State-of-the-art Larsen Health Center Set to Open at Shell Point Retirement Community by Year's End 2021
The new Larsen Health Center will set the standard for state-of-the-art medical care and skilled nursing at Shell Point. Photo courtesy of Shell Point Retirement Community.
As the world begins to return to a sense of normalcy, so are many of the local businesses, organizations, and communities we love here in Southwest Florida. One of those community staples is Fort Myers' Shell Point Retirement Community - 15101 Shell Point Blvd. The business is known as one of Florida’s premier continuing care retirement resorts, offering an unparalleled setting coupled with an unparalleled lifestyle.
Located along the Caloosahatchee River in one of the most naturally beautiful parts of Southwest Florida, this award-winning, 700-acre resort-style waterfront community is just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico and the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, which are internationally known for their white sand beaches, turquoise waters, four-star resorts, and the abundance of exotic shells that wash up on their shores.
As the largest continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Florida – and the second-largest in the nation – Shell Point is home to 2,500 residents. Founded in 1968, Shell Point is a nonprofit, faith-based ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance.
As a part of its plans for 2021, Shell Point looks to open its 200,000 square-foot Larsen Health Center with a state-of-the-art medical center and modern skilled nursing facility to provide residents with cutting-edge services in a compassionate, nurturing environment. Ronette Icso, vice president of sales and marketing, reported the facility is scheduled to begin operations at the end of 2021.
Shell Point’s unequaled lifestyle and comprehensive "lifecare" provide peace of mind as many of the uncertainties that can accompany retirement and aging are greatly reduced. Shell Point residents enjoy a comfortable and meticulously maintained residence, a full range of wellness, recreational, social, and spiritual programs, and the services of a caring, professional staff, along with the assurance of onsite assisted living, home health, skilled nursing, and memory care, and respite care and hospice should the need arise. The Shell Point Health System includes an on-site team of healthcare professionals including primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, multiple specialty physicians, two state-of-the-art medical centers with lab and x-ray services, a full-service pharmacy, and a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center.
In addition to plans for the new facility, there are other fresh happenings at Shell Point...
"We’ve seen tremendous interest from people who want to learn more about Shell Point," Icso said. "During [our sales] presentations, our experienced retirement counselors explain the benefits of becoming a resident, the advantages of Lifecare, the numerous retirement options available, and an overview of the community’s lifestyle. Once the presentation is complete, guests have the chance to ask specific questions and take a tour of the community."
Icso also noted Shell Point looks forward to its biggest concert series to date in Connie Brown Hall at the Tribby Arts Center very soon. The center is a new, 44,000 square-foot space where residents can nurture their creativity, engage their minds, and enrich their lives through fine and performing arts. Connie Brown Hall dons 400 seats and annually hosts a full season of concerts and live performances. All that said, Shell Point has positioned itself as a premier option for Fort Myers seniors.
"Fort Myers is a vibrant community that continues to grow in a way that complements and enhances our residents’ experience," Icso said. "Seniors are an important component of the region’s population, and they play a vital role in keeping Southwest Florida’s economic engine running. Fort Myers and Lee County have so much to offer seniors – high-quality healthcare, tremendous restaurants, outdoor recreation, and beautiful vistas. Our region’s senior population has grown exponentially over the years, and Shell Point has expanded to meet the demand for a high-quality continuing care community."
At Shell Point, a full-time resort services team plans a wide variety of daily social, fitness, and entertainment activities, plus nearly every form of recreation imaginable is available to residents of Shell Point. For those who enjoy exploring Florida’s waterways, there’s boating, fishing, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing. The Shell Point Marina provides resident boat owners with free deep-water boat slips, with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico.
Golfers enjoy a championship 18-hole golf course with an elegantly appointed 35,000-square-foot clubhouse and a fully-stocked pro shop, while sport and fitness fans play on four Har-Tru tennis courts, five pickleball courts, and a bocce court. Residents can work out with trained professionals in Shell Point fitness centers, swim in four heated pools – including the LifeQuest Aquatic Center with lap lanes, recreational swimming, aqua-aerobics pool, and hot tub. Miles of scenic trails provide the perfect place to bike and walk.
"People usually approach retirement living with an 'I’m not ready yet' mindset," Icso said. "However, after they’ve lived here a few months and immerse themselves in Shell Point’s welcoming, active lifestyle, residents consistently tell us, 'I wish I had moved here sooner.' Living at Shell Point helps residents fulfill their own sense of purpose and live their life as fully as possible."
Shell Point also offers a beautiful waterfront setting that features expansive river and lake views that have been incorporated into the community’s design. Boardwalks, bridges, walking trails, and bike paths have been designed to connect these outdoor spaces and make them accessible to all residents. Home to a variety of tropical birds and abundant wildlife, Shell Point has taken special precautions to protect their habitat and restore or improve it wherever possible – earning a Certified Wildlife Habitat designation from the National Wildlife Federation.
Residents who want to cultivate their interest in gardening can choose from individual garden plots, a lovely rose garden, a fully-equipped orchid greenhouse, and a peaceful butterfly garden. Along with multiple parks and nature preserves, Shell Point boasts an outdoor picnic pavilion and bandstand, a dog park, and a waterfront amphitheater overlooking a manatee-filled lagoon.
