For Charlotte Allen, life at Episcopal Church Home (ECH) isn’t about letting go—it’s about gaining a community that grows with her. And for her son, Howard Bynum, it’s about finally exhaling after years of navigating care options, support networks, and the emotional toll that comes with watching a loved one need more than you can give.
As Charlotte’s care needs grew, so did the pressure on her son, Howard, as her caregiver. They searched together, knowing she needed more than memory care—she needed a place that could support her now and in the future. Finding the right community—one that could provide both the dignity of independence and the security of specialized care—became essential. The search wasn’t easy. It took many months and nearly two dozen visits to different senior living communities before Howard found the right fit. But when they discovered Episcopal Church Home, something clicked.
“It was the best fit just for our overall needs,” Howard said. “The continuation of care really stood out. I appreciated that as time goes on, she could stay here and not have to move to another community.”
At Episcopal Church Home’s memory care neighborhood, memory care is more than just a service—it’s a commitment to providing residents with dignity, respect, and a vibrant community where they can truly thrive. Charlotte and Howard have found peace of mind knowing she has a secure, engaging home where all of her needs, now and in the future, are met.
That’s the beauty of having everything under one roof—support, independence, and peace of mind. At ECH, Charlotte has it all. And just as important, so does her son.
For Howard, first impressions matter. As he recalls his first visit to Episcopal Church Home, “It was warm and welcoming and had a lot of things to take advantage of.” That warmth and flexibility have remained a hallmark of Charlotte’s experience since day one.
From socializing with friends over lunch to playing cards and even games like indoor ball toss now and then, Charlotte has carved out a routine she enjoys. She appreciates simple pleasures such as Southern gospel music, country tunes, and, her favorite, ice cream. “You can never get too much of it,” Charlotte joked. These small touches—the staff knowing how Charlotte likes her ice cream or which caregivers she connects with best—are what transform ECH from a place to live into a true home.
One of the main reasons Howard chose Episcopal Church Home was the peace of mind that came with knowing Charlotte could remain in the same community even when her needs changed. Other places offered only assisted living services, but if she needed more, they’d have to start over and move to another community. At Episcopal Church Home, they found it all.
“It’s comforting and reassuring,” he shared. “Even if I was working or couldn’t be around, it’s a relief knowing her needs are still being met.”
This continuity of care is more than just convenient—it’s life-changing. Howard remembers the days of juggling caregivers, especially when traveling. “I might be out of town and suddenly hear, ‘Well, we’re not going to be there.’ Then I’d be scrambling.” Those days are gone. “Now I can relax,” he said. “Before, I worried. Now I sleep better at night.”
Having everything under one roof means Charlotte is supported in every phase of life—from independent living to more personalized care when she needs it. Howard noted how ECH staff, from nurses to versatile workers, are trained to recognize changes and adapt to residents’ needs. And because of that, Charlotte’s comfort—and dignity—remain central.
One unexpected benefit of Charlotte’s move has been the way it transformed her relationship with her son. “Now we can just visit and spend quality time,” Howard explained. “Before, I had to be the caregiver. Now I can just be her son.” That shift is priceless.
“Now we have more time together as mother and son—and I sleep better knowing that we found the place for today and tomorrow.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by many families who move a loved one into a full-service, care continuum community such as ECH. Once the daily tasks and worries are off their shoulders, they can focus on connection and making memories, rather than logistics and checklists.
“There are certain things I just can’t provide,” Howard said candidly. “At some point, you realize you can’t do it all. This was the best option for her needs and mine."
One of the most telling parts of Howard’s story is how often he mentioned the “little things.” Like the nurse who calls him when the supply of pens he provides his mom is running low, not because she had to, but because she knew it mattered. Or the caregiver who responded with grace and compassion after Charlotte needed a little extra help, and was later told, by Charlotte herself, “Thank you. I love you.”
“It’s those small moments that tell you this is a good place,” Howard said. He also reflected on how, after visiting 10 to 20 other facilities, the differences between them can start to blur. “They all have the basic same stuff,” he said. “But at the end of the day, you have to see how the staff relates to people. That’s what really sets a place apart.”
When asked whether she likes it at Episcopal Church Home, Charlotte stated, “Yes, I do. It’s very nice. I’ve been very pleased so far.”
As simple as that statement is, it says everything. Because for Charlotte, ECH feels like home. The staff and her neighbors—many of whom are now her friends—know her. Her routine is respected. Her son sleeps more soundly. And even when change comes, as it inevitably does in life, she won’t have to start over somewhere else.
When asked what he would tell someone beginning their search for a senior living community with specialized memory care and support, Howard didn’t hesitate. “Don’t wait. Go and look. Visit. See where you fit in best.” He emphasized the importance of not just listening to a sales pitch, but also observing the interactions between staff and residents, and evaluating whether the environment feels like home.
At Episcopal Church Home, Charlotte and Howard have found more than a solution—they’ve found a new chapter. One filled with joy, routine, dignity, support, and connection. A place where, no matter how life changes, the community will rise to meet it.
Because everything they need—peace of mind, loving care, and the comfort of familiarity—is all under one roof. It’s given Howard and Charlotte more time to simply enjoy being together as mother and son, without the weight of constant worry. For them, Episcopal Church Home truly is the place for today and tomorrow.