Skilled care facility opens in Dexter

Business Today

DEXTER -- Cypress Point Health Care recently opened at 801 Bailiff Drive.

Vintage Villa/Cypress Point administrator John Langley said Vintage Villa's parent company, Americare Systems Inc. of Sikeston, announced in November 1999 that a new facility would be built. Richard Montgomery of Sikeston is the owner.

Cypress Point takes the place of an older facility. Social Services director Beckie Ward said the design of the new building follows what is called the "habitat for living" concept. As an example, the common living room has not only a working fireplace and a large entertainment center, but also an aviary. Already canaries, doves and other small birds are nesting in their new surroundings.

Ward said that Fred, the long-time beagle-mix mascot at Vintage Villa, would make the move along with the 48 current residents.

Cypress Point has 60 beds in a total of 36 rooms -- 12 private and 24 semi-private.

Ward said Cypress Point offers much more space than the previous facility.

Another improvement for residents and staff is a separate activity room, uniquely decorated in a Coca-Cola theme complete with jukebox and popcorn wagon. There is a beauty/barber shop with a working barber pole outside the door to indicate when the shop is open.

Cypress Point will continue to offer speech, physical and occupational therapies in its new, larger surroundings. "We can offer exactly the same things offered in hospitals," Ward said.

A large shower room and a private dining room have been included in the new facility.