Waterman Village's Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center is the primary facility for post-hospital rehab and skilled nursing in Mount Dora. This guide covers the on-campus amenities, staff quality, skilled nursing options, and specialized rehabilitation services available at this not-for-profit campus.
Amenities and Activities
Waterman Village is a full-service, progressive living campus that integrates health care with a vibrant social environment. The community offers a comprehensive activity and wellness calendar that is difficult to find in other retirement communities. Residents and patients benefit from professionally trained fitness trainers on-site and access to two fully equipped fitness centers.
Dining and Social Spaces
The culinary program is a major draw for the community. 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, the Oaks Lodge Bistro, and the Lakeside Savor Main Dining Room. This variety ensures that residents do not become bored with repetitive meal options.
Recreational Opportunities
Residents can drive their golf carts to the beautiful downtown Mount Dora, which is just a mile or two away. The community also provides discounted golf rates at the nearby Zellwood Station PGA Championship Golf Course. With seven full-time staff members dedicated to independent living and activities, the campus maintains a robust schedule of events, from spiritual wellness sessions to local volunteer opportunities.
Staff Quality and Care Philosophy
Waterman Village is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, which means its mission is to help seniors live their best lives rather than to generate profit for shareholders. This mission-based culture often results in a more compassionate and responsive staff environment. The Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center has never been bought or sold, ensuring that local leadership and management remain on-site and invested in the community's long-term success.

Local Leadership and Stability
Many of the staff members at the Edgewater have been with the facility for many years. This stability is a significant advantage for patients and families who value continuity of care. The not-for-profit status of Waterman Village allows for a strong mission-based culture that is attractive to many seniors and their families. The employees and management are deeply interested in the lives of the residents, creating a sense of safety and community that is often cited in resident testimonials.
Community Integration
The staff at Waterman Village are not just caregivers; they are part of a giving community. The Waterman Communities Foundation, founded in 2001, strives to enhance the lives of current and future residents. Staff and residents frequently volunteer in the local Mount Dora community, supporting organizations such as the Mount Dora Rotary Club and the Lake Cares Food Pantry. This integration into the local fabric of Mount Dora provides a supportive and engaged environment for those seeking health and rehabilitation services.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
The Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center is a Florida-licensed skilled nursing home that serves the Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares, and Lake County areas. It is recognized as a ministry of Waterman Village, providing a bridge between hospital care and independent living. The facility is designed to offer compassionate care by Central Florida's not-for-profit senior living provider of choice since 1989.
Not-for-Profit Care Model
Not-for-profit communities fall under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. According to the IRS, these organizations must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes, and none of their earnings may inure to any private shareholder. This structure often leads to better care outcomes, as the focus remains on the well-being of the residents rather than financial returns. The Edgewater is an established, locally operated facility that has maintained its local ownership and management throughout its history.
On-Campus Convenience
One of the most significant advantages of the Edgewater is its location on the Waterman Village campus. If a resident of The Oaks or Lakeside requires skilled nursing or post-hospital rehabilitation, they can remain on the same campus. This proximity allows for easier family visits and a smoother transition back to independent living if the resident's health improves. The campus includes a full-service physician's clinic by the gatehouse, ensuring that medical needs are met conveniently.
Rehabilitation Services
Waterman Village provides specialized outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation services through its Edgewater center and its dedicated outpatient therapy clinic. The Waterman Village Outpatient Therapy Clinic is located on the campus of The Oaks Retirement Community and offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy for the Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares, and Lake County areas.
Outpatient Therapy Specialties
The outpatient clinic features a large team of experienced professionals who specialize in working with the older adult and geriatric population. Services include one-on-one treatment sessions in private rooms, with no group sessions. Therapists at the clinic specialize in areas such as lymphedema, vestibular disorders, Parkinson's, and urinary incontinence. The clinic also offers programs for care following joint replacement, cervical issues, scoliosis, and pain management.
Home Health and In-Home Care
For those who prefer to remain in their own homes, Waterman Village Home Care provides Medicare-certified services in Lake County. This locally operated, not-for-profit agency offers skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy in the home. Services are administered under the direction of a physician and are based on homebound status and medical necessity. The agency also provides non-clinical services such as companion/sitter and homemaker support, helping patients maintain their quality of life.
| Service Type | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nursing | Edgewater Health & Rehabilitation Center | 24/7 nursing, post-hospital rehab, not-for-profit |
| Outpatient Therapy | Waterman Village Outpatient Clinic | PT, OT, ST, private rooms, geriatric specialty |
| Home Health Care | Patient's Home (Lake County) | Medicare certified, skilled nursing, companion care |
| Memory Support | Springwater Memory Support House | Small-house environment, no entry fee |
Key Takeaways
- Waterman Village's Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center is the primary skilled nursing and rehab facility in Mount Dora.
- The campus is a not-for-profit organization, which often correlates with a stronger mission-based care culture.
- Residents and patients have access to six different dining venues and a comprehensive activity calendar.
- The outpatient therapy clinic offers specialized one-on-one sessions for physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
- Waterman Village Home Care provides Medicare-certified in-home services for the Lake County area.
- The community is located in Mount Dora, a town ranked highly for retirement, with easy access to downtown amenities.
- Local leadership and long-tenured staff provide stability and continuity of care for patients and families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Waterman Village accept Medicare Advantage plans?
Waterman Village accepts various insurance plans, but Medicare Advantage plans frequently change their business practices. 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 verify current plan acceptance directly with the admissions team.
What is the difference between for-profit and not-for-profit retirement communities?
Not-for-profit communities are 501(c)(3) organizations where earnings stay in the organization to support its mission. For-profit communities are owned by shareholders who expect a return on investment. Not-for-profit communities often have a stronger mission-based culture and are frequently owned by religious or fraternal organizations.
Can I visit the Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center?
Yes, the Edgewater is a public facility that welcomes visitors. It is located on the Waterman Village campus in Mount Dora. You can reach the front desk by calling 352-385-1125. A current and valid photo ID is required to enter the community campus.
What areas does Waterman Village Home Care serve?
Waterman Village Home Care provides in-home health care services in Lake County, Florida. This includes the cities of Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares, Sorrento, Leesburg, and Umatilla.
Is there a buy-in fee for the Springwater Memory Support House?
No, there is no entry fee or buy-in fee required to move a loved one to the Springwater Memory Support House. Residents do not have to be existing Waterman Village residents to move into the Springwater.
How can I get directions to Waterman Village?
Using Google Maps, it is best to use 111 Waterman Avenue to reach the Gate House for The Oaks, Bridgewater, and Edgewater. For Lakeside, use 301 Lake Margaret Circle. The gatehouse attendant can provide specific on-campus directions once you arrive.
Conclusion
Waterman Village offers a comprehensive solution for health and rehabilitation needs in Mount Dora. From the Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center to the specialized outpatient therapy clinic, the campus provides a full spectrum of care in a supportive, not-for-profit environment. To plan your visit or learn more about our services, .

