24 Nursing Homes Near Des Moines, IA
A growing community of older adults live in Iowa’s state capital of Des Moines. Over 12% of the city’s estimated 215,000 residents are seniors aged 65 and over. Des Moines is home to many medical facilities that may benefit its older population, including the UnityPoint Health and Mercy One hospitals. According to data from Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly price for a semiprivate nursing home room in Des Moines is $7,148, which is $608 per month lower than the U.S. average.
Skilled nursing facilities provide both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care for seniors who need 24/7 supervision, medical services and help with daily living tasks. Because of the around-the-clock medical care provided, nursing homes cost a lot more than other types of senior care. Depending on circumstances and specific needs, older adults may delay transitioning to a nursing home by first looking at more affordable options, such as home care services and assisted living communities.
In this guide, we discuss the cost of nursing home care in Des Moines and compare it with prices in nearby cities and other types of care. We’ve also included a list of helpful programs available to seniors in the city.
Directory of Nursing Homes in Des Moines, IA
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
… (read more)
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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Valley View Village
2571 GUTHRIE AVENUE, Des Moines, IA, 50317
My mom was a resident in the memory care unit at Valley View for 5 years She received excellent care and we were always able to see her day or night before Covid. Her private room was lovely. The a
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My mom was a resident in the memory care unit at Valley View for 5 years She received excellent care and we were always able to see her day or night before Covid. Her private room was lovely. The activities staff member, Starr was awesome and during the covid probably her best friend. They also always kept us informed about everything about mom. Our mom passed away on Friday, December 11th.
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My mom was a resident in the memory care unit at Valley View for 5 years She received excellent care and we were always able to see her day or night before Covid. Her private room was lovely. The a
… (read more)
My mom was a resident in the memory care unit at Valley View for 5 years She received excellent care and we were always able to see her day or night before Covid. Her private room was lovely. The activities staff member, Starr was awesome and during the covid probably her best friend. They also always kept us informed about everything about mom. Our mom passed away on Friday, December 11th.
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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
… (read more)
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
… (read more)
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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Trinity Center at Luther Park
1555 HULL AVENUE, Des Moines, IA, 50316
I have two friends in this facility now. Little assistance by staff to feed someone unable to feed themself. Pressure ulcers ( bedsores) not uncommon. Residents in wheelchairs herded into groups in
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I have two friends in this facility now. Little assistance by staff to feed someone unable to feed themself. Pressure ulcers ( bedsores) not uncommon. Residents in wheelchairs herded into groups in front of tv’s with sound very low or off. Long rows of recliners with sleeping patients with open mouths, on first floor. Rarely see staff out on floor,. Many residents (2nd floor) appear fearful and withdrawn after less than a week there. I would not put any if my family members in here.
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I have two friends in this facility now. Little assistance by staff to feed someone unable to feed themself. Pressure ulcers ( bedsores) not uncommon. Residents in wheelchairs herded into groups in
… (read more)
I have two friends in this facility now. Little assistance by staff to feed someone unable to feed themself. Pressure ulcers ( bedsores) not uncommon. Residents in wheelchairs herded into groups in front of tv’s with sound very low or off. Long rows of recliners with sleeping patients with open mouths, on first floor. Rarely see staff out on floor,. Many residents (2nd floor) appear fearful and withdrawn after less than a week there. I would not put any if my family members in here.
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Union Park Health Services
2401 East 8th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50316
My mother-in-law is at Union Park Health Services. We live out of state, but they are wonderful with calling us at anytime if there are any slight issues, like weight loss or a doctor’s recommendati
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My mother-in-law is at Union Park Health Services. We live out of state, but they are wonderful with calling us at anytime if there are any slight issues, like weight loss or a doctor’s recommendation to add anything. When she was not eating, they brought in a nutritionist to find out her needs and what she liked. She is gaining weight again, and I guess she is doing better. They are short staffed like most nursing homes, but overall, our experience has been good.
