Waterman Village is the premier retirement campus near Orlando offering a complete continuum of care, ranging from independent living to skilled nursing. Located in Mount Dora, this not-for-profit community provides a seamless transition path for seniors seeking long-term security. This guide details the specific living options and clinical services available on campus, helping families understand how to plan for future care needs without leaving the community.
Skilled Nursing Services
The Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center serves as the clinical anchor of the Waterman Village campus. It is a Florida licensed skilled nursing home that provides both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. The facility is Medicare certified and holds a 5-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This high level of accreditation ensures that residents receive care that meets the most rigorous federal standards for safety and outcomes.
Rehabilitation and Therapy
Post-hospital rehabilitation is a primary focus for many residents. The therapy team specializes in physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help patients regain mobility and independence after a hospital stay. Families are encouraged to meet with the therapy team before scheduled surgeries to establish a baseline and plan for recovery. This proactive approach helps streamline the discharge process and ensures that the resident returns to a familiar environment with a clear recovery roadmap.
Long-Term Care Environment
For those requiring long-term nursing care, The Edgewater offers semi-private, deluxe semi-private, and private rooms. The environment is designed to be compassionate and supportive, with a staff team that has remained with the facility for many years. This stability is a significant advantage, as consistent caregiving is crucial for residents with chronic conditions or cognitive decline. The not-for-profit status of Waterman Village means that the mission is to help residents live their best lives, rather than to maximize financial returns for shareholders.
Independent Living Options
Waterman Village offers two distinct independent living communities: The Oaks and Lakeside. Both are located on the same campus and are connected by a pedestrian and golf cart bridge. This design allows residents to easily move between the two communities to access different dining venues, activities, and social groups. The Oaks was established in 1989 and offers duplex and quad-plex homes, while Lakeside, which opened in 2022, offers both apartments and duplex homes.
Living at The Oaks
The Oaks is the original campus of Waterman Village. It features a staffed gatehouse 24/7 and provides priority access to all campus amenities. Residents can drive golf carts to downtown Mount Dora, which is just a short distance away. The community is known for its short apartment hallways and proximity to dining and covered parking areas, which are designed to accommodate residents with mobility challenges. The Oaks offers three dining venues, including the Oaks Lodge Main Dining Room, the Oaks Lodge Bistro, and the Oaks Lodge Cafe.
Living at Lakeside
Lakeside is the newer addition to the campus, offering a modern living experience. It features large screened-in lanais in all residences and EV charging stations. Like The Oaks, Lakeside has a 24/7 staffed gatehouse and offers three dining venues: the Lakeside Savor Main Dining Room, the Lakeside Brew Bar, and the Lakeside Social Sports Bar. The variety of dining options is a key differentiator, as it prevents the monotony often associated with single-venue retirement communities. Residents can choose from a variety of menus and meet different residents in different settings.
Financial and Care Planning
Waterman Village offers flexible financial plans that do not force residents to choose a large, non-refundable entrance fee to secure future care discounts. Instead, residents pay a monthly service fee and an initial 'life-lease' fee. This structure is common for communities that offer a full continuum of care, including assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. According to industry consultants, the transfer rate from independent living to assisted living is estimated at 2.8 per 100 residents, and to nursing care at 1.4 per 100 residents, after five years. Having these options on one campus provides peace of mind for residents and their families.
| Feature | The Oaks | Lakeside |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 1989 | 2022 |
| Housing Types | Duplex and Quad-plex homes | Apartments and Duplex homes |
| Dining Venues | 3 (Main Dining, Bistro, Cafe) | 3 (Main Dining, Brew Bar, Sports Bar) |
| Special Features | Short hallways, golf cart access to downtown | Screened lanais, EV charging stations |
Key Takeaways
- Waterman Village is a not-for-profit, multi-level campus in Mount Dora, Florida, offering a full continuum of care.
- The Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 5-star rated, Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility.
- The campus includes two independent living communities: The Oaks (est. 1989) and Lakeside (est. 2022).
- Residents have access to six different dining venues across the two independent living communities.
- The campus also includes assisted living, memory care, home health care, and outpatient therapy clinics.
- Financial plans are flexible, allowing residents to secure future care without large non-refundable entrance fees.
- Mount Dora is ranked as the #1 small town in Florida to retire to by USA TODAY.
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 notes that traditional Medicare with a supplement is often less complex for residents and providers. It is best to consult with the admissions team to verify current plan acceptance.
What is the difference between for-profit and not-for-profit retirement communities?
Not-for-profit communities, like Waterman Village, are organized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Their earnings must stay within the organization to support its mission. For-profit communities are responsible to corporate investors and shareholders, focusing on financial returns. Not-for-profit communities often have a stronger mission-based culture and volunteer boards of directors.
Can residents move between The Oaks and Lakeside?
Yes, The Oaks and Lakeside are connected by a golf cart and pedestrian bridge. Residents can easily move between the two communities to access different activities, dining areas, and social groups. This connectivity is a unique benefit of the Waterman Village campus.
Is there a skilled nursing facility on campus?
Yes, The Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation Center is a skilled nursing facility located on the Waterman Village campus. It provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term nursing care. It is highly rated by Medicare and U.S. News and World Report.
What types of housing are available in independent living?
The Oaks offers duplex and quad-plex homes. Lakeside offers both apartments and duplex homes. All residences are designed with accessibility in mind, including short hallways and proximity to dining and parking areas.
How many dining options are available?
Waterman Village offers six different dining venues between The Oaks and Lakeside. This variety allows residents to choose from different menus and settings, preventing the boredom that can come from eating in the same place every day.
Conclusion
Choosing a retirement community that offers a full continuum of care is a critical decision for long-term security. Waterman Village provides a unique combination of independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing in a single, not-for-profit campus near Orlando. By moving while still independent and active, residents can greatly reduce the need for complex family decisions later in life. To explore the living options and schedule a visit, contact Waterman Village today.