Healthcare

Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans'
Nursing Home

St. Augustine, FL

Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs | 95,508 SF | 2010

Considering its environmental impact and the preservation of wetlands located on the site, this 120-bed facility provides skilled nursing home care and the highest quality of life to its veteran residents. Staff and residents alike enjoy a remarkable friendship with the local community of St. Augustine. The Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans' Nursing Home is the first nursing home in Florida to achieve LEED Gold Certification.

Elements of design reflect the ambiance of Spanish influences with color, texture, and architecture. Decorative street lamps, signs, and an eclectic array of facades bring in a picturesque townscape for residents to enjoy. The design incorporates an abundance of controlled natural light throughout the facility.

The nursing home's pinwheel layout provides enhanced resident observation and staff efficiency, while at the same time allowing for quick, functional adjustments to accommodate changing levels of residents' acuity. The staff's daily travel distances are also greatly reduced because of this design.

A key design concept was the grouping of residents into "houses" that are organized into two "neighborhoods." One neighborhood incorporates three houses consisting of 60 skilled nursing residents. The second neighborhood's three houses accommodate 60 residents with dementia/Alzheimer's disease. These house models are functional and homelike, and provide a variety of spatial experiences and outdoor views. Although the design encourages choice, it also promotes privacy and maintains a sense of control for each resident.

In addition, communication is encouraged within a therapeutic and safe environment. Memory boxes, color, and sensory stimulation reinforce wayfinding for dementia/Alzheimer's residents and encourage socialization. A variety of indoor destinations promote social interaction, including: barber shop porch; trellised seating area overlooking the courtyard garden; library; memorabilia gallery; and a central living room. The well landscaped grounds use natural and native plantings to provide walkways, gardens, and sitting areas that offer an appealing setting for residents, family, and staff.