22 Assisted Living Facilities Near Des Moines, IA
As the state capital and economic center of Iowa, Des Moines is an attractive spot for active seniors who want access to many recreational opportunities while enjoying good air quality and friendly tax policies. That’s why more than 25,000 adults aged 65 and over now call “Hartford of the West” home.
Assisted living facilities in Des Moines provide a home and community for seniors who need varying degrees of support carrying out daily activities of living, including housekeeping, grooming, meal preparation and taking medication. These facilities are a more affordable option than nursing homes for seniors who can’t remain independent in their own properties but don’t require constant medical supervision. The average monthly cost for assisted living in Des Moines is $5,005 per month.
This guide is for seniors and families who want to learn more about assisted living in Des Moines. In addition to cost information for the city and surrounding areas, the guide offers more information about the city and links to local free resources, including organizations that can help find benefits that make paying for assisted living easier.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Des Moines, IA
Edencrest at Beaverdale
3410 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50310
Edencrest at Beaverdale is a retirement living community in a peaceful neighborhood just minutes from downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Loved ones are impressed with the facility’s restaurant-style dining,
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Edencrest at Beaverdale is a retirement living community in a peaceful neighborhood just minutes from downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Loved ones are impressed with the facility’s restaurant-style dining, happy hours, daily activities inside and outside the residence and the pleasant, engaging staff. The modern design and cleanliness of the premises are a great plus for visiting seniors and relatives alike. Visitors considering independent living in Edencrest at Beaverdale find the facility quite adequate with its laundry, cleaning and transportation services, and they appreciate the physical activities such as mini golf and volleyball.
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Edencrest at Beaverdale is a retirement living community in a peaceful neighborhood just minutes from downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Loved ones are impressed with the facility’s restaurant-style dining,
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Edencrest at Beaverdale is a retirement living community in a peaceful neighborhood just minutes from downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Loved ones are impressed with the facility’s restaurant-style dining, happy hours, daily activities inside and outside the residence and the pleasant, engaging staff. The modern design and cleanliness of the premises are a great plus for visiting seniors and relatives alike. Visitors considering independent living in Edencrest at Beaverdale find the facility quite adequate with its laundry, cleaning and transportation services, and they appreciate the physical activities such as mini golf and volleyball.
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3801 Grand
3801 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312
3801 Grand, a Newbury Living community, is close to commercial establishments in the North Grand neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa. Independent and assisted living residents enjoy plenty of activities
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3801 Grand, a Newbury Living community, is close to commercial establishments in the North Grand neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa. Independent and assisted living residents enjoy plenty of activities like bowling, reading, card games and outings. Visitors commend the convenient location, beauty shop and Sunday services, and relatives praise the smooth, thoughtful move-in process. They also admire the friendliness of staff, the well-attended entertainment and physical activities and the updated open lobby and dining area as well as the comfortable, clean suites with large windows. The supportive, respectful nursing staff of memory care residents are well-regarded.
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3801 Grand, a Newbury Living community, is close to commercial establishments in the North Grand neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa. Independent and assisted living residents enjoy plenty of activities
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3801 Grand, a Newbury Living community, is close to commercial establishments in the North Grand neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa. Independent and assisted living residents enjoy plenty of activities like bowling, reading, card games and outings. Visitors commend the convenient location, beauty shop and Sunday services, and relatives praise the smooth, thoughtful move-in process. They also admire the friendliness of staff, the well-attended entertainment and physical activities and the updated open lobby and dining area as well as the comfortable, clean suites with large windows. The supportive, respectful nursing staff of memory care residents are well-regarded.
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Ramsey Village
1611 27th St., Des Moines, IA, 50301
Ramsey Village is an assisted living facility based in Des Moines, Iowa just moments away from Buel Field, Cowles Library and the bustling downtown area. The facility earns praise for being well-kept
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Ramsey Village is an assisted living facility based in Des Moines, Iowa just moments away from Buel Field, Cowles Library and the bustling downtown area. The facility earns praise for being well-kept and spacious and for offering a wholehearted community to residents. Staff administration skills and levels of care are often spoken of with high regard. Seniors love the fresh meals that offer plenty of variety. Facilities include TV room, garden and patio, spa, barber and beauty salon. Each room has cable and Wi-Fi, and skilled nurses provide medication management, hospice care and physical therapy.
