Moving In to Move Forward: How One Resident Found Joy in the Journey

When Maria Consentino sits on her balcony, sipping wine and preparing duck for dinner, she knows she made the right move.

“I love it here,” said the former corporate executive. “I’m so happy I moved now, while I’m still healthy.”

Maria’s new life at Holly Creek Life Plan Community is filled with good food and friendly, new neighbors—but it didn’t happen by chance. It was the result of foresight, planning, and some expert existence.

For nearly a decade, Maria had envisioned this transition, waiting for the right moment. She carefully weighed her options before selecting Holly Creek Life Plan Community in Holly Creek. “I’m a traditionalist and a realist,” she explained. “I can’t live in a house by myself forever. Now, if I need something, there’s always someone to help.”

From the moment she arrived, the warm welcome confirmed her decision. “I’ve met more people in the last week than in the past year. They’ve all knocked on my door to say hi,” she said. “It’s small, friendly and warm—compact and not commercial. Everyone knows each other.”

A Seamless Moving Process

Having moved ten times before—including corporate-sponsored relocations with IBM—Maria knew what a smooth transition could look like. But this one, she says, was the best. “IBM paid and packed, but this was better,” she said.

Her move-in date—April 4—came after weeks of meticulous preparation with Missy Crew, Certified Senior Advisor and Broker Associate with The Steller Group. Their relationship began at a Holly Creek downsizing seminar. “Those meetings encouraged me to make the tough decisions,” Maria recalled.

Missy became more than a realtor. “She was the Quarterback,” said Maria. “She lined everything up and all I had to do was approve the times and plan.”

The process began well before moving day. “I chose only the things that were essential to my existence. Everything else was a luxury,” Maria said. A system of green, blue, and red tape helped her sort items into storage, her new bedroom, or for donation—streamlining the process for her movers, A Move Handled With Care.

But one thing she wasn’t willing to let go of? Her cactus collection.

Seventeen unique plants—some from as far as South America, some over 80 pounds—had to be moved with special care. “I didn’t set out to collect them,” Maria explained. “But when I saw how different they each were, how they grew, that excited me.”

Missy and her team organized “Operation Cacti Transport,” ensuring the plants were driven to Holly Creek a day early, safely delivered, and installed in the sunniest windows. “They take up all the window space,” Maria laughed. “I have a shelving system for the ‘smaller’ ones.”

Thriving in Community

Now that she’s settled into her third-floor one-bedroom, Maria is thriving. “I moved in to move up,” she said of her long-term plan to eventually transition into a two-bedroom apartment.

She’s also savoring the culinary perks of community living. “Last week I ordered grouper—my favorite fish—and it was cooked to perfection,” she said. “Even the pizza is really good!”

While Holly Creek offers lectures and activities, Maria balances participation with peace. “I’ve spent 30 years in corporate meetings, dinners and conferences. They have some good lectures here, and I’ll join some activities. But I also like the quiet.”

Life Plan Community Ensures Peace of Mind

A primary reason Maria chose Holly Creek is that it is a life plan community. Also known as ‘continuing care retirement communities,’ Holly Creek’s life plan contract guarantees Maria can transition to different levels of care, if and when she may need them, and she won’t have to move from the community. Holly Creek’s life care contract includes assisted living, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation and memory care. 

“By planning for my future care needs in advance and knowing I have access to a range of services and support within Holly Creek gives me great peace of mind,” added Maria. 

Maria’s advice to others considering a move to a retirement community? Plan ahead and lean on the experts. “When you have a plan and a schedule—even though things may change—it relieves the stress because there’s organization and a goal,” she said. “Without Missy and The Steller Group, this would have been an enormous task. I would have stayed put in my house, even though I wanted to come to Holly Creek. I love it here, and I’m so happy I made the move now.”