ABOVE: Mo works with Donny on the new ceiling track system in Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center’s new therapy room. Lakeview has recently partnered with Blue Stone Therapy, which will provide a variety of services. Photo by Marlyce Thompson.

FAIRMONT– Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center in Fairmont has recently brought in a new rehab therapy company. Blue Stone Therapy, based in Des Moines Iowa, offers physical, occupational and speech therapies.

Prior to Blue Stone coming in, Lakeview was using a national company for therapy services.

Bryon Nelsen, director of nursing at Lakeview, said he believes Blue Stone Therapy is more committed to the community and more accommodating.

“Both inpatient and outpatient is offered so community members have an opportunity to come to our facility for their rehab needs,” said Nelsen.

As part of Lakeview’s recent remodel and expansion project, a new therapy room was added which will be utilized for services. It features several special aspects including an overhead track system that counter balances weight to help with rehab goals. It also contains half a car so people can practice getting in and out of a vehicle.

“There’s also a bathroom and shower to practice those things. There’s a new step exercise bike, parallel bars and treatment tables,” Nelsen said of some other features in the room.

Blue Stone hires and employs staff, who will work on Lakeview’s campus and will be in the facility everyday.

“It’s a partnership. They’re our employees but they’re part of Lakeview’s team,” said Scott Nelson, business development specialist at Blue Stone.

He shared more about the company.

“We’re a midwest company and we really specialize in rural areas and small towns and are able to put a lot more effort and focus in communities like Lakeview. It’s a good fit for both sides from that standpoint.”

“The big thing for Lakeview is this has increased our opportunities. Blue Stone gives our community a physical therapist and a speech therapist. We really want to do more home care,” Nelsen said.

He said if someone has been discharged from one of Lakeview’s facilities, they can still come in and have their same therapy team. Nelsen also added that people in the larger community can come in for rehab therapy services.

“If you’re looking for a different non-hospital atmosphere, we can gladly provide those services to the community of Fairmont and greater Martin County,” Nelsen said.

Nelson said Blue Stone is excited to be part of the community.

“When we met the team at Lakeview, it’s pretty obvious they have something special going on. They really care about their residents and staff which is a big thing to us. It’s another chance to serve a rural area which we are passionate about,” Nelson said.