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Ramsey Village is an assisted living facility based in Des Moines, Iowa just moments away from Buel Field, Cowles Library and the bustling downtown area. The facility earns praise for being well-kept
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Ramsey Village is an assisted living facility based in Des Moines, Iowa just moments away from Buel Field, Cowles Library and the bustling downtown area. The facility earns praise for being well-kept and spacious and for offering a wholehearted community to residents. Staff administration skills and levels of care are often spoken of with high regard. Seniors love the fresh meals that offer plenty of variety. Facilities include TV room, garden and patio, spa, barber and beauty salon. Each room has cable and Wi-Fi, and skilled nurses provide medication management, hospice care and physical therapy.
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Prairie Hills at Des Moines
5815 SE 27th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50320
Prairie Hills Des Moines was very gracious. They gave me plenty of information. I had no trouble with them at all. They showed me a 1-bedroom, which is kind of their demonstration apartment. They had
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Prairie Hills Des Moines was very gracious. They gave me plenty of information. I had no trouble with them at all. They showed me a 1-bedroom, which is kind of their demonstration apartment. They had to take me in the back way so that we minimized where we touched and everything, so they were still being quite careful. The staff members were very nice, and I appreciated their help and their frankness.
It’s a wonderful setting, and they have plenty of mobility in terms of where you can get to your appointment using the buses. It’s a little bit out of town so you don’t have quite all of the city feel. It’s a little bit more country, which I appreciate. However, I was a little confused about which door I was supposed to go to, and if you’re going to confuse me, I’m sure you’re going to confuse other people.
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Prairie Hills Des Moines was very gracious. They gave me plenty of information. I had no trouble with them at all. They showed me a 1-bedroom, which is kind of their demonstration apartment. They had
… (read more)
Prairie Hills Des Moines was very gracious. They gave me plenty of information. I had no trouble with them at all. They showed me a 1-bedroom, which is kind of their demonstration apartment. They had to take me in the back way so that we minimized where we touched and everything, so they were still being quite careful. The staff members were very nice, and I appreciated their help and their frankness.
It’s a wonderful setting, and they have plenty of mobility in terms of where you can get to your appointment using the buses. It’s a little bit out of town so you don’t have quite all of the city feel. It’s a little bit more country, which I appreciate. However, I was a little confused about which door I was supposed to go to, and if you’re going to confuse me, I’m sure you’re going to confuse other people.
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Edencrest at Riverwoods
2210 E. Park Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50320
Edencrest at Riverwoods, an assisted living and independent retirement living community in Des Moines, is conveniently located next to a commercially-zoned area. Residents and their loved ones rave ab
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Edencrest at Riverwoods, an assisted living and independent retirement living community in Des Moines, is conveniently located next to a commercially-zoned area. Residents and their loved ones rave about the well-maintained facility’s safe, pleasant environment, modern amenities and the wide variety of meal selections. They appreciate the flexible staff who go out of their way to meet each resident’s unique needs. Visitors give high marks to the facility for its self-contained apartments, 24/7 caregivers who are welcoming and informative and many games and scheduled activities including bingo, exercise classes and monthly outings.
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Edencrest at Riverwoods, an assisted living and independent retirement living community in Des Moines, is conveniently located next to a commercially-zoned area. Residents and their loved ones rave ab
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Edencrest at Riverwoods, an assisted living and independent retirement living community in Des Moines, is conveniently located next to a commercially-zoned area. Residents and their loved ones rave about the well-maintained facility’s safe, pleasant environment, modern amenities and the wide variety of meal selections. They appreciate the flexible staff who go out of their way to meet each resident’s unique needs. Visitors give high marks to the facility for its self-contained apartments, 24/7 caregivers who are welcoming and informative and many games and scheduled activities including bingo, exercise classes and monthly outings.
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Valley View Village
2555 Guthrie Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50317
Village Assisted Living is located conveniently near a major freeway in Des Moines, Iowa. Housing options for seniors include studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, and there’s restaurant-st
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Village Assisted Living is located conveniently near a major freeway in Des Moines, Iowa. Housing options for seniors include studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, and there’s restaurant-style dining that residents say is delicious. The facility’s amenities include a large sun room, gardens and a patio area for relaxing and socializing. Seniors have mentioned that Village Assisted Living looks and feels like a resort and is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Activities are organized daily and include Bingo, music and off-site outings. The well-trained staff offers services for independent living, assisted living and memory care.
