To Susan Montanez, the thought of her mom, Barbara, leaving home and moving into an assisted living community was a scary prospect. She was concerned her mom would lose her freedom and independence.

But that all changed the moment she stepped foot in The Grove at Trelago.

"When I set up the tour and I walked in, I just felt such a warm and compassionate feeling immediately coming in," she said.

Susan was in awe at the brand new community in Maitland.

"When I looked around and toured the actual facility and a model room, I just knew this was the place for my mom. The attention to every detail, all of the activities. And the residents all were smiling, and you could see they really enjoyed living there," she said.

In September 2022, just four months into her mom's stay at The Grove at Trelago, Hurricane Ian approached Florida.

As the massive storm bore down on the state - with major effects expected in the Orlando area - Susan was concerned for her mom. But, those concerns quickly subsided.

"When I went that Wednesday to see her in the morning before the storm was coming over to us, we talked about it. We reviewed the fact they have a generator, food, everything else, and I said 'mom you're in a much better position here then staying with me especially if I lost power,'" Susan explained. "The residents were all very calm. There were a lot of staff. I felt very comfortable."

Susan praises the staff, especially the community's executive director.

"They did amazing with it. Gus [Astorga], the director, stayed there the entire time along with other staff members. I just knew she was in the best hands staying there."

While it's only been a few months since Barbara made a big move in her life, her daughter admits they made the right decision by choosing The Grove at Trelago.

"It's a wonderful environment. And I tell you I have had peace of mind as soon as my mom moved in. And I haven't had peace of mind in several years with her living by herself. It's just been a fantastic experience and I'm very grateful we have the option."

WATCH SUSAN'S FULL VIDEO HERE!