What is the difference between a bank home equity loan and a reverse mortgage?

With a home equity line of credit, or a traditional second mortgage, you must have sufficient income vs. debt ratio to qualify for the loan.  In addition, you are required to make monthly mortgage payments.  The reverse mortgage is unique in that is pays you, and is available regardless of your current income.  The amount you can borrow depends on your age, the current interest rate, and the appraised value of your home or FHA's mortgage limits for your area, whichever is less.  Generally, the more valuable your home is, the older you are, the lower the interest, the more you can borrow.  You don't make payments, because the loan is not due as long as the house is your principal residence.  Like all homeowners, you still are required to pay your real estate taxes and other conventional payments like utilities, but with an FHA-insured HUD Reverse Mortgage, you can't be foreclosed or forced to vacate your house just because you "missed a mortgage payment."

This greatly helps seniors stay in their home and age in place...the sound of a new generation. 

Any other great ideas on tips to help seniors stay in their homes longer?