By Jason Chlapek
editor@fairfield-recorder.com
Karen (Bayless) Eitson had a vision to open her own assisted living center.
A veteran of more than a quarter-century in the health care business, Eitson opened the Kare Inn four years ago. The facility temporarily closed for renovation and celebrated its reopening two weeks ago with a ribbon cutting and open house.
"(The Kare Inn) is a residential care inn and it's a great alternative to a nursing home," Eitson said. "I worked in health care for more than 25 years, and I knew this was something that was needed. I bought this place specifically for this purpose. I wanted a place where I could have assisted living and live on the property as well."
The Kare Inn was first open in January 2020, just two months before the COVID-19 epidemic spread. Nonetheless, the facility stayed in business.
The remodeled facility has three bedrooms, including one that's large enough for a married couple to share. The doorways are also wide enough to meet ADA requirements.
The facility is also staffed at all times. Eitson said that she plans to have a rotation of six caregivers once patients are enrolled.
"One caregiver for three people with 24/7 care is very good," she said.
Among the amenities are a back porch for fresh air or family gatherings. Eitson believes it provides the perfect family atmosphere for patients and family members to visit.
"We welcome hospice and home health to come in," Eitson said. "We also have a doctor who makes house calls. We manage meds and I'm onsite every day. We take people on dialysis and take them to Corsicana for treatment."