the Area Agency on Aging at (208) 667-3179.

The fourth option would be Medicaid. If the potential clients qualify, a Home and Community Based Waiver could be available.

The fifth resource could be through a Reverse Mortgage where families could use their homes equity toward home care services.

Finally, it is very common for other family members, grown children for example, to put their funds together and get the services that their parents may need.

For questions concerning home care, call Home Helpers at (208) 769-9560 or visit www.CoeurdAleneHomeCare.com.

Listen to "The Senior Moment" on KYMS 89.9FM at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 with Connie Clark, owner of Home Helpers and John Marcheso, CEO of Marcheso and Associates for information on "Our Economy And How It Affects Senior Citizens."