The Oaks Retirement Community at Waterman Village. Waterman Village’s flagship community since 1989.

The Oaks is Waterman Village’s ‘flagship’ retirement community that was founded in 1989. Independent living ranch, duplex, and quad-plex homes grace the beautiful tree-lined streets in the The Oaks neighborhood. It truly looks and feels like a ‘neighborhood’ with no two homes exactly alike.

At The Oaks, all 260 independent living residences are one story ranch, duplex, or quad-plex homes with either an enclosed garage or covered carport. You just pull right up to your front door. Each residence has at least two bedroom and two baths.  Floor plans and styles are below. It’s a beautiful established, tree-lined campus that will remind you of the Midwest or New England states.

When you inquire or visit, you’ll enjoy a calm, friendly, NO pressure environment. We frequently hear from visitors to Waterman Village express to us about the high/uncomfortable level of pressure they experienced when visiting other area retirement communities.  They always say how refreshing it is to work with Waterman Village.  We place zero pressure on our retirement living counselors.  We strive to live by the ‘Golden Rule’ in all we do.

The Oaks has a gatehouse that is staffed 24/7

“Any nursing home located on a life-plan, continuing care, progressive living or retirement community campus should be MEDICARE 5 STAR rated. CLICK HERE for local nursing home ratings” *

As mentioned below, the vast majority of residents who live in a retirement community’s independent living section, who will require nursing home care in the retirement community’s nursing home section, require it only on a short-term basis, such as after a hospital stay. It’s vital to make sure the nursing home on the campus is MEDICARE 5 STAR rated. You can click on the CLICK HERE words above, for the current ratings of those nursing care facilities in the Mount Dora/NE Lake County area.

“Moving to Waterman Village while STILL independent and active, really is the best plan a person can make to REMAIN that way as long as possible throughout life. CLICK HERE to learn why” *

Waterman Village is often referred to as Florida’s TOTAL retirement community, because of all the facilities and services that are available right on or adjacent to the Waterman Village campus. We offer ALL four levels of living: independent living homes and apartments, an assisted living facility, an assisted living memory support house, and a Medicare 5-Star rated skilled nursing and rehabilitation center. We also operate our own home health care agency and outpatient physical therapy clinic. 

The highly rated Advent Health – Waterman hospital is just a few minutes away. CLICK HERE for local hospital ratings.

We are one of the few remaining local, community based, on-site managed and operated, not-for-profit retirement living community organizations with a faith-based tradition in the state of Florida, and the only one in the Lake, Sumter, Marion County areas, that offers independent living, an assisted living residence, a memory support residence, and a skilled nursing center all on one campus.  At Waterman Village, our Board of Directors and administration have always been guided by the virtues of faith, hope, and love since we were first developed by Waterman Hospital in the 1980’s. It’s mission over margin.

“Moving to a community that requires an entry fee that is non-refundable immediately or after a few years of residency, results in a large loss of money for most all who do it” *

At The Oaks, some residences require an entry/life-lease fee and some don’t.  If an Oaks resident does pay an entry/life-lease fee, they are eligible to receive 85% back of their original entry/life-lease fee that they paid, no matter how many years they live in their Oaks independent living residence.  This is unique in Florida for a community that offers all four levels of living on one campus. Not only does this help most residents save money, just as importantly, it helps them avoid a feeling of ‘being trapped’. Because, if they move to Waterman Village and desire/need to move out, and this does happen, they will still receive the bulk of their original entry/life-lease fee that they paid, back.  Unlike some retirement communities where after you live there only a few years, there is a much lower percentage refund back, or, there is no refund back at all if one desires to move out or passes away. This is a very important factor to consider before you choose a retirement community for yourself or loved one.

“Mount Dora was ranked the #1 small town in Florida, and #4 in the nation, to retire to by USA TODAY. All things considered; I haven’t come across a better town for a retirement community to be located in” *

Some retirement communities require large entry fees that are mostly or completely non-refundable after just a few years of residency, by offering a discounted rate in the community’s on-campus nursing home if it’s ever needed.  For the vast majority of people, statistics show this is not a wise financial decision.  Why? 

