Waterman Village is the premier senior living community near Orlando offering independent living for active adults. Located in Mount Dora, it provides a full-service campus with independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. This guide covers independent living amenities, active lifestyle programs, and maintenance-free residences to help you make an informed decision.
Independent Living Amenities
Choosing the right community requires evaluating the physical infrastructure that supports daily life. Waterman Village distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive array of amenities designed for convenience and social engagement. The campus features two distinct retirement communities, The Oaks and Lakeside, connected by a pedestrian bridge. This layout allows residents to access a wide variety of dining and social spaces without leaving the secure, gated environment.
Dining and Culinary Options
Dining is a central component of community life. Waterman Village offers six different dining venues across its two campuses. Residents can choose from the Oaks Lodge Main Dining Room, the Oaks Lodge Bistro, the Oaks Lodge Cafe, the Lakeside Savor Main Dining Room, the Lakeside Brew Bar, and the Lakeside Social Sports Bar. This variety ensures that residents do not experience menu fatigue and can socialize in different settings throughout the week. The culinary services are supervised by an executive chef and registered dietitian, ensuring high-quality nutrition.
Recreational and Wellness Facilities
The campus includes two fully equipped fitness centers with professional trainers on-site. Residents also have access to a swimming pool, a dog park, and a walking trail. The community is located in Mount Dora, which is ranked as the number one small town in Florida to retire to by USA Today. This location provides easy access to cultural activities, specialty shops, and dining establishments in downtown Mount Dora, which is just a short drive or golf cart ride away.
Health and Safety Infrastructure
Security is a priority, with 24/7 staffed and gated entrances at both communities. The campus also features a full-service physician's clinic, dental offices, and a physical therapy clinic. This on-campus access to healthcare reduces the need for off-site travel and ensures that residents can manage their health proactively. The presence of a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center on the same campus provides a safety net for those who may require higher levels of care in the future.
Active Lifestyle Programs
An active lifestyle is essential for maintaining independence and well-being in later years. Waterman Village is known for its robust activity and wellness calendars, which are among the most comprehensive in the region. The community employs seven full-time staff members dedicated to independent living wellness and activities. This staffing level ensures that there is always something happening, whether it is a fitness class, a social gathering, or a cultural event.
Wellness and Fitness Classes
The wellness program is structured to accommodate various fitness levels. Independent living residents have access to 23 weekly wellness classes. These include five "Move" classes for lower intensity, one "Active" class for moderate pace, and eight "Thrive" classes for higher intensity strength and endurance training. Additionally, there are 11 fitness activities such as pickleball, touch tennis, water volleyball, and walking clubs. Assisted living and memory support residents also have dedicated wellness classes, including seated cardio, yoga, and dance fitness.
Social and Cultural Activities
Beyond physical fitness, the community offers a wide range of social and cultural activities. The activity calendar includes bus trips to local shopping, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Residents can participate in support groups for various conditions, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and grief. The community also hosts events such as the Ice House Community Theatre performances and local festivals. This variety helps residents build meaningful connections and stay engaged with their community.
Spiritual and Personal Development
Waterman Village places a strong emphasis on spiritual wellness. The campus features a chapel with a full-time pastor on staff. Residents can participate in meditation sessions, spiritual discussions, and faith-based activities. The community also offers programs for personal development, such as the Lee Silverman BIG Training for Parkinson's rehabilitation and memory enhancement workshops. These programs support holistic well-being and help residents maintain their cognitive and emotional health.
Maintenance-Free Residences
One of the primary benefits of senior living is the elimination of home maintenance responsibilities. Waterman Village offers maintenance-free residences that allow residents to focus on their interests and well-being. The community provides duplex and quad-plex homes at The Oaks, as well as apartments and duplex homes at Lakeside. All exterior maintenance, landscaping, and major repairs are handled by the community's professional staff.
