Culture of Caring: How Blue Stone Therapy is Revolutionizing Contract Rehabilitation
When Doug founded Blue Stone Therapy, it wasn’t just to start a business; it was to solve a problem he had seen over and over again: cookie-cutter national providers, inconsistent care, unpredictable pricing, and a serious lack of true partnership in the contract therapy world. He knew there had to be a better way.
At the time, Doug and his team were working with therapy providers who just weren’t delivering. Residents weren’t receiving the care they deserved. Outcomes were lagging. And most importantly, there was no clear alignment between what the nursing homes needed and what therapy companies provided. That disconnect lit a fire in Doug to create something different. Blue Stone Therapy provides on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy services that not only deliver excellent care but also truly partner with the communities it serves.
“At first, the goal was to be able to deliver the kind of quality therapy services we were used to seeing, which was care that made residents happier, stronger, and more independent,” Doug said. “But as we grew, it became about much more than that. It became about being the partner that facilities could rely on, an entire team that enhanced the lives of residents, staff, and communities.”
Doug’s passion for care is deeply personal. He admires the residents he serves — the people who’ve built our neighborhoods, raised families, served our country, and led extraordinary lives. “They deserve respect. They deserve quality. And they deserve to be seen and heard,” Doug said. “It’s an honor to be part of that care and part of their stories.”
This human connection lies at the heart of Blue Stone’s mission. It's why Doug chose the name “Blue Stone” – a nod to the sapphire, a healing gem symbolizing strength and wellness. From the start, the goal was to build strength not just in the patients they serve, but in their employees, their partners, and the greater community.
.png?width=400&height=400&name=Untitled%20design%20(2).png "Doug Johnson, Blue Stone Therapy, Contract Rehab")
Over time, the company’s vision evolved alongside its impact. What began in skilled nursing has expanded to outpatient and independent living services, growing with the needs of the profession. And that growth has been intentionally driven by strategic hires, strong operations, and an unwavering focus on people and culture.
Doug knew early on: you can’t have great service without great people. “You can have the best strategy in the world, but if you don’t have the right culture or the right people to deliver it, it’s never going to work. That’s why Blue Stone Therapy has invested in roles dedicated to customer experience, employee support, and leadership development. It’s why operations have grown regionally and clinically - to ensure partners and teams in the field have everything they need to succeed.
-2.png?width=400&height=400&name=Untitled%20design%20(3)-2.png "Doug Johnson, Theresa Johnson, Blue Stone Therapy. Contract Rehab")
The company’s values, like Stronger Together and Raising the Bar, weren’t written in a vacuum. They were created with the leadership team, rooted in real experiences and real empathy. And now, they’re alive in every aspect of the business.
What means the most to Doug today are the moments of impact, such as a letter from a patient who can walk again, a thank-you note from a facility that’s never had this kind of support, and the stories of transformation after just a few months of partnership. “That’s when we know we’re living out our vision,” Doug said. “When people feel the difference. When they say, ‘We’ve never had therapy like this before.’ That is the true reward.”
Looking back, Doug is most proud not just of how far Blue Stone has come, but how it got there. "We’ve grown because people see what we’re doing, they see the culture, the outcomes, the service, and they say, ‘We want that too.’ That’s the greatest compliment we could get. We’re not just a therapy company. We’re a partner in care."
At the end of the day, for Doug, it’s all about people. Enhancing the lives of residents. Supporting partners. Building a workplace where employees feel seen, supported, and proud of their work. And doing it all with empathy, consistency, and heart.
That’s why Blue Stone Therapy exists, and that’s why it continues to lead with purpose.
Article Written By: Heather Foster
Heather is an artist and who finds joy in inspiring others and providing a positive environment. With a heart full of creativity and a love for making the world a better place, she channels her energy into her work, aiming to uplift and encourage those around her. Heather's dedication to spreading positivity and kindness shines through in everything she does.