Renovated assisted living center is back in business

• Karen Eitson (center) celebrated the grand reopening of her assisted living facility, the KAre Inn, on March 7, with family and friends. The facility had a ribbon cutting and an open house event Photo by Jason Chlapek/ Fairfield Recorder
• Renovated assisted living center is back in business
• The Kare Inn celebrated its grand reopening on March 7 with an open house that included a live DJ (left), food and activities. At right is one of the remodeled suites. Photos by Jason Chlapek/Fairfield Recorder
• The Kare Inn underwent renovation, which included a new back porch patio and living room. Photos by Jason Chlapek/Fairfield Recorder
• Renovated assisted living center is back in business
• Karen Eitson (right) celebrates the grand reopening of the Kare Inn on March 7. Photo by Jason Chlapek/Fairfield Recorder

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.”