Serving as the capital city of Iowa, Des Moines sits in Polk County, where the Des Moines and...
Discover 500 reviews reviews of the assisted living facilities across the Des Moines region in our comprehensive directory below. On average, these facilities earn 4.1 out of 5 stars out of five stars.
3801 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50023
4.7
(12 reviews)
"3801 Grand is in the same neighborhood that I would like to be in. It isn't as large as a community. It has 38 residents so it seemed like a very friendly community. The input that I was getting from talking to the administrator was very receptive an..."
$2,550
1611 27th St., Des Moines, IA 50301
4.0
(27 reviews)
"My mother has moved into Ramsey Village. The employees there are very helpful and extremely friendly. They know all their residents and they treat them all with respect. They appear to have, and have so far after the first week, been able to provide ..."
$2,624
3410 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
4.1
(11 reviews)
"The rooms are very nice and the food is great. The staff is really friendly...."
$5,100
2210 E Park Ave, Des Moines, IA 50320
4.3
(3 reviews)
"My parents have moved into Edencrest at Riverwoods. Everything is great. They are very helpful. There is good communication. They are making sure they are checking in with me and making sure my parents understand what's going on. The staff is good, a..."
$2,900
3520 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
4.3
(10 reviews)
"My brother has moved into Wesley on Grand. The community is welcoming and well-organized. They're very interested in his level of functioning. They did a good assessment when he was brought in by the nurse to make sure that he was being properly care..."
Pricing not available
5815 SE 27th St, Des Moines, IA 50320
4.5
(6 reviews)
"It was my second choice for my sister, we just couldn't get a room there right now. It was a very nice place, and they had a nice courtyard. The staffs who gave the tour were very pleasant and informative. I haven't eaten there, but they had a good m..."
$3,365
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2910 East 16th Street, Des Moines, IA 50316
4.2
(8 reviews)
"We chose The Gardens at Luther Park for my husband because of the price, convenience, and location. It's beautiful, and I love it. The staff is great, and very helpful. The food looks good, though I haven't tried any. They have all kinds of outings, ..."
Pricing not available
4210 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50310
3.6
(10 reviews)
"My dad is a resident of Calvin Community for about two years now. He started on the skilled nursing floor and got better and then moved to assisted living. It is a Christian faith-based community which is fun because we are Jewish. My dad is the only..."
Pricing not available
1330 19th St., Des Moines, IA 50314
4.0
(3 reviews)
"My sister moved into The Rose of East Des Moines, and it's a very comfortable place. It's well maintained, and when you walk in it's calm -- and that's what we're looking for. The staff is very friendly, and they are willing to help out in any way th..."
Pricing not available
1200 Fourth St., Des Moines, IA 50314
3.5
(4 reviews)
"I liked the rooms at Walden Point. There was an open area that everybody could go in to. It's got a little store and the residents could play cards. The staff was good. The rooms were very big, actually. Their price was very attractive. ..."
Pricing not available
2555 Guthrie Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
5.0
(1 reviews)
"We moved my parents to Village Assisted Living two years ago and have been very pleased with the care they have received. The facility had only been opened for a short time when they moved there. Their apartment is beautiful and the staff is very c..."
Pricing not available
233 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, Des Moines, IA 50314
3.0
(4 reviews)
"University Park is nice, but I want more independent care. They are nice and very good people. They are very experienced, and they work really well with the patients. They take the time out to deal with each patient, and I really enjoy them. We have ..."
Pricing not available
3600 30th Street, Des Moines, IA 50310
3.0
(1 reviews)
"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 h..."
