Don’t just assume you’re not covered. Not all policies are alike so check your coverage. In general, most commercial health insurers will only pay for hospice and some skilled home care services; however, some policies occasionally will cover non-skilled, personal home care services.

Originally intended as protection from a lengthy and expensive nursing home stay, many long-term care insurers have expanded their coverage to include personal care, companionship and other home care services. Policy benefits can vary greatly plan to plan, so be sure to check your coverage.

If your loved one has equity in their home, they may qualify for a reverse mortgage. A “reverse” mortgage allows you to turn your equity into cash and use it to pay for home care services.

If you require home care services because of a job-related injury, then you may be eligible to receive coverage through workers’ compensation.

Some veterans and their surviving spouses may be entitled to home care benefits through the Veterans Administration’s specially designated Aid and Attendance pension benefit. Veterans must meet certain eligibility criteria, including time in military service, thresholds for income and liquid assets, and non-service related medical conditions. For more information or to apply online, visit www.vba.va.gov/VBA.

There are many publicly-funded agencies and organizations that administer or support service programs to provide the supplemental assistance that elderly and disabled residents need to stay independent at home. Organizations such as your community senior center, local Council on Aging office, Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs), and local chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association, the National Easter Seal Society, and the American Cancer Society.