Behind every great vision is a man with a dream.  Dr. Owen E. Puckett, pioneer physician in Eddy County, was just such a man and a servant of God.  He dreamed of a place where the elderly would be given shelter and medical attention in a Christian setting.  He shared his dream with a group of men from the local Church of Christ and Lakeview Christian Home of the Southwest, Inc. was established in 1960. 

Originally located on the banks of the beautiful Pecos River, Lakeview began with 20 residents in a retirement center.  In those early years, there were many struggles to keep the doors open.  Armed with God's help and an lots of strong backs, ladies in the Lakeview Associates made beds, took residents for walks, held bake sales, enchilada suppers, and yard sales – and all money raised went toward making the lives of Lakeview’s residents richer and keeping the doors open.  Those 50 or so early Volunteers have grown to well over 300 caring, wonderful people giving of their time and talents to enrich the lives of residents each year.   

In 1966, Administrator Owen Morrow  overcame major hurdles when, through his many efforts, the facility became Medicare certified and Lakeview began to grow.

By 1971 the number of nursing home beds had grown to 110 at the Lakeview facility.  In 1977, Lakeview purchased Carlsbad Memorial Hospital located on West Pierce Street to add another location for nursing home residents.  The Northgate facility originally added 93 beds which over the years has increased to 110.

Ray Bailey became Lakeview’s Administrator in 1980.  By this time, Lakeview was on solid ground financially and his goal was to see it continue to grow.  Additional nursing home beds, a warehouse and the Assisted Living Wing were added at Northgate. 

In 1985, Lakeview began to change again.  Many times, spouses of nursing home residents expressed the wish that they live closer to their loved one in the nursing home.  Lakeview Christian Village became a reality with the completion of 48 cottages of two bedroom, two bath homes.  These cottages filled a need for family members and developed volunteers and donors for Lakeview.  By 1990, there was a waiting list for the Village and Northgate Christian Village became a reality adding another 18 homes.

With the changes in the nursing home industry, Lakeview Christian Home Health and Lakeview Christian Hospice Care were established.  Both departments offer services to meet the needs of Lakeview’s nursing home residents, River Bend and Village as well as the Carlsbad community.  

In 1997, after years of encouragement by local visionaries, Lakeview broke ground for River Bend, a Lakeview Christian Home retirement community.  Lakeview had once again looked at a need and took the necessary steps to fill that need for a growing retiree market.   Currently there are 68 homes with room for 104 when completed.

With more and more people receiving in-home services, the cost of keeping two facilities open with a declining occupancy was too expensive.  In 2005, Lakeview’s Board and executive staff made the very tough decision to close the Lakeview nursing home.  This Carlsbad landmark was home to many wonderful residents.  The land was cleared and it is exciting to think of the possibilities for this prime property as Lakeview prepares for the future.  

Lakeview Christian Home has a rich history of service to seniors and continues to change to meet the needs of this community in an environment of Christian love and care. 

LAKEVIEW CHRISTIAN HOME OF THE SOUTHWEST, INC.

PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 50 YEARS!