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Village Assisted Living is located conveniently near a major freeway in Des Moines, Iowa. Housing options for seniors include studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, and there’s restaurant-st
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Village Assisted Living is located conveniently near a major freeway in Des Moines, Iowa. Housing options for seniors include studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, and there’s restaurant-style dining that residents say is delicious. The facility’s amenities include a large sun room, gardens and a patio area for relaxing and socializing. Seniors have mentioned that Village Assisted Living looks and feels like a resort and is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Activities are organized daily and include Bingo, music and off-site outings. The well-trained staff offers services for independent living, assisted living and memory care.
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The Gardens Assisted Living
2910 East 16th Street,, Des Moines, IA, 50316
The Gardens Assisted Living, located in northeast Des Moines, Iowa, is close to I-235, medical clinics and several restaurants. Visitors to the community praise the well-decorated, large bedrooms that
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The Gardens Assisted Living, located in northeast Des Moines, Iowa, is close to I-235, medical clinics and several restaurants. Visitors to the community praise the well-decorated, large bedrooms that give residents plenty of space to relax and get comfortable. The Gardens Assisted Living is also complimented for its well-manicured grounds, including a sunny courtyard, lovely gardens and a pavilion, and for its willingness to accommodate residents by allowing small dogs. Visitors also have praise for the facility’s food, and they note that three healthy meals a day are served to residents.
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The Gardens Assisted Living, located in northeast Des Moines, Iowa, is close to I-235, medical clinics and several restaurants. Visitors to the community praise the well-decorated, large bedrooms that
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The Gardens Assisted Living, located in northeast Des Moines, Iowa, is close to I-235, medical clinics and several restaurants. Visitors to the community praise the well-decorated, large bedrooms that give residents plenty of space to relax and get comfortable. The Gardens Assisted Living is also complimented for its well-manicured grounds, including a sunny courtyard, lovely gardens and a pavilion, and for its willingness to accommodate residents by allowing small dogs. Visitors also have praise for the facility’s food, and they note that three healthy meals a day are served to residents.
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Wesley Acres
3520 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312
Wesley Acres is a retirement community in the Greenwood neighborhood, just moments away from downtown Des Moines. Visitors are impressed by the clean, organized amenities, welcoming atmosphere, helpfu
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Wesley Acres is a retirement community in the Greenwood neighborhood, just moments away from downtown Des Moines. Visitors are impressed by the clean, organized amenities, welcoming atmosphere, helpful staff and residents who feel at home. Residents’ loved ones commend the genuinely compassionate people and great food, especially the fresh salads. They also appreciate the flexibility in the level of care and assistance offered and the fact that residents can enjoy meals in the dining areas or in their private rooms. Special mention is given to interesting on-site activities and to exciting outings including musical nights out and week-long European trips.
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Wesley Acres is a retirement community in the Greenwood neighborhood, just moments away from downtown Des Moines. Visitors are impressed by the clean, organized amenities, welcoming atmosphere, helpfu
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Wesley Acres is a retirement community in the Greenwood neighborhood, just moments away from downtown Des Moines. Visitors are impressed by the clean, organized amenities, welcoming atmosphere, helpful staff and residents who feel at home. Residents’ loved ones commend the genuinely compassionate people and great food, especially the fresh salads. They also appreciate the flexibility in the level of care and assistance offered and the fact that residents can enjoy meals in the dining areas or in their private rooms. Special mention is given to interesting on-site activities and to exciting outings including musical nights out and week-long European trips.
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Calvin Community
4210 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA, 50310
Calvin Community, a faith-based, not-for-profit retirement complex, lies in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines. Family members praise the highly knowledgeable and dedicated long-term caregivers
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Calvin Community, a faith-based, not-for-profit retirement complex, lies in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines. Family members praise the highly knowledgeable and dedicated long-term caregivers. Special mention is given to the multipurpose dining area that also functions as an entertainment venue, the garden’s walkway and the exercise room with training stairs for rehabilitation therapy. Visitors commend the facility’s hotel-like yet homey feel, security system, various room options and garage for residents’ vehicles. They love the neat and tidy halls and common areas, kind staff and the residents’ freedom to choose the activities and events they like.
