The time to start researching retirement communities is well before you need one. Whether you are planning ahead for yourself or helping aging parents, it's important to do your homework first. Thanks to the baby boomers, there is a growing variety of housing options for retiring seniors.

You need to know what your options are so you can choose the appropriate environment and level of medical care and community services you require. There are two major types of housing options communities for active, independent seniors and those that offer varying degrees of medical services and assistance with daily living.

INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE OPTIONS

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) This option offers the best of both worlds. CCRCs are designed to allow an independent lifestyle and a private home for active seniors with the option of multiple levels of care for future medical needs. CCRCs may require buy-in (may be refundable in part) or an advance annuity purchase followed by monthly payments covering amenities, services, and any required medical.

Age Restricted Communities These are normal neighborhoods except for a minimum age restriction, usually either 55 and over or 62 and over. As long as one resident meets the age requirement, some 55+ communities allow younger residents to live with them. However, in 62+ communities all residents must meet the age requirement. These types of communities typically offer such amenities as tennis, golf, swimming, spa services, exercise facilities and a variety of special interest groups and clubs.

Seniors Only Apartments Similar to the age restricted communities, apartments may be a more affordable option for some seniors. While there may not be a wide array of amenities, it still frees the residents from home maintenance chores. Building security is often more stringent than in average apartments, which allows for a greater sense of safety than living alone.

Modular Home Communities These may contain a mixture of full-time residents and part-time residents who are only there seasonally. The lots and the mobile home units may be either leased or owned.

Shared Housing This is equivalent to becoming a roommate and sharing someone else's home. There are non-profit organizations that offer screening and matching services based on individual needs.

ECHO Housing (Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity) Also called Granny Flats or Accessory Units, this type of housing arrangement allows seniors

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