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My mother-in-law is at Union Park Health Services. We live out of state, but they are wonderful with calling us at anytime if there are any slight issues, like weight loss or a doctor’s recommendati
… (read more)
My mother-in-law is at Union Park Health Services. We live out of state, but they are wonderful with calling us at anytime if there are any slight issues, like weight loss or a doctor’s recommendation to add anything. When she was not eating, they brought in a nutritionist to find out her needs and what she liked. She is gaining weight again, and I guess she is doing better. They are short staffed like most nursing homes, but overall, our experience has been good.
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University Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
233 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, Des Moines, IA, 50314
Food is not good not well prepared and if any dietary restrictions…. cant handle that
Food is not good not well prepared and if any dietary restrictions…. cant handle that
Genesis Senior Living Center
5608 SW NINTH STREET, Des Moines, IA, 50315
your family or loved one is our family !!! it takes a team to run a village and ours is awesome!!!
your family or loved one is our family !!! it takes a team to run a village and ours is awesome!!!
Fleur Heights Center For Wellness and Rehab
4911 SW 19TH STREET, Des Moines, IA, 50315
My Aunt was placed here for skilled nursing after a hip replacement and it is a nightmare. The place is filthy, the food is beyond inedible, the poor patients are parked in wheelchairs in the halls si
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My Aunt was placed here for skilled nursing after a hip replacement and it is a nightmare. The place is filthy, the food is beyond inedible, the poor patients are parked in wheelchairs in the halls sitting all alone for hours. It reeks of pee and the final straw was the 2 mice running through her room. I wouldn’t wish this place on anyone,,,, it was awful.
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My Aunt was placed here for skilled nursing after a hip replacement and it is a nightmare. The place is filthy, the food is beyond inedible, the poor patients are parked in wheelchairs in the halls si
… (read more)
My Aunt was placed here for skilled nursing after a hip replacement and it is a nightmare. The place is filthy, the food is beyond inedible, the poor patients are parked in wheelchairs in the halls sitting all alone for hours. It reeks of pee and the final straw was the 2 mice running through her room. I wouldn’t wish this place on anyone,,,, it was awful.
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Urbandale Health Care Center
4614 Nw 84Th Street, Urbandale, IA, 50322
My friend will be moving into Urbandale Health Care Center. It’s got the highest ratings for a care center. They’ve got nice people, it’s clean, and nice, and because she is tight on money, she’s on M
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My friend will be moving into Urbandale Health Care Center. It’s got the highest ratings for a care center. They’ve got nice people, it’s clean, and nice, and because she is tight on money, she’s on Medicaid, and they would take her. I haven’t gotten any specific needs because she hasn’t even moved in yet. She’s moving in today. The staff during the visit was very professional and very helpful. Because of the pandemic we did not get to observe anything. The number one thing we liked about them was they had a space for her, they would take Medicaid, and the rating they had. Also, a very close friend of ours knew numerous people who stayed there, how well they were treated, and how pleased they were. We chose it because the others weren’t available and they were not in her price range. Their rating is higher than most of the ones in the area. The deciding factor was made by the price and availability.
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My friend will be moving into Urbandale Health Care Center. It’s got the highest ratings for a care center. They’ve got nice people, it’s clean, and nice, and because she is tight on money, she’s on M
… (read more)
My friend will be moving into Urbandale Health Care Center. It’s got the highest ratings for a care center. They’ve got nice people, it’s clean, and nice, and because she is tight on money, she’s on Medicaid, and they would take her. I haven’t gotten any specific needs because she hasn’t even moved in yet. She’s moving in today. The staff during the visit was very professional and very helpful. Because of the pandemic we did not get to observe anything. The number one thing we liked about them was they had a space for her, they would take Medicaid, and the rating they had. Also, a very close friend of ours knew numerous people who stayed there, how well they were treated, and how pleased they were. We chose it because the others weren’t available and they were not in her price range. Their rating is higher than most of the ones in the area. The deciding factor was made by the price and availability.
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Parkridge Nursing & Rehab Cent
4755 PARKRIDGE AVENUE, Pleasant Hill, IA, 50327
My mother had to go to Parkridge Specialty Care. She’s only been there since Friday; so far, so good. The staff and cleanliness are very good.
