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Ramsey Village
1611 27th St., Des Moines, IA 50301
"I'm in Ramsey Village. They have really good food. I'm in full care, and I've been here for over three weeks now. Some...
Assisted LivingContinuing Care Communities+3
$3,360
Assisted Living Communities in Des Moines, IA
Serving as the capital city of Iowa, Des Moines sits in Polk County, where the Des Moines and...
Raccoon Rivers meet. In this region, prospective assisted living residents choose from 53 facilities, including 53 within the city proper. As of 2024, these facilities charge a median monthly rate of $6,713, compared to the state norm of $5,200.
Discover 545 reviews reviews of the assisted living facilities across the Des Moines region in our comprehensive directory below. On average, these facilities earn 4.0 out of 5 stars out of five stars.
53 Providers
Edencrest at Beaverdale
3410 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
"Edencrest at Beaverdale was the most expensive place I visited. We had a local storm, and one of the interesting aspect...
Assisted LivingMemory Care
$5,100
Edencrest at Riverwoods
2210 E Park Ave, Des Moines, IA 50320
"My mom is a resident of Edencrest at Riverwoods. The staff members are good. They serve their lunches and suppers, and...
Assisted LivingMemory Care
$2,900
Caring Stars Winner
Bickford of Urbandale
5915 Sutton Place, Urbandale, IA 50322
"While in Iowa, we stopped in on the spur of the moment to see the Bickford of Urbandale while searching for an assisted...
Assisted LivingMemory Care
$4,563
Edencrest at Green Meadows
6750 Corporate Dr, Johnston, IA 50131
"Edencrest at Green Meadows is really nice and I am very impressed. Mom's room is brand new so it is very nice and they...
Assisted LivingMemory Care
$5,200
Edencrest at the Legacy
2901 Cedar St, Norwalk, IA 50211
"We were so afraid to put my mother in a facility like this she has dementia but the staff has been amazing to me my...
Assisted LivingMemory Care
$4,000
Edencrest at Pleasant Hill
6151 Martha Miller Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
"I toured Edencrest at Pleasant Hill. It's new, and the administrator who took me on the tour seemed like she knew what...
Assisted LivingIndependent Living+1
$4,300
Holland Farms Senior Living
2800 Sunset Drive, Norwalk, IA 50211
"Holland Farms Senior Living was nice. It was almost brand-new. It was only there for two years or so. The staff members...
Assisted LivingIndependent Living+1
$3,995
Promotion!
Edencrest at Siena Hills
455 SW Ankeny Rd, Ankeny, IA 50023
"My father moved into Edencrest at Siena Hills, and we're very happy with it. The staff is very caring. They have trivia...
Assisted LivingMemory Care
$5,300
Caring Stars Winner
Bickford of West Des Moines
5050 Hawthorne Dr., West Des Moines, IA 50265
"The interior decorating at the common areas of Bickford of West Des Moines was very nice. The memory care's billing...
Assisted LivingMemory Care
$4,563
Edencrest at Tuscany
1600 8th St SE, Altoona, IA 50009
"We toured Edencrest at Tuscany for my in-laws. Our overall experience was just what we expected. We met with Kevin, and...
Assisted LivingIndependent Living+1
$4,300
Caring Stars Winner
Woodlands Creek Senior Living
12675 Woodlands Pkwy, Clive, IA 50325
"Excellent, caring, kind. We always felt that Ralph was in a lovely, safe environment surrounded by people who cared. "
Assisted LivingIndependent Living+1
$5,900
Caring Stars Winner
Independence Village of Ankeny
1275 SW State Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
"We moved my mom here a month ago and I can't say enough wonderful things about Independence Village! I was so worried...
Assisted LivingMemory Care
$5,319
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
525 S 60th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266
"We like MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek. It was well-appointed and bright, and the atmosphere...
Assisted LivingMemory Care
$5,425
Edencrest at Timberline
14001 Douglas Pkwy, Urbandale, IA 50323
Edencrest at Timberline, located at 14001 Douglas Parkway in Urbandale, Iowa, offers a comprehensive range of senior...
Assisted LivingIndependent Living+1
$4,400
Rock Creek Senior Living
3602 NW 5th Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
"We went to Rock Creek Senior Living twice and we had a wonderful experience visiting it. The staff was very helpful...
Assisted LivingMemory Care
$3,615
Caring Stars Winner
Independence Village Of Waukee
1650 SE Holiday Crest Circle, Waukee, IA 50263
"Excellent facilities...many activities for residents...friendly and helpful staff...warm and friendly atmosphere...lots...
