Finest Senior Living at its

by Emily Rose

Take a look inside the nation’s second largest continuing care retirement community

In response to increased demand for communities that allow its residents to age gracefully for the rest of their lives, Ideal-LIVING magazine is adding a “Senior Living” department in every issue, where our readers can see the latest in senior communities.

What if you could retire in paradise? A place where every day felt like vacation and activities were aplenty. A place with endless beauty and tropical flair. A place where you have the comfort of knowing you’ll be taken care of for the rest of your life.

A Place Called Shell Point

Just east of Sanibel Island, along a twomile road surrounded by a protected natural landscape, lies Florida’s largest continuing care retirement community (CCRC) and the second largest in the nation, Shell Point Retirement Community. Spread across 700 acres situated on the shores of the Caloosahatchee River, Shell Point offers residents of southwest Florida an ideal place to retire.

Architectural variety, upscale amenities, innovative programming, and state-of-the-art healthcare services are some of the elements that make this award-winning community a leader in the senior living industry. Not to mention its waterfront location.

From woodlands to wetlands, riverside to lakeside, Shell Point is a nature lover’s dream and boater’s delight. Miles of scenic walking trails, winding through five unique neighborhoods, allow those who live there a place to connect with nature and experience the coastal landscape from the comforts of their own homes.

During her first visit to Shell Point in 1993, retired sixth grade teacher and Texas native Dotty Morrison was captivated by the richness of birdlife found throughout the community. “I remember visiting my parents, who were moving in at the time, when my mother said that every bird you can think of is right here in our backyard,” gloats Dotty. In the 12 years since making the move herself, the avid bird watcher has embraced Shell Point’s tropical environment, documenting over 100 species of avian life on her way around campus.

The beauty of the outdoors complements the interiors of each neighborhood and community building. With a sophisticated selection of floor plans, custom designs, and an abundance of architectural styles to choose from, the options for luxury living are endless. Studio units, high-rise apartments, and single-family homes are some of the many residential options dotting the retirement resort.

Ageless Creativity

No matter what your passion may be, Shell Point caters to each individual’s desires with a customized approach that allows the freedom to design their own retirement. Take for example, the arts.

Since the community’s opening in 1968, artful living and creative minds have been celebrated through a variety of studios dedicated to painting, pottery, stained glass and lapidary, photography, woodworking, and more. While many residents’ passions may have started before coming to Shell Point, having these creative spaces has allowed others the chance to explore new things for the first time.