Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Waterman Village accept Medicare Advantage Plans in your nursing home, home health care agency, and physical therapy clinic?
This is a very difficult question to answer. Because Medicare advantage plans frequently change how they do business, we are constantly adding and deleting these plans. We have seen a large number of residents who have them, over time, very much regret having them. Having traditional Medicare and a Medicare supplement are significantly less of a headache/hassle for residents and medical providers. More and more providers are not taking these plans, for many reasons. Read related article here.
Q: What are some of the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit retirement communities?
Not-for-profit communities fall under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. According to the IRS, a 501(c)(3) organization “must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes” and “none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual.” Such entities are usually referred to as “charitable organizations. Prospective residents are attracted to the idea that earnings stay in the organization. Not-for-profit communities are often owned by religious or faith-based groups, or fraternal organizations. This often serves as the foundation for a strong mission-based culture that is attractive to many seniors. Read article on the ‘not-for-profit’ difference. Communities have a volunteer board of directors.
For-profit retirement communities are responsible to corporate investors and/or shareholders who are interested in making money on their investment. For-profits are run from a financial return perspective, as opposed to the mission-in-perpetuity perspective of not-for-profit communities.
Q: Does Waterman Village allow pets?
We do permit residents to have up to two pets. We do have a breed restriction for dogs.
Q: What are some of the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit retirement communities?
For-profit retirement communities are often owned by investor groups or for-profit corporations. They typically have to budget to meet the income goals of investors or corporations. For non-profit retirement communities, having no investor or corporate income demands, any excess of income over expense is put right back into the community. Like Waterman Village, many non-profit retirement communities were initially established as local ministries. Historically, non-profit organizations have higher staffing levels in their care areas, in comparison to for-profit organizations.
Q: Does Waterman Village have an off-site management company?
No. All Waterman Village leadership and management work on site. This allows for better operational decisions for the betterment of residents and staff. WV is the only progressive/multi-level of living type of retirement community like this in Lake, Marion, Sumter, and Volusia Counties.
Q: When was Waterman Village established and by whom?
WV was established in 1989 by Waterman Hospital Tavares, Florida.
Q: I have some difficulty walking. Are the apartment hallways long?
The apartments were especially designed with short hallways and in close proximity to covered parking areas.
Q: Does Waterman Village have annual rate increases? What have they averaged over the years?
Yes. Typically, every October 1st. Over the last 17 years, Waterman Village’s rate increases have average 3%, much lower than industry standard, which is typically in the 5% or higher range.
Q: Why should a person move to Waterman Village while they’re still independent and active?
Because of the numerous living and service areas uniquely available to WV residents, moving to Waterman Village while a person is still independent and active, greatly reduces the need for other family members or friends to have to make often complex and difficult decisions for them as they age. It’s considered a ‘best gift’ to oneself and to one’s children.
Q: Can residents drive their golf carts to downtown Mount Dora?
Yes.
Q: Does Waterman Village have an off-site management company?
No. Waterman Village is the only community in Lake, Marion, Sumter, and Volusia Counties in Florida, that offers independent living, an assisted living residence, and a skilled nursing facility on the same campus, that does not have an ‘off-site’ management company or corporate ownership. Therefore, all management decisions are made ‘right on site’, by leaders and managers right in the middle of the action. This typically results in higher levels of satisfaction for both staff and residents.
Q: The thought of making a move at our ages feels overwhelming. Any tips or suggestions?
You’re not alone. Waterman Village recommends and can provide the names of some reputable Professional Senior Move Managers. They make the moving process smooth and easy. Contact us for more details.
Q: What if a resident living at Waterman Village requires IN HOME care?
For continuity and quality of care, Waterman Village has an extensive accredited, Medicare certified, home health care agency right on its campus.
Q: I require regular physical therapy for neuropathy, lymphedema, and back issues. Can Waterman Village offer these services?
