Where to Find a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Mount Dora, Florida

Waterman Village is the primary multi-level senior living campus in Mount Dora, Florida, offering a continuum of care on a single property. This guide covers the specific services, living levels, and operational details of the community to help you evaluate if it meets your needs.

Waterman Village Services

Core Operational Components

The campus includes two distinct retirement community campuses, The Oaks and Lakeside, which are connected by a pedestrian and golf cart bridge. This design allows residents to move easily between different dining venues and activity centers. The community also houses the Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center, a skilled nursing facility, and the Springwater Memory Support House. Additionally, the campus features an outpatient therapy clinic that provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy services to both residents and the general public in Lake County.

Not-for-Profit Structure

Waterman Village is a not-for-profit community, which means it is organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. According to the IRS, none of the earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. This structure often results in a mission-based culture focused on resident well-being rather than corporate profit margins. The community is locally operated with on-site leadership and management, ensuring that decision-making remains close to the residents it serves.

Senior Living Levels

A continuing care retirement community is a residential facility that provides a continuum of care, allowing residents to transition between different levels of support as their health needs change. Waterman Village offers this progressive living model, which is designed to help seniors remain independent and active for as long as possible. The levels of care available on the campus include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.

The Progressive Living Model

Living in a community that offers multiple levels of care on one campus increases a resident's odds of remaining independent longer throughout life. Many newer retirement communities in the region only offer independent living and assisted living, lacking a skilled nursing center. If a resident in those communities requires post-hospital rehabilitation, they must be transported off-site. At Waterman Village, the presence of the Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center allows for seamless transitions within the same secure environment.

Security and Accessibility

The campus features 24/7 gated and staffed entrances, providing a secure environment for all residents. The community is located in Mount Dora, which is less susceptible to direct hurricane hits compared to coastal areas. It is also situated close to Advent Health Hospital, part of a highly rated hospital system in Florida. This proximity to emergency medical services and specialized care is a critical factor for families evaluating senior living options in the area.

Independent Living

Independent living at Waterman Village is available through two campuses: The Oaks and Lakeside. The Oaks is the original retirement community campus, established in 1989, while Lakeside opened in 2022. Both campuses offer a variety of housing options, including duplex and quad-plex homes. The Oaks offers duplex and quad-plex homes only, whereas Lakeside offers independent living apartments and duplex homes.

Housing and Fees

Residents in the independent living communities pay a monthly service fee and an initial buy-in fee, referred to as a life-lease fee. This fee structure is common for retirement communities that offer a full continuum of care on one campus. The buy-in fee option is available starting at $40,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex or quad-plex home. This is considered rare in Florida for a full-service, multi-level community. Attractive lifetime refund plans are available, including 50% and 0% refund options, allowing residents to choose a financial structure that fits their long-term planning.

Dining and Amenities

Waterman Village offers six different dining venues across its two campuses. These include the Oaks Lodge Main Dining Room, Oaks Lodge Bistro, Oaks Lodge Cafe, Lakeside Savor Main Dining Room, Lakeside Brew Bar, and Lakeside Social Sports Bar. This variety ensures that residents do not become bored with the same menu or dining atmosphere. The community also features two fully equipped fitness centers with professional trainers on-site. Residents can also drive their golf carts to downtown Mount Dora, which is just a mile or two away, providing easy access to local shops and restaurants.

Memory Care

Memory care is specialized support for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. At Waterman Village, this service is provided through the Springwater Memory Support House. The Springwater is a state-of-the-art, small-house, home-like environment designed to provide a safe and comforting setting for residents with memory challenges. It is located on the same campus as the other living areas, allowing for easy access to family and community resources.

Admissions and Support

There is no entry fee or buy-in fee required to move a loved one into the Springwater. Additionally, a loved one does not have to be an existing Waterman Village resident to move into the Springwater. The facility is monitored weekdays, evenings, and weekends, seven days a week. For information about living at the Springwater, families can call 352-385-1126 or email info@watermanvillage.com. The admissions staff, including representatives like Amanda, are available to answer questions and guide families through the application process.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is a residential option for seniors who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. The Bridgewater at Waterman Village is the community's assisted living facility. It is considered a top choice for assisted living in the Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares, Sorrento, and Leesburg areas. The Bridgewater provides a supportive environment where staff are kind, caring, and responsive to the unique needs of each resident.

