Frequently Asked Questions
about Oak Hammock

Q.     What type of community is Oak Hammock?

A.     Oak Hammock is a university-related Life Fulfilling Community® (LFC) for adults age 55 and older. The LFC has evolved from the “continuing care retirement community” concept into a more forward-thinking, advanced approach for the older adult lifestyle. Oak Hammock  provides far more options and choices than its more traditional counterpart . . . and creates an environment for lifelong learning, optimum health and fitness, creativity and personal growth. In addition to an upscale lifestyle and an impressive range of amenities, Oak Hammock also offers a comprehensive Life Care program that significantly reduces the costs of long-term care to its members.

Q.     Oak Hammock  is sponsored by the University of Florida. What exactly does that mean?

A.     Oak Hammock, while not owned by the university, is fully and directly integrated with UF through a series of affiliation agreements with various colleges within the university. This means that community members have campus privileges similar to those of university faculty and alumni – including access to libraries, athletic facilities and cultural activities. They also have the opportunity to interact with, mentor and advise UF students, many of whom work part-time for Oak Hammock.

Q.     Why did UF choose to sponsor a community like Oak Hammock?

A.     As one of the nation's top public universities, the University of Florida is a center of excellence in many areas – medical and healthcare education, technology, science and the arts. UF has also been recognized nationally for its relationship with Shands Hospital, which is located on campus. So, there is a logical tie-in for UF to sponsor this new Life Fulfilling Community for older adults. In addition, extensive independent market research, consultation and study revealed that being affiliated with a “retirement” community is a good proposition for the university in terms of both business and academics.

Q.     How does UF benefit by sponsoring Oak Hammock?

A.     Benefits to the university  include affiliation agreements with colleges and schools to provide internships and direct field experience for students, as well as exchange opportunities in the areas of nursing, medicine, health and human performance, and many others. UF students are an integral part of the community through coursework, employment and volunteer efforts. Also, UF benefits from both the national and international publicity it has received as Oak Hammock’s sponsor.

• The College of Health & Human Performance manages our 22,000 square foot fitness center.
• The College of Public Health and Health Professions runs our on-site Rehab clinic which offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
• The College of Dentistry operates our on-site Dental suite.
• The College of Veterinary Medicine runs our on-site vet clinic.
• The College of Nursing runs our on-site Health Clinic.
• The Oak Hammock Medical Director is from  the University of Florida, Shands Hospital and is a Gerontological Specialist.  

Q.     Oak Hammock is  a not-for-profit corporation? Why is that important?

A.     Yes, Oak Hammock is a not-for-profit corporation with a volunteer Board of Directors, that is responsible for ensuring the success of the community and its mission. Our current Board of Directors appointed by the University of Florida includes the Dean of the College of Nursing, the Dean of Public Health and Health Professions and the President of the University of Florida, Dr. Bernard Machen. As a not-for-profit community, Oak Hammock is able to access tax-exempt financing, which ultimately lowers the cost of the community to its members. Also, as a not-for-profit corporation, Oak Hammock is operated exclusively for the benefit and use of the members who are going to live here (no profits or distributions).

Q.     Who is developing this community?

A.     UF selected PRAXEIS (LLC) located in Jacksonville, Florida, to develop Oak Hammock. The creator of the Life Fulfilling Community®, PRAXEIS has decades of collective experience in the senior-living industry – including financing, developing, marketing and managing communities. 

Q.     Who owns the property?

A.     The Oak Hammock not-for-profit corporation is the owner of all buildings and land.

Q.     What is the origin of the name?

A.     Oak Hammock is a term used to describe a specific habitat made up of diverse vegetation, specifically in North Florida, a higher, dryer area with large live oaks and other trees.

Q.     Do members have to be alumni of UF?

A.     No, only 50% of Oak Hammock members have any affiliation with UF.

Q.     Is there an age requirement to join?

A.     You are eligible to become a member if you are age 55 or above by the time of your move to Oak Hammock, although a spouse or second occupant may be younger.
 
Q.     Are there any other requirements for membership?

A.     Yes. Oak Hammock is designed for people who are active and independent at the time they reserve their home, so a health screening is required. Financial assessments are also conducted to make sure that members have the resources to remain financially independent. Ask the marketing department for details.