• Nearly all of Waterman Village’s independent living residents who require services in Waterman Village’s on-site nursing home, require it only on a ‘short-term’ basis.  And, these short-term stays are often already covered by their Medicare and/or insurance plans. 
• Less than 10% of Waterman Village’s independent living residents have required Waterman Village’s nursing home on a long-term basis.

Activities

Whether it’s singing in the Waterman Village Chapel Choir, volunteering on campus, or learning the sport of lawn bowling, there is always a lot going on at The Oaks retirement community. Scroll down for a few pictures showing our residents staying mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually fit.  

We have SIX FULL TIME STAFF members just in the independent living activity and wellness departments.  Compare that level of independent living activity staffing with any continuing care, life plan, progressive living or other retirement community in the state of Florida.  Hard to top.

To see this month’s activity calendar for independent living, CLICK HERE

For a general list of some of the regular activities, CLICK HERE.

“Waterman Village employs the most independent living activity & wellness staff of any retirement community I know of or have worked in. This leads to a much more robust activity calendar, in comparison to most all other retirement communities” *

Waterman Village is the ideal type of community for those who already have long-term care insurance

Amenities and Services

• Art studio
• Three dining venues to choose from
• Lawn bowling courts
• Podiatry services
• Nature trail
• Outdoor pool and spa
• Fitness center with complimentary trainer
• Woodworking shop
• Full-service real estate agency on-site
• Outpatient therapy clinic (PT, OT, Speech)
• Walking/golf cart access to two full service dental offices
• Walking/golf cart access to two physician clinics
• Pain management physician on campus
• Shuffleboard courts
• Library
• Brain Wellness Academy for Seniors
• Chapel (Chapel Fellowship Congregation)
• Gift shop
• Card room
• Resident business center
• Numerous resident and support groups
• Complimentary on campus transportation
• Complimentary local transportation
• Complimentary medical appointment transportation to Leesburg and surrounding areas
• Golf Membership to the C.C. of Mount Dora
• Priority access to the Edgewater health & rehab. center
• Priority access to the Bridgewater assisted living facility
• Priority access to the Springwater memory support house
• Waterman Home Health Care agency on site
• 24/7 security/staffed gate house

Waterman Village has not asked a resident to leave if they’ve become unable to pay their monthly service fee due to no fault of their own.  It’s our home for life intention.

Resident Comments

“We researched & visited several retirement communities.  We moved from Summerfield to ‘The Oaks’ Retirement Community at Waterman Village in Mount Dora.  We wanted a community that offered all three levels of living: independent, assisted, and a Medicare 5-Star rated nursing and rehabilitation center. We wanted a community that refunded back the majority of the entry fee, regardless of how many years we lived there.  We wanted a location with a small town feel, yet one that was still close to everything we needed as we aged.  We wanted to live close to a top rated hospital and closer to MCO airport.  And, we wanted a community that was part of an organization with stable leadership and had a strong history and track record”. Waterman Village met our criteria”. 

– Jack and Carol (moved from Summerfied)

“We did much online research and physical looking at retirement communities. We had lived in Orlando for 21 years and enjoyed spending time in Mount Dora. We both had lived in small towns in Pennsylvania, and we came to love the atmosphere of Mount Dora.  We wanted to make a move while we’re still young and able to live independently.  The activities here are many and suit us well. We have no children or family so we feel very comfortable knowing progressive care is available should one of us need it.  The community is top notch in all departments. After living here for two years, the residents are like family.” 

– Jack & Valerie (moved from Orlando)

“We recently moved into Waterman Village after a 2-year wait, and it has already been well worth the wait! We searched for over a year; and after visiting many places, we decided on Waterman as our future permanent home. What brought us here is the friendliness of the staff, the tree-lined neighborhood atmosphere, the professionally-run community, the many amenities, and the fact that we can get part of the entrance fee back. So happy we chose Waterman! Thank you Lord and thank you Waterman Village”.

– Richard and Jean (moved from Palm Coast)

“We were living in a 55+ community just outside Leesburg. The more we talked about it, the more we liked the idea of a simpler life, a maintenance-free home, having care nearby if needed, the ability to travel with greater ease, and peace of mind for our children. And so our search began, and we prayed for guidance.“The more we looked, the more Waterman felt like home to us. Parking was important, as was the house – both seemed to suit our needs. And of course,Mount Dora was a draw as well. Our children are scattered across the country. They were surprised, supportive and delighted for us when they learned of our decision to make ‘the big move.’“We’re going into our third month, loving our home, our front porch, and our neighbors. Our grateful prayer goes on…Bless you, Waterman Village…Thank you, God!