Waterman Village has a state of the art physical, occupational, and speech therapy clinic right on its campus. Most insurance are accepted. See our Outpatient Therapy web page for more details.
Q: The thought of making a move at our ages feels overwhelming. Any tips or suggestions?
You’re not alone. Waterman Village recommends and can provide the names of some reputable Professional Senior Move Managers. They make the moving process smooth and easy. Contact us for more details.
Q: How does Waterman Village’s independent living activity program compare to other retirement communities?
Based on visitor feedback, Waterman Village has the most comprehensive activity and wellness program of any multi-level/progressive living type of retirement community in the Orlando/Central Florida area.
Q: If I live in one of your duplex homes, and no longer drive, how can I get to your six dining venues or to an on-campus activity or event?
Complimentary golf cart transportation is available 24/7by just calling our security department.
Q: Is covered parking available for independent living?
Yes. All independent living residences offer covered parking at no additional fee.
Q: Are there waiting lists?
The majority of floor plans do have waiting lists. Call for the latest information.
Q: How close by are physician, dental, and physical therapy services?
Very close. Many health care services are available right on, just adjacent do, or within a few miles of the Waterman Village campus. The location is ideal.
Q: Do the independent living residences have screened in rooms or screened in lanais?
All apartments do, but not all of the duplex or quadplex homes.
Q: What types of ‘buy in fee’ programs does Waterman Village offer?
There are several to choose from, including our rare $40,000 plan for our Villa homes on our OAKS community side. Very rare for a progressive living type of community in the state of Florida.
Q: What makes Mount Dora, FL, special or unique in comparison to other retirement community towns?
It’s the ideal retirement community town. USA TODAY once ranged it as the #1 small town in Florida and #4 in the nation retire to. Considered the ‘New England of the South, Mount Dora is a great place where residents can entertain themselves, as well as their guests and visitors. Its proximity to medical facilities, health services, shopping, financial services, restaurants, and recreational opportunities are second to none in Florida.
Q: Who owns Waterman Village?
Waterman Village is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation. There are no owners of Waterman Village. There are stakeholders such as bondholders, board members, employees, and residents.
Q: Does a person have to turn over all their assets to live at Waterman Village?
No.
Q: Does a person have to obtain a complete physical in order to independent living?
No
Q: Can a person move directly from their own home right into one of your care facility areas? Or do they first have to have lived in an independent living residence at WV first?
Existing residents receive first priority into all care areas. If a residence becomes available in a care area, and there are no independent living residents in need of it, we will take non-Waterman Village residents.
Q: Does Waterman Village have one main dining room for all its independent living residents?
No. Refreshingly, Waterman Village offers 6 different dining venues for independent living residents.
Q: What type of transportation services does Waterman Village provide?
24/7 complimentary on campus transportation and complimentary transportation to shopping and medical appointments (local) off campus. We have a large bus, a medium bus, and several transportation vans.
Q: What happens if a resident runs out of money due to no fault of their own?
Ask us about our ‘home for life’ intention.
Q: Does Waterman Village offer gated and campus security?
Waterman Village has 4 security staff on duty at all times. We are located just one mile from the Mount Dora Police and EMS departments. Both entrances to Lakeside and The Oaks are gated and staffed 24/7.
Q: Some communities we’ve visited require a large entry fee that we completely lose after we’ve lived there a few years, in order to receive a reduced rate in the community’s nursing home if needed? Is that a smart plan for most people?
For 90% of people that’s not a wise plan financially, because only a small percentage of independent living residents will ever require the community’s on campus nursing home long-term.
Q: Can a person get on a wait list now, even if they are not ready to move?
Yes. There are over 300 people on our wait list. That being said, we occasionally have a Villa or two on the Oaks side, that become available, and there isn’t anyone on our WINGS wait list who are able to reserve the Villa at that time. So, at times, it’s possible to be able to move into a Villa duplex home within a few months. If you’d like to see what the application forms look like, we can email them to you.