Q.     What type of homes are available at Oak Hammock; and what are their sizes?

A.     Oak Hammock offers two types of apartment residences: atrium apartments, which have access to an open air courtyard, as well as traditional apartments, which open into an enclosed hallway. The apartments range in size from a studio, to a 3 bedroom/2 bath unit. Oak Hammock also offers members the option of free-standing club homes, and villas which range from a 2 bedroom, den/2 bath to a 3 bedroom, den/2 bath home. Apartments include covered parking for one car, and the homes include an attached two-car garage. We have a total of 269 residences and almost 400 members.

Q.     What amenities are offered?

A.     Oak Hammock offers more than 70,000 square feet of venues for dining, wellness, performing and creative arts, learning and socializing. The Commons area  includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, heated pools, library, business/computer center, auditorium , gift shop, bank,  a full service and lounge – as well as options for formal, casual and take-out dining.  Site amenities include tennis courts, walking trails, dog park and large wood working shop, and parking for boats and R.V’s.

Q.     Are  pets be allowed?

A.     Yes. Life Fulfilling Communities are pet-friendly. We also have onsite a new Vet clinic sponsored by the College of Veterinary Medicine at UF.

Q.     What fees are members having to pay?

A.     Communities like Oak Hammock – which provide lifetime residences and healthcare – require an entrance fee and ongoing monthly fee for services and amenities. The entrance fee ensures that we will be able to provide our members with top-quality services and amenities. A portion of the entrance fee includes a pre-funded component for healthcare services – very much like a long-term care insurance policy. The entrance fee and the monthly fee increase as your square footage per unit increases.

Q.     What portion of dining is included in monthly fee –  and how can that portion be allocated?

A.     A portion of your monthly fee is set aside in a flexible dining account. The amount of your flexible dining account can be used in any of our 3 dining venues. Your flexible dining account may be used not only for yourself, but also for your guests, catering, room service, take out, and for special occasions. In the event you do not use your allocated amount during the month, you may accrue it to the next month. This, however, applies only to two months. If you use more than the allocated amount, you will simply be billed for the difference. Keep in mind – tipping is not allowed. A 25% surcharge is added for guest meals only. Currently the Dining Account credit is $181 per person, which is included in your monthly fee.

Q.     Is a portion of  my entrance fee considered a medical prepaid tax deduction?

A.     Yes. Since Oak Hammock is a Life Care contract, it is the most comprehensive long-term care policy on the market. A portion of your entry fee can be used as a one-time prepaid medical tax deduction. The amount of the deduction is determined each year by the IRS, and differs between couples and singles. Our members are updated yearly by Oak Hammock on this amount.

Q.     What types of healthcare are offered?

A.     The central focus of Life Fulfilling Communities® like Oak Hammock is the promotion of health and well-being through holistic, preventive and treatment-oriented programs. However, should members need healthcare services, we offer a full continuum – including all-private accommodations in assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and memory support. Short of acute hospital care, everything members may need is conveniently located right in the community.

Q.     What exactly is “Life Care”?

A.     Essentially, a Life Care plan ensures that community members have on-site access to a continuum of healthcare services. Oak Hammock offers a “Type A” Life Care program that includes a complete package of services: dining, housekeeping, transportation, maintenance, 24-hour emergency response, and educational/recreational amenities – plus guaranteed access to unlimited care in private accommodations in assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing at a considerable discount to the market rate. Oak Hammock is the only community in the Gainesville area to offer such a value.

Q.     Does the fee structure for Oak Hammock include a long-term care insurance policy?

A.     Part of the essence of Oak Hammock is a concept called Life Care. The Oak Hammock Life Care contract assures the member unlimited access to a private room in assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory support – should they ever need it. Therefore, a long-term care insurance policy for Oak Hammock members is not necessary, although some members choose to keep theirs depending on the cost.

Q:     What if I outlive my assets?

A:     As a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit community, the Board of Directors is committed, through fundraising and other means, to the corporate value that members will never have to leave Oak Hammock if their financial position becomes insufficient through no fault of their own. This special provision makes Oak Hammock unique, family-focused and value-driven.

