Q. My father recently had a stroke and it looks like he'll either have to have a full-time nurse or go to a nursing home when he's released from the hospital. I don't think his Social Security will be enough to pay for the care. Is there a way to get financial help from the government to help him?

A. The answer depends on whether your father's income qualifies him for Medicaid — in Hawai'i it's called MedQuest — and whether he requires nursing home level care.

To start sorting this out, you can call the MedQuest information line at 586-5390 to find out how to apply for state subsidized health insurance.

"Here's a hint: People should not assume that just because they're middle class or they own a home that they definitely would not be eligible. They should call anyhow and check it out," said Patricia Johnson, administrator for the state Department of Human Resources Adult and Community Care Services Branch.

If it turns out your father is eligible, you should find out whether his doctor thinks he meets the criteria for nursing home level of care. Not everyone who suffers from a stroke would necessarily need 24-hour care, Johnson pointed out.

However, if he does need this level of care and also qualifies for MedQuest, the state offers alternatives to sending him to a nursing home or hiring someone to be with him at all times.

"Most people prefer to stay in their own homes if it's at all possible," Johnson said. "We have flexible programs."

One is the Nursing Home Without Walls program, which supplements the care a family is able to provide. "If a family member really wanted to care for a family member in their own home, we could support what the family could do with services," Johnson said.

Another program is called the Residential Alternatives Community Care Program, which is like a foster home for adults who have nursing home level needs. The adults live with a family and a social worker and registered nurse make sure all the necessary care is given.

If it turns out that your father doesn't need 24-hour assistance, another option could be an adult residential care home. These homes offer constant supervision, but without the medical component.

A list of care home vacancies and assisted living facilities is available on the Department of Health's Web site, www.hawaii.gov/health/elder-care/health-assurance/licensing/index.html.