Shell Point has an extremely dedicated group of volunteers who keep active and engaged by volunteering both within Shell Point and the greater community. Shell Point Cares helps sponsor the Lee County Heart Walk and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, with the enthusiastic support of both residents and employees. The Village Church and Shell Point residents have partnered with the South Fort Myers Food Pantry since 2008 and conduct drives throughout the year. They also support Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Ding Darling, and many others in the community.
To learn more, call 239-466-1131 or visit shellpoint.org.
Located along the Caloosahatchee River in one of the most naturally beautiful parts of Southwest Florida, this award-winning, 700-acre resort-style waterfront community is just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico and the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, which are internationally known for their white sand beaches, turquoise waters, four-star resorts, and the abundance of exotic shells that wash up on their shores.
As the largest continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Florida – and the second-largest in the nation – Shell Point is home to 2,500 residents. Founded in 1968, Shell Point is a nonprofit, faith-based ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance.
As a part of its plans for 2021, Shell Point looks to open its 200,000 square-foot Larsen Health Center with a state-of-the-art medical center and modern skilled nursing facility to provide residents with cutting-edge services in a compassionate, nurturing environment. Ronette Icso, vice president of sales and marketing, reported the facility is scheduled to begin operations at the end of 2021.
Shell Point’s unequaled lifestyle and comprehensive "lifecare" provide peace of mind as many of the uncertainties that can accompany retirement and aging are greatly reduced. Shell Point residents enjoy a comfortable and meticulously maintained residence, a full range of wellness, recreational, social, and spiritual programs, and the services of a caring, professional staff, along with the assurance of onsite assisted living, home health, skilled nursing, and memory care, and respite care and hospice should the need arise. The Shell Point Health System includes an on-site team of healthcare professionals including primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, multiple specialty physicians, two state-of-the-art medical centers with lab and x-ray services, a full-service pharmacy, and a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center.
In addition to plans for the new facility, there are other fresh happenings at Shell Point...
"We’ve seen tremendous interest from people who want to learn more about Shell Point," Icso said. "During [our sales] presentations, our experienced retirement counselors explain the benefits of becoming a resident, the advantages of Lifecare, the numerous retirement options available, and an overview of the community’s lifestyle. Once the presentation is complete, guests have the chance to ask specific questions and take a tour of the community."
Icso also noted Shell Point looks forward to its biggest concert series to date in Connie Brown Hall at the Tribby Arts Center very soon. The center is a new, 44,000 square-foot space where residents can nurture their creativity, engage their minds, and enrich their lives through fine and performing arts. Connie Brown Hall dons 400 seats and annually hosts a full season of concerts and live performances. All that said, Shell Point has positioned itself as a premier option for Fort Myers seniors.
"Fort Myers is a vibrant community that continues to grow in a way that complements and enhances our residents’ experience," Icso said. "Seniors are an important component of the region’s population, and they play a vital role in keeping Southwest Florida’s economic engine running. Fort Myers and Lee County have so much to offer seniors – high-quality healthcare, tremendous restaurants, outdoor recreation, and beautiful vistas. Our region’s senior population has grown exponentially over the years, and Shell Point has expanded to meet the demand for a high-quality continuing care community."
At Shell Point, a full-time resort services team plans a wide variety of daily social, fitness, and entertainment activities, plus nearly every form of recreation imaginable is available to residents of Shell Point. For those who enjoy exploring Florida’s waterways, there’s boating, fishing, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing. The Shell Point Marina provides resident boat owners with free deep-water boat slips, with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico.
"People usually approach retirement living with an 'I’m not ready yet' mindset," Icso said. "However, after they’ve lived here a few months and immerse themselves in Shell Point’s welcoming, active lifestyle, residents consistently tell us, 'I wish I had moved here sooner.' Living at Shell Point helps residents fulfill their own sense of purpose and live their life as fully as possible."
Shell Point also offers a beautiful waterfront setting that features expansive river and lake views that have been incorporated into the community’s design. Boardwalks, bridges, walking trails, and bike paths have been designed to connect these outdoor spaces and make them accessible to all residents. Home to a variety of tropical birds and abundant wildlife, Shell Point has taken special precautions to protect their habitat and restore or improve it wherever possible – earning a Certified Wildlife Habitat designation from the National Wildlife Federation.
Residents who want to cultivate their interest in gardening can choose from individual garden plots, a lovely rose garden, a fully-equipped orchid greenhouse, and a peaceful butterfly garden. Along with multiple parks and nature preserves, Shell Point boasts an outdoor picnic pavilion and bandstand, a dog park, and a waterfront amphitheater overlooking a manatee-filled lagoon.
Shell Point has an extremely dedicated group of volunteers who keep active and engaged by volunteering both within Shell Point and the greater community. Shell Point Cares helps sponsor the Lee County Heart Walk and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, with the enthusiastic support of both residents and employees. The Village Church and Shell Point residents have partnered with the South Fort Myers Food Pantry since 2008 and conduct drives throughout the year. They also support Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Ding Darling, and many others in the community.
To learn more, call 239-466-1131 or visit shellpoint.org.
