As the skilled nursing facility at Dolphin Pointe Health Care gets underway, it will be Jacksonville’s premier all private suite facility overlooking the beautifully historic St. Johns River. The biggest surprise is its resort style, innovative Savannah design and engaging features that would make some 5-star hotels envious. It’s difficult to think that a hotel and a medical facility could be similar, but when you walk into the building’s newfound changes – seeing is believing. Freshly polished marble floors, hallways lined with custom oil paintings, purposefully coordinated décor, and doors that open to a cozy fire-lit library, and an abundance of warm family friendly visiting spaces. Dolphin Pointe will feature a multitude of destinations under one roof with a family-focus in mind. What’s more, a bistro with an array of family-style meals served from a steam counter adds both visual and aromatic appeal. At meal times, a culinary team serves patients and resident’s by name, needs, and requests from a counter or at the table. A welcome sight of tablecloths, napkins, and flowers is only secondary to the outside water front views. Dolphin Pointe Health Care considers the panoramic St. John’s River as its front door and a focal point for outside entertaining and enjoyment by residents, guests and family members alike.

In the past, there were very few rooms to meet and connect with a loved one inside a skilled nursing center. Dolphin Pointe Health Care addresses the social needs by planning a variety of indoor sitting areas and outdoor gardens and courtyards to create varying levels of engagement and interaction. Research also shows outdoor access improves well being with an increase in positive emotions, decreased agitation, and decreased depression. Other benefits affect bone density via vitamin D absorption, regulation of circadian rhythms for enhanced sleep patterns, and improved coping mechanisms for stress. In addition, views to the outside help connect patients and residents to the time of day, seasons, wildlife, and are a source of stimulation. The health benefits of getting outdoors and adding physical play continues to be researched, particularly when there is social play that’s physically active. For older age groups, play has a role in shaping the brain, opening the imagination and invigorating the soul.