Moving from your home can be a major lifestyle change, but one that many seniors and their families decide is for the best. While a single-family home can require a major investment of time and money to keep up, senior communities offer appealing convenience and safety features.

However, those looking for a new place can find themselves confronted with a bewildering choice of living arrangements. There are senior living communities, retirement homes, active aging communities and assisted living facilities, among others. Navigating these choices means understanding the terms and knowing which facilities are right for which seniors.