Residence Types and Layouts
The residences at Waterman Village are designed with accessibility and comfort in mind. The apartments feature short hallways and are located in close proximity to dining and covered parking areas. This design reduces the need for long walks and makes it easier for residents to navigate the community. The homes are equipped with modern amenities, including large screened-in lanais, EV charging stations, and complimentary covered parking. The layout of the community resembles a village of one or two-story dwellings, creating a welcoming and home-like atmosphere.
Financial Options and Flexibility
Waterman Village offers flexible financial options to suit different needs. Residents pay a monthly service fee and an initial buy-in fee, known as a life-lease fee. This model is common for communities that offer a full range of care levels on one campus. The community does not force residents to choose a plan with a large, non-refundable entrance fee to receive discounted rates for future care. Instead, residents have a variety of plan choices that best meet their specific situation. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who already possess long-term care insurance.
Support Services and Convenience
In addition to maintenance-free living, Waterman Village provides a range of support services to enhance convenience. These include complimentary on-campus transportation, a daily computerized check-in system for residents, and access to senior move managers who can assist with the downsizing and moving process. The community also offers a medspa, a pharmacy, and a hardware store adjacent to the campus. These services ensure that residents can meet their daily needs without leaving the secure environment of the community.
Key Takeaways
- Waterman Village is a full-service senior living campus in Mount Dora, near Orlando, offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care.
- The community features six dining venues, two fitness centers, and a wide range of recreational amenities.
- Active lifestyle programs include 23 weekly wellness classes for independent living residents and dedicated activities for assisted living and memory care.
- Maintenance-free residences include duplex and quad-plex homes, as well as apartments, with all exterior maintenance handled by the community.
- Financial options are flexible, with a life-lease fee model that does not require large non-refundable entrance fees for future care discounts.
- The community is located in Mount Dora, ranked the number one small town in Florida to retire to by USA Today.
- On-campus healthcare services include a physician's clinic, dental offices, and a physical therapy clinic.
- Waterman Village is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to help seniors live their best lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between independent living and assisted living at Waterman Village?
Independent living at Waterman Village is for active adults who want a maintenance-free lifestyle with access to community amenities and activities. Assisted living is for residents who need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Both levels of care are available on the same campus, allowing for a seamless transition if needs change.
Does Waterman Village accept Medicare?
Yes, Waterman Village's skilled nursing and rehabilitation center is Medicare certified. The home health care agency also provides Medicare certified services. For independent living, residents typically pay a monthly service fee and a life-lease fee, which are not covered by Medicare.
Can I bring my pet to Waterman Village?
Yes, Waterman Village allows residents to have up to two pets. There is a breed restriction for dogs. The community features a dog park where residents can socialize with their pets.
How far is Waterman Village from Orlando?
Waterman Village is located in Mount Dora, which is approximately 35 minutes from Orlando. The community is also close to other major cities in Central Florida, including Leesburg and The Villages.
What are the financial options for living at Waterman Village?
Residents pay a monthly service fee and an initial buy-in fee, known as a life-lease fee. The community offers various plan choices, including 50% and 0% refund plans. There is no requirement to pay a large non-refundable entrance fee to receive discounted rates for future care.
Does Waterman Village have a memory care facility?
Yes, Waterman Village offers memory care through The Springwater, a state-of-the-art, small-house, home-like environment. The Springwater provides specialized care for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia, with low staff-to-resident ratios and four chaplains on staff.
Is Waterman Village a not-for-profit organization?
Yes, Waterman Village is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. It was established in 1989 by Waterman Hospital in Tavares, Florida. The community is locally operated and managed, with a mission to help seniors live their best lives.
What activities are available at Waterman Village?
Waterman Village offers a wide range of activities, including fitness classes, social gatherings, cultural events, and support groups. The activity calendar includes bus trips to local venues, as well as on-campus events such as theater performances and festivals. Residents can also participate in spiritual wellness programs and personal development workshops.
Conclusion
Waterman Village offers a comprehensive solution for active adults seeking independent living near Orlando. With its full-service campus, robust activity programs, and maintenance-free residences, it provides an ideal environment for seniors to live their best lives. The community's not-for-profit status and local management ensure a resident-focused approach to care. To learn more about living at Waterman Village, to schedule a tour or request more information.