It's always been part of the American Dream to own your own home. Many busy suburban streets are filled with residents mowing their lawns and shoveling snow-covered driveways. Everyone is busy maintaining their homes, painting the exteriors, replacing the appliances, fixing the leaks here and there. After a long day at work, you park your car in your own driveway, you see your children playing in their own yard, and it all feels worth it.

Times change. The kids are grown and moved away. Those once-shiny appliances keep breaking down and need to be replaced. And when you have to mow, your yard suddenly seems five times bigger. Maybe your health isn't what it used to be. Maybe you're not part of a couple anymore. Maybe driving is stressful. Or maybe your best friends and neighbors have moved away (or worse).

It's time for a change, but maybe you're too young for a nursing or retirement home. You like having your own space and cooking your own meals, and you certainly don't want to give up your sweet companion cat -- who is probably older than you in cat years, anyway. Your offspring are worried about your safety, your health and maybe your occasional forgetfulness. They may have suggested that you move in with them, but you want to be independent.

What are your options?

No matter your physical prowess or financial situation, there is a place for you. For the most independence, consider a full apartment, condo or home in a community setting geared toward your age and lifestyle. There are independent residences which provide you with your own space and often include nutritional community dining rooms, social activities, some housekeeping and nearby help when needed. Assisted-living residences allow a sense of independence while providing help with basic daily tasks such as personal grooming and medication management. Memory-care facilities are ideal for Alzheimer's and dementia patients; they provide supportive and trained staff to assist residents with their daily routines and monitor their medications.

Continuing care retirement communities include a variety of facilities, from independent living to fully assisted nursing care, all in one place. At a CCRC, residents can live out their lives without having to move -- no matter what changes there might be to their health or abilities. CCRCs are wonderful solutions for couples (some communities provide doubles as well as singles). As each person grows and their needs change, the couple can remain on the same grounds while receiving individualized care and services. CCRCs usually have different plan packages available.

Many newer independent-living senior apartment and condo complexes are being built with luxury features and services in mind -- some without the luxury cost. Be sure to ask about affordable and low-income senior housing. Low-income guidelines are based on the local average per capita income. If your income is just a little too high where you are, be sure to check out neighboring counties where the median income level might be higher. Senior apartments and condominiums without low-income restrictions may be available for rent or purchase. Floorplans may include full or compact kitchenettes, one to two bedrooms and amenities such as Jacuzzis, walk-in showers, large closets and patios.

If you are moving from a private home to a senior community, you will be giving up some of your privacy, as you will have close-by neighbors and share common areas. But you will also be giving up maintenance issues, isolation and lack of security.

Some important considerations before deciding on any community:

Read through the rules and/or by-laws. Ask about visiting hours and guests, including overnight guests. Are pets allowed? What utilities and amenities are included? Are all facilities handicapped-accessible? What activities and transportation are available? Who makes decisions about an individual's health and ability? What happens to a senior's investment upon death (does it go to the estate or the complex)?

Before you sign, ask for a trial visit of a week or so and have your lawyer look over any agreements.