The second Leslie Barras toured her Aster apartment in Meadow Active Lifestyle Community, she knew she had found her place. Moving to a senior living community wasn’t in her immediate plans, but her research in advance, helped prepare her for the unexpected.

Accustomed to moves and traveling, Leslie, and her husband, Kevin, had discussed their long-term plan for the future. Living in Florida at the time, the selection of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) was vast. The couple were also admirers of Masonic Homes Kentucky, the region’s only CCRC, having resided in the Clifton neighborhood in Louisville for 14 years. On one of their trips back to the Bluegrass State they toured the community.

“I’m a planner,” said Leslie. “I used the internet to research our options. I viewed the communities’ videos, studied their websites, read their newsletters, and combined this information with word of mouth and experience of friends.”

In August of 2024, before their annual trip to Kentucky, Kevin unexpectedly passed away. Faced with an uncertain future, Leslie turned to research to guide her through a difficult time. But when it came to actually making the move, she needed more than just information—she needed real support. That’s when Masonic’s Move Management Program stepped in, providing the help she needed to make the transition possible.

“I knew I didn’t want to own again,” said Leslie. “I wanted to travel and not worry about finding someone to tend to my place. I’ve always loved Meadow. It felt like a very New York-style boutique hotel which is totally my vibe, and moving to a community made perfect sense financially.”

When Sales Counselor Laura Fisk reached out, Leslie decided to keep her scheduled trip to Louisville. By the time she left, she had picked her apartment, signed the contract, and been introduced to Senior Move Manager Kristen Lacy, who would make the moving process even easier.

Masonic’s Move Management Program is a unique value-added service for new residents moving to the community and current residents moving to a different level of care. It offers the expertise and support of Kristen, who is certified by the National Association of Specialty & Senior Move Managers.

“Leslie is a planner who needed a map of her new home and how to manage her move,” said Kristen. “Our program is set up to give as much help or as little help as needed to those moving into our community or transitioning to a different level of care.”

Kristen’s services include assistance with downsizing and resources for disposal of unneeded items, design consultation including paint colors, counter tops, custom furniture and interior layout as well as scheduling and managing all move-in day activities.

For someone like Leslie, working with Kristen was like hitting the jackpot. “She provided me with the big picture, which I appreciated. I had a schedule, expectations and an understanding of who was doing what and when,” added Leslie.

While Leslie knew Kristen was just a text away if she had any questions, her decisive nature helped the moving process.

“Kristen is superb at her job, and provided me with the floor plan, which were helpful when packing to move. What’s great is knowing Kristen and the Sales team will provide as much help as you need. It wasn’t hard for me to get rid of at least 80% of my possessions,” said Leslie. “But for those who need assistance with downsizing, Kristen and the rest of the Sales team are there to offer support and guidance.”

Leslie completed her move on January 3, and has found the best of all worlds. “I think there is a stigma that senior living is for old people. I’m 68 years old, and absolutely made the right decision,” said Leslie. “It has freed me up to enjoy life more. I have more choices and can decide how I really want to spend my time.”

Familiar with the area, Leslie said it was like walking back into her own life when she lived in Louisville. And, she’s definitely spreading the word about her experience and the importance of thinking ahead.

“I hosted an open house and invited some friends to see my new apartment and the community,” said Leslie. “I look for opportunities at Meadow that might interest others I know, and it starts the conversation about the importance of planning for their future.”

Join Kristen for her Downsize, Declutter and Simplify seminar held monthly at 2 pm. Click the button below to reserve your spot.

June 17, 2025