Assisted LivingIndependent Living+2
$6,542
Edencrest Kettlestone
805 SE Tallgrass Ln, Waukee, IA 50263
"I like that everything is very modern and up to date at Edencrest Kettlestone. The staff is very good. My dad says the...
Assisted LivingIndependent Living+1
$4,700
Edencrest at Adel
621 302nd Place, Adel, IA 50003
Edencrest at Adel is a vibrant senior living community located at 621 302nd Place in the welcoming town of Adel, Iowa...
Assisted LivingIndependent Living+1
$4,400
Perry Lutheran Homes - Spring Valley Campus
501 12th St, Perry, IA 50220
"I toured Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley Campus. It looked like a nice and clean facility. I wasn't as familiar with...
Assisted LivingIndependent Living
$2,599
Reviews of Communities Nearby
Assisted Living
Cheryl
4.0
Review of Valley View Village
I like Valley View Village very much. I'm looking for assisted living for both of my parents, and so I need a two-bedroom unit, but they don't have anything available. Nevertheless, the staff...
Assisted Living
Marlyn
4.0
Review of Valley View Village
I stayed at Valley View Village. I liked that they had mechanical soft food for people that have trouble choking on their food. There were smaller apartments for people that want a cheaper place....
Assisted Living
Crystal
1.0
Review of Addington Place of Des Moines
AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Extremely short staffed. Memory care patients are neglected. Residents are fed horrible food and KOOL AID as drinks. (Plenty of proof of above claims). My grandma was left to...
What you can do with Caring
The Cost of Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA and Nearby Cities
According to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the monthly expenditure for assisted living in Des Moines comes to around $6,713. This amount exceeds the state median by about $1,500 and surpasses typical fees in surrounding cities. For example, respective care costs in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City trend lower at $4,770 and $4,876, while assisted living facilities in Waterloo charge around $4,163.
Des Moines
$6,713
Iowa
$5,200
United States
$5,350
Ames
$5,950
Waterloo
$4,163
Cedar Rapids
$4,770
Iowa City
$4,876
Paying for Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Des Moines
Seniors in the Des Moines area can have the cost of their assisted living accommodation subsidized by the Medicaid program. Medicaid waivers are also available for individuals who require long-term care that they are unable to pay for themselves.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Iowa page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page.
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA
As of 2023, assisted living in Des Moines costs 4.75% below the national average at $4,252. However, inflation impacts typical prices, with a projected 16.5% increase (from $3,881 to $4,579) between 2022 and 2024. Data indicates nearby Urbandale and Bondurant will see similar price hikes.
Assisted living in Ankeny is also set to increase by 16.5% from $4,675 in 2022 to $5,516 in 2024. Inflation projections for all three cities are significantly higher than the predicted 4.8% for Iowa.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $3,881 | $4,252 | $4,579 |
| U.S. Average | $4,070 | $4,459 | $4,802 |
| Iowa | $4,770 | $4,879 | $5,006 |
| Ankeny | $4,675 | $5,122 | $5,516 |
| Urbandale | $3,881 | $4,252 | $4,579 |
| Bondurant | $3,881 | $4,252 | $4,579 |
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living in Des Moines, IA
Seniors in Des Moines pay around $6,713 per month for assisted living services, with rates exceeding private alternatives but costing less than nursing home care. In-home care costs about $6,006, while home health care fees come to roughly $6,292. On the other hand, semi-private accommodations in nursing homes cost around $8,669.