Care and Transportation

Family members have noted that the Waterman Village staff holds up to their promises regarding services, including medical appointment transportation and unusual food requests. The facility is designed to provide a high level of attention to residents, ensuring that they receive the support they need while maintaining their dignity. The Bridgewater is part of the larger Waterman Village campus, which means residents have access to the same dining options, activities, and wellness programs available to independent living residents.

Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing care is provided at the Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center, a ministry of Waterman Village. The Edgewater is a Florida licensed skilled nursing home that serves those living in the Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares, Leesburg, Sorrento, Lake County, and Central Florida areas. It is a 2026 US News and World Report Best Nursing Home for long-term care and short-term rehabilitation. The facility is known for its compassionate care and locally operated management.

Rehabilitation and Therapy

The Edgewater provides post-hospital rehabilitation and nursing home care. Many of the staff have been with the Edgewater for many years, providing continuity of care. The campus also features an outpatient therapy clinic that offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy. This clinic is open to the public and provides free screenings. Therapists specialize in areas such as lymphedema, vestibular disorders, Parkinson's, and stroke rehabilitation. The presence of these therapy services on campus allows residents to receive specialized care without leaving the community.

Comparison of Living Levels

Key Takeaways

• Waterman Village is a not-for-profit, multi-level senior living campus in Mount Dora, Florida, operating since 1989.
• The campus offers a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.
• Independent living residents can choose between The Oaks and Lakeside campuses, with buy-in fees starting at $40,000.
• The community features six distinct dining venues, providing variety and choice for residents.
• The Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 2026 US News and World Report Best Nursing Home.
• Springwater Memory Support House offers specialized care for dementia and Alzheimer's without an entry fee.
• The campus is located in Mount Dora, a highly ranked small town for retirement, with easy access to downtown and local healthcare.
• Waterman Village provides on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy services for residents and the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Waterman Village accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Waterman Village accepts various insurance plans, but Medicare Advantage plans frequently change how they do business. The community is constantly adding and deleting these plans. Traditional Medicare and Medicare supplements are often less of a headache for residents and providers. It is best to check current acceptance with the admissions team.

What is the difference between for-profit and not-for-profit retirement communities?

Not-for-profit communities fall under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes. None of their earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. This often results in a mission-based culture focused on resident well-being.

Can I drive my golf cart to downtown Mount Dora from Waterman Village?

Yes, residents can drive their golf carts to beautiful downtown Mount Dora, which is just a mile or two away. The community is connected to downtown by a golf cart and pedestrian bridge over Donnelly Street.

Is there a buy-in fee for independent living at Waterman Village?

Yes, independent living residents pay a monthly service fee and an initial buy-in fee, referred to as a life-lease fee. The buy-in fee option is available starting at $40,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex or quad-plex home.

Does the Springwater Memory Support House require an entry fee?

No, there is no entry fee or buy-in fee required to move a loved one into the Springwater. A loved one does not have to be an existing Waterman Village resident to move into the Springwater.

Is the Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center a skilled nursing facility?

Yes, the Edgewater is a Florida licensed skilled nursing home that serves those living in the Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares, Leesburg, Sorrento, Lake County, and Central Florida areas. It is a 2026 US News and World Report Best Nursing Home for long-term care and short-term rehabilitation.

What dining options are available at Waterman Village?

Waterman Village offers six different dining venues between its two retirement community campuses, The Oaks and Lakeside. These include the Oaks Lodge Main Dining Room, Oaks Lodge Bistro, Oaks Lodge Cafe, Lakeside Savor Main Dining Room, Lakeside Brew Bar, and Lakeside Social Sports Bar.

Conclusion

Waterman Village provides a comprehensive solution for seniors seeking a continuing care retirement community in Mount Dora, Florida. With its not-for-profit structure, multi-level care options, and vibrant location, it offers a secure and supportive environment for residents at every stage of life. To learn more about the specific services and living options available, to schedule a visit or request more information.