Pricing not available
14001 Douglas Pkwy, Urbandale, IA 50323
Edencrest at Timberline, located at 14001 Douglas Parkway in Urbandale, Iowa, offers a comprehensive range of senior living options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Respite Care. This vibrant community is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where residents can thrive, supported by a team committed to personalized care. As part of the Edencrest family, Timberline upholds a standard of excellence in senior living. Residents at Edencrest at Timberline enjoy a variety of amenities designed to enhance their quality of life. The community features a beauty and barber shop, spa, fitness room, and beautifully landscaped gardens and patios for relaxation and socialization. For those who enjoy staying active, there are opportunities for gardening, yoga, music, games, book clubs, arts and crafts, and off-site excursions. Dining options are diverse, with in-room kitchens and kitchenettes, a communal dining room offering shared meals, room service, and accommodations for special diets such as diabetic, kosher, and vegetarian. Residents also benefit from housekeeping and maid services, laundry facilities for linens and clothing, and both resident and guest parking. Transportation services are available for appointments and outings, ensuring residents maintain their independence and connection to the broader community. Edencrest at Timberline is proud to offer a 5% lifetime discount to veterans, retired firefighters, EMTs, and police officers, recognizing their service and commitment. The community is conveniently located just half a mile west of Des Moines Christian School, providing easy access to local attractions and amenities. With a focus on creating a secure, homelike environment, Edencrest at Timberline ensures that each resident's needs are met with compassion and professionalism, fostering a sense of belonging and peace of mind for both residents and their families. To learn more about this provider’s license and review other available state reports, please visit: Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Health Facility Database
$2,750
6151 Martha Miller Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Edencrest at Pleasant Hill, located at 6151 Martha Miller Drive in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, is a premier senior living community offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care services. Nestled in the Rising Sun neighborhood, this community provides a serene environment designed to cater to the diverse needs of its residents. The community features 70 thoughtfully designed apartment homes, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts. Residents can enjoy a variety of amenities such as fitness centers, gathering spaces, and on-site barber shops, all aimed at enhancing their quality of life. Additional conveniences include housekeeping services, laundry facilities for both linens and personal clothing, and resident transportation services. For leisure and engagement, Edencrest offers activities like music sessions, games, book clubs, yoga classes, gardening, arts and crafts, and off-site excursions. Dining options are flexible, with in-room kitchenettes, a communal dining room offering shared meals, room service, and accommodations for special dietary needs, including diabetic, kosher, and vegetarian diets. Edencrest at Pleasant Hill is managed by Highmark Senior Living, a subsidiary of Hubbell Realty Company, ensuring a high standard of care and operations. The community's location offers residents easy access to walking trails, golf courses, parks, and a variety of restaurants, providing ample opportunities for recreation and socialization. With its comprehensive services and prime location, Edencrest at Pleasant Hill stands as a welcoming and supportive environment for seniors seeking a vibrant community. To learn more about this provider’s license and review other available state reports, please visit: Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Health Facility Database
$2,400
1600 8th St SE, Altoona, IA 50009
5.0
(1 reviews)
"We toured Edencrest at Tuscany for my in-laws. Our overall experience was just what we expected. We met with Kevin, and he explained and showed us what it was all about. He also showed us two options that were available and told us about the 2-bedroo..."
$3,200
455 SW Ankeny Rd, Ankeny, IA 50023
5.0
(5 reviews)
"My dad was at Edencrest at Siena Hills for over a year. We really liked the staff. The apartments were very nice. They had a full-size refrigerator and a microwave. It was like a kitchen, but without the stove. It was very nice. They had a one-bedr..."
$5,300
805 SE Tallgrass Ln, Waukee, IA 50263
5.0
(1 reviews)
"I like that everything is very modern and up to date at Edencrest Kettlestone. The staff is very good. My dad says the food is pretty good, too. The place is very clean. They have a library, a courtyard, an outdoor space, a weight room and an activit..."
$3,000
525 S 60th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266
4.9
(11 reviews)
"We toured the MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek and my grandmother liked it. It was the newest of all the places we visited. You get the sense of community, but it was more like a hotel atmosphere where she could get room serv..."
$5,425
3602 NW 5th Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
4.8
(11 reviews)
"I toured Rock Creek Senior Living. They had 24-hour care. It looked like a nice, comfortable place. The room seemed a little small, but maybe that's just what they are for assisted living. Everyone was very friendly. The residents seemed comfortable ..."
$3,610
Assisted Living
Susan
5.0
Review of Wesley on Grand
My brother has moved into Wesley on Grand. The community is welcoming and well-organized. They're very interested in his level of functioning. They did a good assessment when he was brought in by...
Assisted Living
Susan
4.0
Review of Calvin Community
Calvin Community is a small and old facility. The people are very nice and accommodating. However, it didn't have enough activities. My brother needs to be encouraged right now to be as active as...
Assisted Living
Irene
4.0
Review of Addington Place of Des Moines
This is a nice place. They do your laundry, clean your room and cook your meals. Food rates only about 3+. Lack of variety mostly. People are friendly and staff is great. I loved the pond and...
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
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.
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:
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page.
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 |
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
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.
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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 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 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 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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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.
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