$78 million health care facility offers 200,000 square feet of private-room skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapy, and medical office space
FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 13, 2022) – Shell Point Retirement Community is pleased to announce the completion of the Larsen Health Center, a $78 million, 200,000-square-foot facility that brings together all of Shell Point’s health care services, including a comprehensive medical center, behavioral health suite, rehabilitation center, dental offices, pharmacy, and a 180-bed skilled nursing facility with private rooms.
“Very few CCRCs are making investments in skilled nursing, but we’re bullish on it,” said Shell Point President and CEO Martin Schappell. “Locating all medical services within one facility accelerates access to care, enhances collaboration in treatment, and hastens the healing and restorative process. Shell Point made the financial commitment to this project because our residents deserve excellent clinical care, private rooms, and a hospitality-driven experience.”
Shell Point’s skilled nursing has received national recognition, including five-out-of-five-star ratings for overall service, quality measures, and staffing from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Within Larsen Health Center, a medical center includes exam and procedure rooms, on-site imaging services, and offices for Shell Point’s medical staff and specialty physicians. A therapy center offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services in a dynamic open-gym concept, along with an occupational therapy home suite, a state-of-the-art aqua therapy pool, and private treatment rooms. A dental clinic, full-service pharmacy, chapel, meeting space, and cafe complete the first floor.
Floors two through six offer 162 private and nine companion skilled nursing rooms with 10-foot ceilings, expansive 8 x 9-foot windows, and well-appointed bathrooms with walk-in showers. Dining rooms and sunrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing water and nature preserve views. Each self-contained residential neighborhood accommodates 20 residents and offers a living room, activity room, lounge area, and a family conference room.
“Neighborhood spaces create a nurturing environment for socializing and activities and reflect Shell Point’s personalized approach to care,” said Christy Skinner, Vice President of Healthcare. “Here, our healthcare staff, volunteers and caregivers have the tools and technology they need to provide our residents with the best possible care.”
A full-service salon for residents, an employee cafeteria, and administrative offices are located on the second floor.
Larsen Health Center’s contemporary interiors were completed by Wegman Design Group, who created award-winning designs for Shell Point’s Tribby Arts Center, Welcome Center, and several amenity and common space renovations around the campus.
“Our goal in the Larsen Health Center was to create a space that would be welcoming to families, comfortable for residents, and supportive to staff,” said Lori Wegman, Founder and Principal of Wegman Design Group. “The interior design is inspired by nature, flexible and adaptable, accentuated with beautiful materials and mindful details. The beautiful surroundings of the Shell Point community are reflected and highlighted throughout the building.”
The Larsen Health Center project team includes RDG Planning & Design, The Weitz Company, Johnson Engineering, Stantec Consulting Services, and Fiber Solutions.
“The planning, design and construction process with the Shell Point team a rewarding experience,” said Mitchell Elliott, Principal at RDG Planning & Design. “Together, we will have an extraordinary impact on senior health care for years to come.”
Shell Point broke ground on Larsen Health Center in September 2019. The facility is located in Shell Point’s Waterside neighborhood, which includes The Springs assisted living, Connected Living at The Springs memory care residences, and the Shell Point Welcome Center.
About Shell Point Retirement Community
Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers, Florida. Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing for its 2,500 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access with free dockage, a championship 18-hole golf course, an arts center, coastal-inspired restaurants and outdoor cafes, salons and spas, fitness centers, tennis and pickleball, along with miles of scenic walking and bike trails and other recreational and educational activities. To learn more, visit www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131
MEDIA CONTACT:
Shell Point Retirement Community: Kara Hado
239-454-8245; cell 239-310-1115; karahado@shellpoint.org