– Ron and Susan (moved from Leesburg)

We have access to Senior Move Managers from across the U.S., who can help make your downsizing and moving process to Waterman Village a smooth one

Culinary Services

The Oaks Lodge Café

Located in the Lodge, the Waterman Village Café offers breakfast, homemade soups, sandwiches, entrees, salads, daily specials and weekly cookouts. Residents can purchase a loaf of bread, juice, milk, etc.  There’s also a quick ‘grab and go’ section. You can either dine in or take out.

The Oaks Lodge Dining Room

The Lodge Dining Room. Open for lunch and dinner. Try one of our two home made soups, made fresh daily! You can select from a wide variety of entrees and side items each day. There is a fresh fruit and salad bar with a nice selection of fruits, vegetables, and salads. And, make sure to save room for our ‘world renowned’ 14 foot dessert area, with most of the desserts being made in-house, by our wonderful baker Lori, who has been a Waterman staff member for close to 15 years.

• The Oaks Lodge Dining Room and Cafe current weekly menu CLICK HERE

The Oaks Lodge ‘Bistro’

The intimate Five-Star Bistro is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner, and Wednesday through Friday for lunch. The Bistro offers an elegant ambiance, with selections for a more sophisticated palette. Enjoy some twin lobster tails, grilled salmon, filet of premium beef. ‘In-the-Wings’ club members (those on our waiting list), are entitled to eat in the Bistro by advanced reservation. At one time, it was considered one of the top restaurants in Mount Dora, when it was open to the public.

Prefer not to drive or walk to one of the dining venues? Just call us and we’ll pick you up at your front door and return you back to your front door.  Meal delivery service is also available for a nominal charge, and meal pick ups are also available.

• Bistro Luncheon Menu: CLICK HERE     
• Bistro Dinner menu: CLICK HERE 

 

Floor Plans

Click Here for an overview of Villa and Manor floor plans

Video of a Captiva style Villa

Video of a Sabal style Villa with a lanai (or den)

Video of a Key West style Villa

Video of a Sanibel style Villa with a den

Video of a Glenwood style Manor Home

• PLEASE NOTE – Some of the Manor Videos need updating.  All new Manor Home residents receive dining dollars as part of their monthly service fee.

Video of a Brentwood II style Manor Home

Video of a Wedgewood style Manor Home 

We can help you locate new health care providers if needed. You can walk or golf cart to two primary care practices, two dental offices, a dermatologist office and a pain management Doctor. There are other specialists within a mile or two. 

Wait list times vary depending on the residence type desired.  Therefore, we encourage people to plan ahead and place their name on our In-The-Wings-Club wait list, even if they are not ready to move right now. The Independent Living Information Center is open M-F from 8-4:30, and evenings & weekends by appointment.  It’s located at 150 Waterman Avenue, Mount Dora, FL, 32757

To request more information about The Oaks, we can email you an e-brochure link or mail you an information folder.

You can phone Cheryl (pictured at right) at: (352) 385-1120, or email info@watermanvillage.com    Cheryl has been with Waterman Village for over 10 years and is always loved by those inquiring about Waterman Village.

Or, you can fill out our information request form.  We can also set up a live online video call with you (and your family/parents) via SKYPE.  It’s very easy and there’s nothing to download.

“If someone was searching for a continuing care (CCRC), life-plan, progressive living, or any retirement community, I’d strongly recommend they choose one that’s at least 10-15 years old or older.  The operational challenges of starting/opening a new community are extremely difficult, therefore, resident satisfaction is typically much lower at newer communities” *

*  comments by Jeff Baset. Jeff has worked in the aging services/senior/retirement living field for close to 40 years, in continuing-care, life-plan, progressive, independent, assisted, and memory care facilities. He’s worked as Executive Director and Administrator. He’s been a Gerontologist since 1988 and was a State Licensed Nursing Home Administrator for 25 years.