My mother had to go to Parkridge Specialty Care. She’s only been there since Friday; so far, so good. The staff and cleanliness are very good.
Fountain West Health Center
1501 Office Park Road, West Des Moines, IA, 50265
Out Mom lived at Fountain West for over 2 years. She did not want to go there but then she loved it there. The staff was wonderful! They fixed her hair, manicured her nails, and treated her with great
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Out Mom lived at Fountain West for over 2 years. She did not want to go there but then she loved it there. The staff was wonderful! They fixed her hair, manicured her nails, and treated her with great respect. She was just as happy as possible living there. On her 90th birthday, we presented the nursing home with a rolling popcorn machine in her honor with a plaque on it stating that she donated it to Fountain West. The Director, wearing a straw boating hat, unveiled it! We had a bowling party and popcorn with purple and lavendar (Mom’s favorites) M&Ms. Great fun!
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Out Mom lived at Fountain West for over 2 years. She did not want to go there but then she loved it there. The staff was wonderful! They fixed her hair, manicured her nails, and treated her with great
… (read more)
Out Mom lived at Fountain West for over 2 years. She did not want to go there but then she loved it there. The staff was wonderful! They fixed her hair, manicured her nails, and treated her with great respect. She was just as happy as possible living there. On her 90th birthday, we presented the nursing home with a rolling popcorn machine in her honor with a plaque on it stating that she donated it to Fountain West. The Director, wearing a straw boating hat, unveiled it! We had a bowling party and popcorn with purple and lavendar (Mom’s favorites) M&Ms. Great fun!
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Bishop Drumm Skilled Nursing
5837 Winwood Drive, Johnston, IA, 50131
After my life altering accident, the cnas, nurses and staff were caring and have put me on a great road to recovery. They created a comfortable, healing environment & helped me set up my room and
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After my life altering accident, the cnas, nurses and staff were caring and have put me on a great road to recovery. They created a comfortable, healing environment & helped me set up my room and electronics to feel as close to home as possible. Thank you all so much! This place has an outstanding therapy dept. They have given me the most wonderful gift of teaching me to walk again! Thank you everyone!
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After my life altering accident, the cnas, nurses and staff were caring and have put me on a great road to recovery. They created a comfortable, healing environment & helped me set up my room and
… (read more)
After my life altering accident, the cnas, nurses and staff were caring and have put me on a great road to recovery. They created a comfortable, healing environment & helped me set up my room and electronics to feel as close to home as possible. Thank you all so much! This place has an outstanding therapy dept. They have given me the most wonderful gift of teaching me to walk again! Thank you everyone!
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Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
200 SEVENTH AVENUE SW, Altoona, IA, 50009
A good friend of mine was admitted there recently. She has since passed away. If you or a loved one is looking for a nursing facility i would NOT recommend this one. I dont know if they’re short staff
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A good friend of mine was admitted there recently. She has since passed away. If you or a loved one is looking for a nursing facility i would NOT recommend this one. I dont know if they’re short staffed or what but when my friend needed someone to help her it took them a LONG TIME for someone to come see what she needed. Then theyd leave to go get whatever and they’d once again be gone for the longest time. I had to go hunt someone down several times and then nobody wanted to help.
The food was terrible and many nites shed go without because she couldnt eat what theyd served plis she had stomach issues. If she requested just some toast theyd be gone a half hour and when she would finally get it it was cold. I personally would not recommend this nursing facility. She shared a room with another resident and her area where her bed was was nothing more than a cubbyhole basically no bigger than a large closet
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A good friend of mine was admitted there recently. She has since passed away. If you or a loved one is looking for a nursing facility i would NOT recommend this one. I dont know if they’re short staff
… (read more)
A good friend of mine was admitted there recently. She has since passed away. If you or a loved one is looking for a nursing facility i would NOT recommend this one. I dont know if they’re short staffed or what but when my friend needed someone to help her it took them a LONG TIME for someone to come see what she needed. Then theyd leave to go get whatever and they’d once again be gone for the longest time. I had to go hunt someone down several times and then nobody wanted to help.