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Calvin Community, a faith-based, not-for-profit retirement complex, lies in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines. Family members praise the highly knowledgeable and dedicated long-term caregivers
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Calvin Community, a faith-based, not-for-profit retirement complex, lies in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines. Family members praise the highly knowledgeable and dedicated long-term caregivers. Special mention is given to the multipurpose dining area that also functions as an entertainment venue, the garden’s walkway and the exercise room with training stairs for rehabilitation therapy. Visitors commend the facility’s hotel-like yet homey feel, security system, various room options and garage for residents’ vehicles. They love the neat and tidy halls and common areas, kind staff and the residents’ freedom to choose the activities and events they like.
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Rose of Des Moines
1330 19th St., Des Moines, IA, 50314
Rose of Des Moines is an assisted living community located in a vibrant neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa. Residents who enjoy the outdoors give the facility high marks for its well-maintained grounds
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Rose of Des Moines is an assisted living community located in a vibrant neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa. Residents who enjoy the outdoors give the facility high marks for its well-maintained grounds that have plenty of greenery. The community is also well-reviewed for the warm, dedicated staff who are especially attentive to non-ambulatory residents, ensuring that they have full access to the community’s amenities. Visitors praise the large, clean dining hall where their loved ones can dine on hot meals served three times a day.
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Rose of Des Moines is an assisted living community located in a vibrant neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa. Residents who enjoy the outdoors give the facility high marks for its well-maintained grounds
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Rose of Des Moines is an assisted living community located in a vibrant neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa. Residents who enjoy the outdoors give the facility high marks for its well-maintained grounds that have plenty of greenery. The community is also well-reviewed for the warm, dedicated staff who are especially attentive to non-ambulatory residents, ensuring that they have full access to the community’s amenities. Visitors praise the large, clean dining hall where their loved ones can dine on hot meals served three times a day.
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Walden Point
1200 Fourth St., Des Moines, IA, 50314
My father-in-law is in Walden Point. He has been there for about 3 years. However, they changed the food there, and change is a tough thing for a guy that age. So, he is putting up with the things tha
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My father-in-law is in Walden Point. He has been there for about 3 years. However, they changed the food there, and change is a tough thing for a guy that age. So, he is putting up with the things that he doesn’t like there in order to stay. He likes the people there, and he likes the people that run the place. He is in a one-bedroom apartment. He does not get involved, but they have activities. They have people come in and play music. They have a craft room where they can do all sort of stuffs. They have an exercise room. He is in a scooter, so he doesn’t do exercises.
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My father-in-law is in Walden Point. He has been there for about 3 years. However, they changed the food there, and change is a tough thing for a guy that age. So, he is putting up with the things tha
… (read more)
My father-in-law is in Walden Point. He has been there for about 3 years. However, they changed the food there, and change is a tough thing for a guy that age. So, he is putting up with the things that he doesn’t like there in order to stay. He likes the people there, and he likes the people that run the place. He is in a one-bedroom apartment. He does not get involved, but they have activities. They have people come in and play music. They have a craft room where they can do all sort of stuffs. They have an exercise room. He is in a scooter, so he doesn’t do exercises.
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VA Central Iowa Healthcare System Community Living Center
3600 30th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50310
The staff is very good with the residents and takes very good care of them. They call me with the slightest issue. It could be cleaner, as my grandfather sat in a room in which he had peed in the corn
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The staff is very good with the residents and takes very good care of them. They call me with the slightest issue. It could be cleaner, as my grandfather sat in a room in which he had peed in the corner for about an hour before someone came to help him. The food is very good. My grandpa never complains. He has dementia and lost his wife, and they supported him and made sure he was doing alright the whole time. They contact me at least 1 time a week to make sure everything is ok, and they visit with me to make sure I am doing ok. He always has a nurse or an aide near him.
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The staff is very good with the residents and takes very good care of them. They call me with the slightest issue. It could be cleaner, as my grandfather sat in a room in which he had peed in the corn
… (read more)
The staff is very good with the residents and takes very good care of them. They call me with the slightest issue. It could be cleaner, as my grandfather sat in a room in which he had peed in the corner for about an hour before someone came to help him. The food is very good. My grandpa never complains. He has dementia and lost his wife, and they supported him and made sure he was doing alright the whole time. They contact me at least 1 time a week to make sure everything is ok, and they visit with me to make sure I am doing ok. He always has a nurse or an aide near him.