Q:     Is it true that people live longer and healthier lives in communities like Oak Hammock?

A:     Yes! Research has documented that maintaining an active social life, and quick access to healthcare can increase longevity even if you cannot exercise. At Oak Hammock, we are creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to remain as productive and independent as possible regardless of physical declines or health setbacks.

Q:     I have heard Oak Hammock  referred to as a “CCRC”. What does that mean?

A:     CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) is a term used to describe a planned residential community offering several levels of healthcare services in addition to housing options, social and recreational services. At Oak Hammock, we offer a full continuum of health services to include all-private suites in assisted living, skilled nursing and memory support, private skilled long-term care rooms and rehabilitation services. Most CCRCs also require an entrance fee and ongoing monthly fee for services, amenities and provide access to various types of care on either an a la carte, discounted or a pre-paid fee basis. Oak Hammock also provides a full array of social, educational and recreational services with an emphasis on promoting your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Q:     How is the need for additional levels of healthcare determined?

A:     Our Medical Director, and Health Pavilion team, will determine the need for additional levels of care using professional assessment procedures. This decision is made only after full consideration of your needs and safety – and in consultation with you, your physician and your family.

Q:     Is the monthly fee subject to change?

A:     The monthly fee will be reviewed and adjusted annually to cover inflation or increased costs. This is necessary to ensure that nothing short of the highest quality social, health, and recreational programs are available. Oak Hammock  operates on a not-for-profit basis for the sole benefit of the community. The Board’s commitment is to build and sustain reasonable financial reserves – as well as to manage and control operating costs consistent with the provision of high quality services and care. They always strive to be good stewards of the funds provided by our members. The Florida Continuing Care Retirement Community annual increase is 5%.

Q:     If an illness or accident required that I transfer to the Health Pavilion, would my original residence be resold?

A:     Hopefully, any stay in the Health Pavilion will be temporary. Only after careful consultations with you, your family and medical professionals would you be asked to relinquish your residential home and become a resident in the Health Pavilion. However, if after you move, your condition improves to the point you can again live independently, the next available residence will be offered to you.

Q:     I don’t like surprises! What ancillary services are not included in the monthly fee?

A:     Optional services such as physical therapy, podiatry, occupational or speech therapy, rehabilitative treatments and equipment, ambulance services, pharmacy or laboratory tests, companion services, bandages and dressings, etc. will result in additional charges. Some of these services will be billed directly by the professional providing the service and may be covered by Medicare or supplemental insurance. There are separate fees for the beauty and barber shop, the dental suite, private massage and spa services available onsite. Members are required to have a Medi-gap or supplemental insurance policy.

Q.     Is transportation provided to OH members, free of charge?

A.     Yes. Oak Hammock provides transportation to various activities. There is a monthly printed schedule for transportation to offsite amenities such as grocery stores, libraries, campus visits, sporting events, cultural events and shopping malls. You will not be charged for this type of transportation. Personal scheduled transportation will also be provided for a $10 per trip fee.  

Q.     Will I need to secure a homeowners insurance policy on my home at Oak Hammock

A.     No. Because your home is owned by Oak Hammock. Oak Hammock is responsible for all insurance on the property. However, Oak Hammock members are responsible for obtaining their own personal property insurance policy, most commonly known as “renters insurance” or “contents insurance.”

Q.     Has Oak Hammock started a Wait List?

A.     Yes. The cost is $1,500, refundable for any reason. This allows you to choose 2 floor plans and to choose when you might be ready to actually move. Please see our web site at: www.oakhammock.org/waitinglist

Q.     Where can people get more information?

A.     Oak Hammock  information center is located at:

      Oak Hammock at the University of Florida
      5100 SW 25th Blvd
      Gainesville, Fl.  32608

     Phone: 888-311-6483
     Web site: www.oakhammock.org

We also hold monthly information sessions. Call for these dates or check our web-site, under “Events” – then “Marketing Events”.

We also hold bi-monthly information sessions. Call for these dates or check our web-site, under “About Oak Hammock” – then “Marketing Events”.