It's been a busy week for the staff at Burns Nursing & Rehab. While preparing for their 50th anniversary event, Burns employees were surprised Tuesday when Alabama Department of Public Health officials showed up for the facility's annual inspection.
Both events couldn't have been more successful. And Burns Administrator Mark DeArman credited his employees Friday for “working Dr. Burns hours” this week.
DeArman's reference was to his grandfather, Dr. John D. Burns, who along with his wife Ethel Beaty Burns, founded Burns Nursing Home in 1966.
“He started early each morning and didn't get home until nine each night,” DeArman said of his grandfather. “He ran a hospital and decided Russellville needed a long-term care facility so he started one.”
The Friday morning 50th anniversary celebration saw a host of local elected officials and members of the medical community in attendance. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) told the DeArman how much their family has impacted their community.
“I'm honored to be here today for this special occasion. This business has a personal commitment to this community and you can sense that from talking with your residents and their families,” Aderholt said.
Russellville Mayor David Grissom, Franklin County Probate Judge Barry Moore and Commissioners Chris Wallace, Jason Miller and Rayburn Massey were also in attendance.
“Thank you and the DeArman family for your hard work and dedication not only to your residents and their families but to the City of Russellville and the State of Alabama,” Grissom said.
From Dr. Burns to Martha DeArman to her sons Mark and Cam (Burns' Assistant Adminstrator), Burns Nursing & Rehab is now in the day-to-day hands of the family's third generation.
“I wish my grandparents could see what they started 50 years ago has grown to be,” Mark DeArman said. “We love what we do here at Burns and we're proud of today's milestone.
“Our staff always goes above and beyond for our residents. This week we saw our annual state inspection along with preparing for today, so our staff has worked on 'Dr. Burns' hours' this week. I want all of you to know how much we appreciate your dedication and hard work,” DeArman added.
Burns has 57 beds, including a rehab wing with 10 private rooms. Each of the facility's beds are dual certified and may be used for rehab services if needed.
Belinda Johnson, former chief clinical officer at Russellville Hospital, joined Burns' staff in May as Rehab Director and the DeArman continues to make its rehab services a growing part of the family business.
Martha DeArman, whose 47-year career with Burns began in 1969 after her mother was diagnosed with cancer, said her father instilled in her a positive outlook on life, regardless of what each day brings, and that remains at the foundation of Burns' success.
“Every day something's going to come and try to kick you and you've got to be ready for it,” she said. “You've got to know how to deal with those things and make it a good day.
“Face your problems and don't let them get you down. And if you do that, it will turn out where life is still good,” DeArman said.
DeArman was presented a resolution from Grissom recognizing Burns Nursing & Rehab's 50 years of service and declaring Friday, August 26th, as Dr. John D. Burns Day in Russellville.