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Bickford of Urbandale
5915 Sutton Place, Urbandale, IA, 50322
Bickford of Urbandale is nestled in a residential neighborhood just off of I-80 and I-35, near the Urbandale Healthcare Center. Visitors note the homey, personable feel of the facility right away and
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Bickford of Urbandale is nestled in a residential neighborhood just off of I-80 and I-35, near the Urbandale Healthcare Center. Visitors note the homey, personable feel of the facility right away and say their loved ones are comfortable and happy there. The staff is praised for being caring and attentive. Activities such as games and sing-alongs keep residents entertained and engaged. The facility features an on-site beauty salon and barbershop and the apartments have kitchenettes, so residents may remain independent in their daily routines. There is a community dining room, and residents have said the food is good.
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Bickford of Urbandale is nestled in a residential neighborhood just off of I-80 and I-35, near the Urbandale Healthcare Center. Visitors note the homey, personable feel of the facility right away and
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Bickford of Urbandale is nestled in a residential neighborhood just off of I-80 and I-35, near the Urbandale Healthcare Center. Visitors note the homey, personable feel of the facility right away and say their loved ones are comfortable and happy there. The staff is praised for being caring and attentive. Activities such as games and sing-alongs keep residents entertained and engaged. The facility features an on-site beauty salon and barbershop and the apartments have kitchenettes, so residents may remain independent in their daily routines. There is a community dining room, and residents have said the food is good.
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Edencrest at Siena Hills
455 SW Ankeny Rd, Ankeny, IA, 50021
Just south of Des Moines Area Community College and minutes west of Fidley Springwood 9 Theaters, Edencrest at Siena Hills is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility in Ankeny, Iow
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Just south of Des Moines Area Community College and minutes west of Fidley Springwood 9 Theaters, Edencrest at Siena Hills is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility in Ankeny, Iowa. Visitors comment on the friendly and accommodating staff, the home-like atmosphere, comfortable, spacious community and convenient location. Some of their activities include a coffee chat club, happy-hour Fridays and seasonal field trips. The facility features a covered patio, a landscaped lawn and a fireside lounge. They offer residents short-term stays to try the facility before making a commitment. Small-dog-friendly studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are available.
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Just south of Des Moines Area Community College and minutes west of Fidley Springwood 9 Theaters, Edencrest at Siena Hills is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility in Ankeny, Iow
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Just south of Des Moines Area Community College and minutes west of Fidley Springwood 9 Theaters, Edencrest at Siena Hills is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility in Ankeny, Iowa. Visitors comment on the friendly and accommodating staff, the home-like atmosphere, comfortable, spacious community and convenient location. Some of their activities include a coffee chat club, happy-hour Fridays and seasonal field trips. The facility features a covered patio, a landscaped lawn and a fireside lounge. They offer residents short-term stays to try the facility before making a commitment. Small-dog-friendly studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are available.
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Edencrest at Green Meadows
6750 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA, 50131
Edencrest at Green Meadows is located in the Des Moines suburb of Johnston, Iowa, about two blocks north of Interstate 35. Residents and visitors appreciate the modern feel of Edencrest and the beauty
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Edencrest at Green Meadows is located in the Des Moines suburb of Johnston, Iowa, about two blocks north of Interstate 35. Residents and visitors appreciate the modern feel of Edencrest and the beauty of the living areas, especially how colorful the rooms are. Residents offer praise for the quality of the dining area and enjoy a wide range of amenities, including a beauty salon, a game room and a fitness area. Residents engage in a multitude of activities, including honey and biscuits socials, group community trips, virtual bowling, bingo and cooking classes.
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Edencrest at Green Meadows is located in the Des Moines suburb of Johnston, Iowa, about two blocks north of Interstate 35. Residents and visitors appreciate the modern feel of Edencrest and the beauty
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Edencrest at Green Meadows is located in the Des Moines suburb of Johnston, Iowa, about two blocks north of Interstate 35. Residents and visitors appreciate the modern feel of Edencrest and the beauty of the living areas, especially how colorful the rooms are. Residents offer praise for the quality of the dining area and enjoy a wide range of amenities, including a beauty salon, a game room and a fitness area. Residents engage in a multitude of activities, including honey and biscuits socials, group community trips, virtual bowling, bingo and cooking classes.
