
The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in West Des Moines, IA for 2023
There are 30 Assisted Living Facilities in the West Des Moines area, with 6 in West Des Moines and 24 nearby.
The average cost of assisted living in West Des Moines is $4,479 per month. This is higher than the national median of $3,870. Cheaper nearby regions include Urbandale with an average starting cost of $4,258.
To help you with your search, browse the 191 reviews below for assisted living facilities in West Des Moines. On average, consumers rate assisted living in West Des Moines 4.6 out of 5 stars. Better rated regions include Perry with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Caring.com has helped 9 families in West Des Moines find high-quality senior care. To speak with one of our Family Advisors about assisted living options and costs in West Des Moines, call (855) 863-8283.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in West Des Moines, IA
Bickford of West Des Moines
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory ...
Grand Living at Tower Place
Edgewater, A WesleyLife Community
Arbor Springs of West Des Moines
Heritage Court
Independence Village Of Waukee
Bickford of Urbandale
Ramsey Village
Holland Farms Senior Living
Woodlands Creek Retirement Community
Walnut Ridge
Edencrest at Beaverdale
Deerfield Retirement Community
Regency Care Center
Edencrest at Green Meadows
Valley View Village
McCauley Terrace
The Gardens Assisted Living
Bishop Drumm Retirement Center
Edencrest at Riverwoods
Wesley Acres
Senior Suites of Urbandale
Edencrest at The Legacy
Calvin Community
Rose of Des Moines
Walden Point
University Park Nursing & Rehabilitat...
VA Central Iowa Healthcare System Com...
What to Consider About Assisted Living in West Des Moines
West Des Moines, which is the second-largest city in the Des Moines metropolitan area, has numerous assisted living options for seniors. The region is home to 27 assisted living facilities, four of which are located in the city proper and 23 of which are located in nearby cities. The Department of Inspections and Appeals, Health Facilities Division, which licenses and monitors assisted living facilities in West Des Moines, splits facilities into two categories, depending on the level of care they provide. Assisted living programs are for three or more seniors who can care for themselves and participate in making decisions regarding their care, and residential care programs are for seniors who need more supervision and assistance with daily living activities.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in West Des Moines
- West Des Moines ranks low on Sperling’s Comfort Index, rating 38 out of 100, compared to the national average of 54. The July high in this city is 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and the January low is 13 degrees. These extreme temperatures may be unpleasant for seniors who enjoy being outdoors.
- The air quality in West Des Moines is good overall, making the city an attractive option for seniors with respiratory illnesses. According to the American Lung Association, the city tied for first place for cleanest metropolitan areas in the country for ozone pollution, and it ranked 83 out of 201 metropolitan areas for 24-hour particle pollution.
- West Des Moines is an affordable city for seniors, coming in nearly 5 percent under the overall national average. Seniors can expect to pay about 7 percent less on groceries, 13 percent less on health care, 4 percent less on transportation and 10 percent less on miscellaneous expenses than they would in other U.S. cities.
- The overall crime rate in West Des Moines is 7 percent higher than the Iowa average and 11 percent lower than the national average. The rate of violent crime is 22 percent lower than the national average and 41 percent lower than the U.S. average, and the property crime rate is 11 percent higher than the state median and 6 percent lower than the country’s average. This may provide peace of mind for older adults and their loved ones.
- The city’s public transportation system is provided courtesy of the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, or DART. Seniors age 65 and over are eligible to receive reduced fare. To apply for this program, seniors simply need to provide a photo I.D. with their date of birth such as a driver’s license or state identification card.
- The West Des Moines area is home to world-class medical facilities, including Methodist West Hospital and Mercy Medical Center – West Lakes, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.
Paying for Assisted Living in West Des Moines
Average Monthly Costs
Cities in Iowa
Assisted Living costs in West Des Moines start around $4,479 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of assisted living is $4,000 per month, according to the latest figures from Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey.
It’s important to note that assisted living rates in West Des Moines and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in West Des Moines
West Des Moines seniors who meet income guidelines may apply to receive financial assistance through the Medicaid 1915 (c) Elderly Waiver program, and those who live in a residential care facility and qualify for Supplemental Security Income may also receive the optional state supplement to help cover their living expenses.
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 West Des Moines
West Des Moines and the surrounding area are home to numerous government agencies and non-profit organizations offering help for seniors searching for or currently residing in an assisted living community. These organizations can also provide assistance in a number of other eldercare services such as geriatric care management, elder law advice, estate planning, finding home care and health and wellness programs.
To see a list of free assisted living resources in West Des Moines, please visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in West Des Moines
West 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.


Other Options in West Des Moines, IA
Recent Reviews of Assisted Living in West Des Moines
-
Review of Bickford of West Des Moines
Bickford of West Des Moines was nice, and they had a lot to offer in terms of the level of care. The lady who gave me the tour was really nice. They had lots of social activities. But because this ... Read more
-
Review of Bickford of West Des Moines
I met with the Sales Director (Taylor) and the facility nurse. Both were very pleasant and extremely accommodating. The facility is a little smaller than some of the newest ones, but also appears t... Read more
-
Review of Bickford of West Des Moines
Bickford of West Des Moines was very well kept up. Their staff was very professional and very accommodating. It was Taylor that gave me the tour. She was very helpful and followed up with me. She w... Read more
Helpful Articles
-
11 Signs It Might Be Time for Assisted Living
The decision to help an aging adult move out of a current home is a complex one -- both emotionally and practically. Above all, you want the person to be safe and well. How can you all feel more co...
-
Nursing Home, Assisted Living, or Independent Living?
The first step to finding the best senior housing for your loved one is to understand what type of care facility is the best fit. There are six main types of residential elder care options: _[Inde...
- Assisted Living or In-Home Care?
- Assisted Living Checklist: What to Look for, What to Ask
- Cost of Assisted Living
-
How to Pay for Assisted Living
As you're weighing senior care options for your loved one, cost is likely a top factor. The good news? Depending on what care your loved one needs, assisted living can be much more affordable than ...
-
How Levels of Care Affect Assisted Living Cost
If you're shopping for assisted living, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the levels of care, as the monthly rate for assisted living will depend on the level of care that the resident requi...
- Tips on Moving to Assisted Living