In-Home Care
$6,006
Home Health Care
$6,292
Assisted Living Facility
$6,713
Nursing Home Facility (semi-private room)
$8,669
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Des Moines,IA
There are many resources in Des Moines,IA that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
For information about statewide resources and those in nearby cities, go to Caring's Iowa state page.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Aging Resources of Central Iowa | 800-747-5352 | Across Iowa, six Area Agencies on Aging provide supportive services for older adults to improve their overall quality of life. These agencies can connect seniors with local transportation services, nutritional programs, community support groups and other local aid. Additionally, low-income seniors can benefit from a variety of cost-saving programs, including home weatherization, heating and cooling bill support and help paying for medical care. AAAs also advocate for senior wellness by intervening in suspected cases of Medicare fraud or abuse. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Des Moines seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Caring Hands Eastview Food Pantry | 515-809-2356 | Food pantries distribute basic food items to seniors and low-income individuals, such as canned goods, rice, pasta, and other staples. These pantries are located throughout Iowa and have their own eligibility criteria. |
| River Place Food Pantry | 515-286-3434 | The Des Moines Area Religious Council operates two food pantries in Polk County, providing reliable access to nutritious food for seniors in the community. These pantries offer pre-packaged parcels and mobile delivery services, ensuring that seniors receive the nourishment they need right at their doorstep. Eligibility is determined based on income and household size, and participants can receive a monthly supply of food and non-food items that will last them for three days. With the support of dedicated volunteers and faith communities, DMARC effectively addresses food insecurity among older adults in Polk County. |
| Wesley Life Meals on Wheels | 515-699-3243 | Wesley Life Meals on Wheels provides a valuable service to seniors aged 60 and above in Des Moines, IA, who face challenges in shopping for and cooking their own meals. Our dedicated volunteers deliver freshly prepared, hot meals from Monday to Friday, between 10:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. These meals are carefully crafted with nutritious, low-sodium ingredients, ensuring the health and well-being of our recipients. Each day, we offer three different meal options, allowing our clients to choose according to their preferences. For added convenience, we also offer frozen meals. While there is a per-meal fee, we are committed to reducing the cost through local grants and funding. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Des Moines collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Assistive Technology Program - Des Moines | 866-866-8782 | DME is loaned for a nominal charge and can be used for any length of time. The organization also manages the Iowa Assistive Technology Exchange Program. The website connects seniors with providers across Iowa who have equipment available for loan or sale. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Des Moines seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Legal Aid - Des Moines | 800-992-8161 | Before moving to an assisted living community or while in residence, seniors may need legal advice and assistance with managing complex issues such as medical trusts, wills and competence hearings. Iowa Legal Aid provides free and low-cost legal advice and services to seniors. For issues that are not available through Iowa Legal Aid, seniors can obtain low-cost legal advice for as little as $25 per 30 minutes through lawyers that partner with Legal Aid to offer discounted service. This nonprofit organization also administers the Legal Hotline for Older Iowans. |
| Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (OSLTCO) - Des Moines | 641-420-9850 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for the rights of seniors in residential care communities. Financed by the state, the ombudsman doesn't charge for its services, which include investigating complaints about facilities by their residents, or their families, and third parties. The ombudsman pursues solutions with care providers on behalf of residents and doesn't charge for any of its services. Additional services include providing copies of inspection reports to families comparing memory care communities for their loved ones. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Des Moines have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans in Iowa - Des Moines | 515-284-4663 | The program provides grants of up to $10,000 which older adults can use to remove health and safety hazards from their property. Seniors can visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website to check if their home is eligible for the program. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in Des Moines bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Polk County Senior Services Community Centers/Meal Sites | 515-286-3434 | Polk County operates 17 multipurpose senior centers that serve as socialization hubs for older residents. These facilities offer health screenings and information about community initiatives set up for the elderly population. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Des Moines help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa 211 | 211 | An initiative of the United Way, 211 Iowa is an information and referral service that can help connect seniors and caregivers with resources in their communities. Individuals can call the organization to speak with trained experts who can provide information and help direct them to services that suit their individual needs and circumstances. The service is free, confidential and available 24/7. |
| UNITED 55+ Program | 515-246-6500 | United 55+ is an AmeriCorps Senior Program in Central Iowa that aims to promote community engagement among seniors. Through this initiative, seniors are encouraged to volunteer at local nonprofits, selecting programs that align with their abilities and availability. These opportunities range from assisting at nonprofit gift shops to creating literacy kits, writing uplifting notes, and aiding low-income families with tax preparation. Additionally, participants are eligible for mileage reimbursement. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Des Moines help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Social Security Office 50309 | 800-772-1213 | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Des Moines resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption - Des Moines | 800-367-3388 | Homeowners aged 65 and older who meet certain financial criteria can make a claim for tax relief under the state's Homestead tax laws. Iowa seniors who live in rental properties could be entitled to rent reimbursement. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Des Moines retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Des Moines | 515-518-4770 | The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income seniors pay their home energy bills. This federally-funded program provides a one-off payment toward a resident's residential heating utility. |
Veteran's Services
Des Moines retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines VA Medical Center | 800-698-2411 | The Des Moines VA Medical Center is a veterans' primary health facility delivering nonurgent care, surgical interventions and mental health services. The center offers specialists in cancer care, diabetes management, dentistry, audiology and spinal cord injury and disorder treatment. It can also connect vets and their families with transitional housing assistance and provides behavioral health assessments and counseling. Patients of the center must be VA health care registered. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Des Moines
Des Moines-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Iowa are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page for more information about these laws.