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Bishop Drumm Retirement Center
5837 Winwood Drive, Johnston, IA, 50131
My parents will move into Bishop Drumm Retirement Center. The apartment building that they’re moving into is not ready yet. It was a faith-based decision. We have dealt directly with one staff member,
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My parents will move into Bishop Drumm Retirement Center. The apartment building that they’re moving into is not ready yet. It was a faith-based decision. We have dealt directly with one staff member, she’s apparently in-charge of bringing in people, and she was amazing. The room has got nice, big windows, very bright, it’s a lot smaller than what they have been used to, but that’s to be expected. They have a maintenance staff who will spruce things up, and whatever they want to do in terms of putting things on the wall, mounting a television, they can do any of that. The staff will add additional outlets if they need them, so they’re very accommodating.
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My parents will move into Bishop Drumm Retirement Center. The apartment building that they’re moving into is not ready yet. It was a faith-based decision. We have dealt directly with one staff member,
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My parents will move into Bishop Drumm Retirement Center. The apartment building that they’re moving into is not ready yet. It was a faith-based decision. We have dealt directly with one staff member, she’s apparently in-charge of bringing in people, and she was amazing. The room has got nice, big windows, very bright, it’s a lot smaller than what they have been used to, but that’s to be expected. They have a maintenance staff who will spruce things up, and whatever they want to do in terms of putting things on the wall, mounting a television, they can do any of that. The staff will add additional outlets if they need them, so they’re very accommodating.
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McCauley Terrace
5921 Winwood Drive, Johnston, IA, 50131
The staff at McAuley Terrace is perfect, very friendly, very open, and very helpful. The condition of the rooms is great. My mother-in-law is in a studio, which seems to meet all her needs. It’s very
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The staff at McAuley Terrace is perfect, very friendly, very open, and very helpful. The condition of the rooms is great. My mother-in-law is in a studio, which seems to meet all her needs. It’s very clean and everything is working in good shape. It’s a very open and friendly atmosphere. People approached her immediately introducing themselves and asking about her. They took her in very quickly into their circle. The food is excellent, and she raves about it. They have bingo, arts and crafts, walking, a garden area, bridge club, a pinochle group, an exercise room with equipment, puzzles, church services, a beautician, a salon, they go to the grocery store, and they had a senior prom recently. It’s an older facility, which appealed to her. The people were very genuine, and she felt very comfortable. It was the cheapest of the places I visited, and also the best fit for her.
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The staff at McAuley Terrace is perfect, very friendly, very open, and very helpful. The condition of the rooms is great. My mother-in-law is in a studio, which seems to meet all her needs. It’s very
… (read more)
The staff at McAuley Terrace is perfect, very friendly, very open, and very helpful. The condition of the rooms is great. My mother-in-law is in a studio, which seems to meet all her needs. It’s very clean and everything is working in good shape. It’s a very open and friendly atmosphere. People approached her immediately introducing themselves and asking about her. They took her in very quickly into their circle. The food is excellent, and she raves about it. They have bingo, arts and crafts, walking, a garden area, bridge club, a pinochle group, an exercise room with equipment, puzzles, church services, a beautician, a salon, they go to the grocery store, and they had a senior prom recently. It’s an older facility, which appealed to her. The people were very genuine, and she felt very comfortable. It was the cheapest of the places I visited, and also the best fit for her.
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Prairie Vista Village
2785 1st Avenue South, Altoona, IA, 50009
We had a wonderful tour of the facility. Mackenzie was so friendly and informative about everything. The facility seemed to meet all our expectations.
We had a wonderful tour of the facility. Mackenzie was so friendly and informative about everything. The facility seemed to meet all our expectations.
Shores at Pleasant Hill
1500 Edgewater Drive, Pleasant Hill, IA, 50327
My parents moved in here years ago and have loved it. New management took over last year and has made significant changes – the latest is trying to force all residents from their 1 & 2 bedroom ap
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My parents moved in here years ago and have loved it. New management took over last year and has made significant changes – the latest is trying to force all residents from their 1 & 2 bedroom apartments, with kitchens and laundry – into small studios. This is not why most chose here. I would look very hard before committing to this place and it’s policies that seem only financial focused without thought to the needs of its residents
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My parents moved in here years ago and have loved it. New management took over last year and has made significant changes – the latest is trying to force all residents from their 1 & 2 bedroom ap
… (read more)
My parents moved in here years ago and have loved it. New management took over last year and has made significant changes – the latest is trying to force all residents from their 1 & 2 bedroom apartments, with kitchens and laundry – into small studios. This is not why most chose here. I would look very hard before committing to this place and it’s policies that seem only financial focused without thought to the needs of its residents
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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Des Moines
Assisted living facilities in Des Moines, as well as the rest of Iowa, are licensed and regulated by the state’s Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA). Rules for assisted living facilities, officially recognized as Assisted living programs (ALPs), are located in Iowa Code Chapter 231C.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Des Moines
- According to the American Lung Association, the Des Moines area has good air quality. Polk County received a passing grade for particle pollution and a B for ozone pollution. In these conditions, seniors can feel comfortable breathing the air while enjoying the city’s numerous parks and outdoor features.
