A growing community of older adults live in Iowa’s state capital of Des Moines. Over 12% of the city’s estimated 215,000 residents are seniors aged 65 and over. Des Moines is home to many medical facilities that may benefit its older population, including the UnityPoint Health and Mercy One hospitals. According to data from Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly price for a semiprivate nursing home room in Des Moines is $7,148, which is $608 per month lower than the U.S. average.
Skilled nursing facilities provide both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care for seniors who need 24/7 supervision, medical services and help with daily living tasks. Because of the around-the-clock medical care provided, nursing homes cost a lot more than other types of senior care. Depending on circumstances and specific needs, older adults may delay transitioning to a nursing home by first looking at more affordable options, such as home care services and assisted living communities.
In this guide, we discuss the cost of nursing home care in Des Moines and compare it with prices in nearby cities and other types of care. We’ve also included a list of helpful programs available to seniors in the city.