FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — Cary Medical Center is proud to announce the expansion of its occupational therapy services to the Kimball Community Health Center in Fort Fairfield, offering greater access to specialized care for individuals recovering from illness, injury or managing long-term conditions.
“People often think occupational therapy is just about getting back to a job, but it’s much more than that,” explained Ian Sotomayor, MS, OTR/L. “Occupational therapy really focuses on everyday activities like bathing, dressing, or participating in hobbies. You don’t have to be working or employed to benefit from occupational therapy.”
A licensed occupational therapist, Sotomayor has been with Cary Rehabilitation Services since 2019 primarily working in outpatient care. He specializes in treating upper extremities, including the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. A Fort Fairfield resident, he is now providing outpatient OT services at the clinic every Tuesday and Thursday.
“I’m just really looking forward to working with people in Fort Fairfield and helping them get back to doing what they need and want to be doing physically,” said Sotomayor. “It’s all about regaining independence, whether that’s dressing, grooming, cooking or in some cases, getting back to work.”
The Kimball Community Health Center location started offering OT services in mid-July, taking advantage of some space within the center that had been unoccupied for the past couple of years.
“COVID had a big impact across healthcare, and this space has been quiet for a while,” said Sotomayor. “But the department has grown, and now we’re at a point where we can staff this location again, right here in my own community.”
Sotomayor says the response so far has been encouraging. “I’m already seeing a full schedule two mornings a week,” he stated. “If referrals and demand continue, we’d love to expand even further.”
Patients interested in receiving occupational therapy services at the Kimball Community Health Center will need a referral from a primary care provider or specialist. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please contact Cary Rehabilitation Services at 207-498-1618.
Cary Medical Center is a 35-bed acute care hospital well known for its patient-centered services. We are a community of providers committed to excellence in healthcare and to improving the lives of those we serve. We are actively engaged in advancing the health and wellness needs of people in Aroostook County, including the unserved and underserved. Cary Medical Center and Pines Health Services are equal opportunity providers and employers.