- From golfing and hiking to fishing and swimming, outdoor activity is a regular part of life for many seniors in Des Moines. Saylorville Lake and Big Creek Lake are popular aquatic destinations, while Blank Park Zoo and the Des Moines Botanical Gardens are ideal spots for enjoying nature. The city also offers plenty of entertaining indoor attractions, including the extensive collection at the Des Moines Art Center.
- Social security benefits are exempt from state income tax in Iowa, which gives the nine out of 10 seniors in Des Moines who receive money from social security greater ability to pay for assisted living. While Iowa has a marginal tax rate for withdrawals from retirement accounts, the $6,000 deduction provides some relief.
- Rates of property and violent crime are high when compared to state and national averages. Many assisted living facilities improve peace of mind for residents and families by implementing a variety of security features, including video surveillance, 24-hour monitoring and controlled access points.
- Des Moines Area Transit (DART) operates 150 fixed bus routes and other transportation services that can move seniors throughout the city quickly and affordably. All adults aged 65 and over are eligible for the half-fare program. Seniors can fill out and submit the application at DART Central Station located at 620 Cherry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Paying for Assisted Living in Des Moines
According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2020, the average monthly cost for assisted living in Des Moines is $5,005. This is more than $900 more than the state average and $700 more than the national average.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
At an average monthly cost of $5,005, Des Moines is one of the most expensive cities in the state for assisted living. The only place that costs more is Waterloo, with a monthly average of $5,060. The least expensive nearby city, Ames, costs an average of $3,723. Sioux City, which is on the western border with Nebraska, has a similar cost of $3,750.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
In Des Moines, assisted living is in the middle of the pack in terms of costs for senior care. Homemaker services and home health aides have an average cost of $5,148, making them slightly more expensive than assisted living. When possible, some families may opt for adult day health care, which costs just $1,517 per month. Nursing homes are the most expensive type of care in Des Moines: $7,148 for a semiprivate room and $7,604 per month for a private room.
Note: Data for Des Moines was unavailable, so data for the Des Moines area was used instead.
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.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Des Moines
Seniors and families can file complaints, access benefits and get advice and assistance by contacting the government and private organizations that offer free assisted living resources in Des Moines. These organizations are available to current and prospective residents of assisted living programs.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (866) 236-1430 | Seniors, or other concerned parties, can contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman to file a complaint about any issue related to an assisted living facility. Concerns can include anything from the treatment of a resident to a dispute involving an involuntary discharge. Ombudsman representatives are also available to inform seniors about their rights as residents at assisted living facilities throughout Des Moines and the rest of the state. |
| Aging Resources of Central Iowa | (515) 255-1310 | The primary goal of Aging Resources of Central Iowa is to give seniors and families in Des Moines and the surrounding areas the information they need to find assisted living and other services that enhance dignity and independence. Their nutrition and aging well programs may even improve the quality of life within assisted living facilities. They also strive to protect seniors from neglect and abuse. |
| Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) | (800) 351-4664 | Seniors in Des Moines may be eligible for various programs that can help pay for assisted living. The mission at SHIIP is to help seniors access these programs so that their financial burden is reduced. Medicare benefits are SHIIP’s primary focus, but they can also help seniors with long-term care insurance, VA benefits and marketplace plans. Counselors are available at nine locations throughout Polk County. |
| Iowa Legal Aid | (800) 992-8161 | Des Moines residents aged 60 and over can contact Iowa Legal Aid for free legal services. Their expert advice covers a wide range of topics related to assisted living, including benefits eligibility, long-term care agreements and rights as a resident. Seniors can apply online at any time. The Legal Hotline for Older Iowans is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
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.
