Planning for assisted living can be a challenging journey for families. It requires careful thought, consideration, and the understanding that the right community should offer more than just care—it should provide a place where older adults can truly thrive. When Wanda Nakdimen and her daughter, Suzanne Harrett, began searching for an assisted living community, their priorities were clear: they wanted a place where Wanda would feel valued, connected, and supported, no matter what the future held.
After an unexpected fall led to Wanda's hospitalization and a follow-up stay in a rehabilitation community, it became clear that she needed a place that could support her evolving needs. With only one daughter to help make the decision, Suzanne felt the weight of ensuring her mother found the best possible home. She chose Episcopal Church Home (ECH) and its assisted living household, Lyndon House. It was a decision that Wanda and Suzanne both describe as life-changing.
More Than Care: The Not-for-Profit Difference
For Suzanne, choosing ECH was about more than just finding a place that could provide care—it was about finding a true community where her mom would feel secure and supported.
“I wanted more than just care for my mom—I wanted an assisted living community where she and our family would feel valued and connected,” Suzanne shares. “Knowing that ECH reinvests back into its residents, rather than delivering profits to private owners or shareholders, gave me peace of mind. The thought of my mom ever running out of money and not knowing where she’d go—that would be terrifying. But here, we don’t have to worry about that because ECH will not ask my mom—or any resident—to leave if money runs out through no fault of their own. And for me and my mom, ECH’s not-for-profit difference made a big difference for us.”
When Wanda moved into her apartment at Lyndon House, she was immediately struck by how comfortable and welcoming the environment was. Thanks to Suzanne’s thoughtful planning, her new apartment already felt like home when she arrived. “Everything was just as I wanted it. The furniture I wanted brought in was already there, and my pictures were already hung on the walls. I immediately felt at home,” Wanda recalls.
Suzanne and her mother were also impressed by the hospitality. “From the start, they made my mom’s transition as smooth as possible,” she says. “The staff and residents were incredibly warm, and they made sure my mom felt at home from day one. That attention to detail and genuine care made a big impact.”
Wanda echoed that sentiment, adding, “I was glad to be greeted by so many friendly faces.”
More Than a Place to Live - A Place to Thrive
Since moving to Lyndon House, Wanda’s days have been filled with activities, friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose. She enjoys following a structured daily routine that keeps her engaged and active. “I wake up, get ready for the day, and have breakfast—then, I go for exercise. I usually have therapy in the afternoon and love playing bingo. Happy hour on Wednesdays is one of my favorites!” Wanda shares enthusiastically.
ECH’s commitment to enriching experiences doesn’t stop there. Wanda has also enjoyed educational programs from local museums, concerts, and social gatherings that keep residents engaged.
Suzanne has noticed a positive transformation in her mother. “She has gotten stronger since moving here, thanks to the therapy and the encouragement from the staff. They meet her where she is and work with her rather than assuming she needs more help than she actually does,” she explains. “The patience, care, and individualized approach have made such a difference.”
Related Blog: What is Assisted Living?
The Comfort of Not Having to Move to Another Community
One of the aspects that stood out to Suzanne was the level of thoughtfulness and long-term security Episcopal Church Home provided. “When looking for a place, I wanted to make sure my mom wouldn’t have to move to a new community again if her needs changed,” Suzanne explains. “Many places had eliminated skilled nursing, which meant they couldn’t guarantee long-term care. But at ECH, they offer a full continuum of care, ensuring residents can stay in the community they call home. Moving can be incredibly stressful, especially at this stage in life. The fact that my mom can transition seamlessly to additional care when needed means she can focus on living her life, not worrying about where she’ll have to go next. This was a huge relief for both of us.”
Wanda agrees. “I don’t have to worry about what happens if I need more help down the road. That kind of security is very reassuring.”
A Relationship Reclaimed
One of the biggest changes since Wanda’s move has been the shift in her relationship with Suzanne. Without the daily stress of managing a home, cooking, and dealing with house maintenance, Wanda has been able to focus on enjoying time with her daughter.
“I get to visit with my mom now, instead of constantly worrying about her care,” Suzanne shares. “We have more quality time together—whether it’s having lunch, going to happy hour, or attending church together.”
The welcoming atmosphere at ECH has also extended to Suzanne, who has developed friendships with other residents. “I didn’t expect to form connections with so many of my mom’s friends, but now I do. It’s been a wonderful surprise.”
Making the Right Choice - Before It's Urgent
Suzanne often tells others who are beginning their search for assisted living communities not to wait until a crisis forces a decision. “I didn’t have the luxury of time when I had to find a place for my mom,” she says. “I wish I had planned sooner. If you or a loved one are considering assisted living, don’t wait—start researching now.”
For families looking for a compassionate, welcoming community that offers more than just care, Episcopal Church Home is a shining example of what assisted living should be. As Wanda and Suzanne’s story illustrates, it’s not just about having a place to live—it’s about having a place to truly thrive.
If you or a loved one are considering assisted living, we encourage you to schedule your complimentary tour of Episcopal Church Home’s Lyndon House today by contacting our Director of Community Relations, Elizabeth Pace, at 502-736-8043 or epace@erslife.org.
Visit our webpage to learn more about how we create a home where residents and their families feel valued, connected, and secure.