The food was terrible and many nites shed go without because she couldnt eat what theyd served plis she had stomach issues. If she requested just some toast theyd be gone a half hour and when she would finally get it it was cold. I personally would not recommend this nursing facility. She shared a room with another resident and her area where her bed was was nothing more than a cubbyhole basically no bigger than a large closet
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Nursing Home Costs in Des Moines, IA
A semiprivate room in a Des Moines nursing home costs $7,148, per month, while the equivalent price for a private room is $7,604.
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Nearby Cities
The monthly price for a semiprivate room in a Des Moines nursing home is $578 more expensive than the state median, but it’s significantly under the U.S. average of $7,756.
Compared to other cities in Iowa, the monthly cost for skilled nursing facilities in Des Moines is on the higher end of the spectrum. The most affordable median prices are in Cedar Rapids and Dubuque, where skilled nursing facilities cost $6,540 and $6,722, respectively. In Iowa City ($6,859) and Ames ($7,080), the average pricing is closer to Des Moines but still less expensive.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
While the price in Des Moines for a semiprivate room in a nursing home is $456 cheaper than a private room in the same type of facility, there are other less expensive care options for seniors. The most affordable is adult day health care at $1,517 per month. Another option is residential care in an assisted living community, which costs $5,005 on average. Seniors who prefer to remain in their own home may opt for home care or home health care services at the median cost of $5,148 per month.
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Des Moines, IA
Many seniors and their families use some form of financial assistance to help them pay for nursing care. The main options available are Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits. These programs can be complicated, especially when it comes to benefit terms. Below, we give a brief overview of how these programs may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care.
- Medicare: Medicare will typically cover all skilled nursing costs for the first 20 days of one’s stay in a nursing home and a portion of the costs until day 100. After 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will not cover any part of the cost of the stay. While this is adequate when short-term care is needed, those in need of long-term care will need to either pay out-of-pocket or use another source of financial assistance.
- Medicaid: Medicaid covers most of the costs of living in a skilled nursing facility for those who qualify. Care, room, and board are covered with no time limit, but residents may be charged for extras like specially prepared food or cosmetic services. Medicaid eligibility standards are strict and complex, so not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid benefits.
- Veterans Benefits: Veterans receiving a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit administered by the VA. Aid and Attendance is a monthly allowance that beneficiaries may use to pay for their long-term care, including skilled nursing care.
If these options aren’t available to you, check if your loved one has long-term care insurance or contact your Area Agency on Aging to ask about any local financial assistance programs for seniors.
Free Resources for Seniors in Des Moines, IA
We’ve put together this list of free or low-cost resources available to seniors in De Moines. They may be useful in helping older adults remain in their homes for as long as possible, and provide seniors and their caregivers with a better understanding of the support available when they need to transition into nursing home care.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Aging Resources of Central Iowa | (515) 255-1310 | The Aging Resources of Central Iowa acts as the first point of contact for seniors who are trying to navigate the array of aging resources in Des Moines. Services include options counseling, referrals to other agencies and case management with ongoing support. |
| Senior Health Insurance Information Program | (800) 351-4664 | This program can help older adults and their family members understand and make informed decisions about Medicare coverage. SHIIP counselors offer unbiased advice and help seniors compare Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap and prescription drug coverage and provide options to help reduce their costs. |
| The Polk County Commodity Supplemental Food Program | (515) 286-3655 | Offered by Polk County and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this program provides food and nutrition counseling to adults who are at least 60 years old. Homebound seniors may receive regular deliveries of food items such as milk, pasta and canned goods along with dietary advice. |
| The Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services Elderly Waiver | (515) 256-4606 | This program helps Medicaid-eligible seniors who want to delay moving into a nursing facility receive the care they need at home. The waiver provides financial aid to cover the cost of homemaker, skilled nursing, respite and a number of other services. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (515) 725-3308 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an independent state-funded agency that makes sure facilities such as nursing homes comply with care quality standards. Ombudsmen also investigate complaints filed by seniors and their loved ones and act as advocates on their behalf to get the issues resolved. |