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The Rose Of East Des Moines
1331 Idaho St, Des Moines, IA 50316
"The Rose of East Des Moines is a sprawling complex nestled in Des Moines' Capital Park district close to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Ga..."
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Assisted Living Communities in Des Moines, Iowa
Serving as the capital city of Iowa, Des Moines sits in Polk County, where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers meet. In this region, prospective assisted living residents choose from 64 facilities, including 21 within the city proper. As of 2024, these facilities charge a median monthly rate of $6,713, compared to the state norm of $5,200.
Discover 498 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.
Directory of Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA
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MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
525 S 60th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266
5.0
(10 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..."
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Rock Creek Senior Living
3602 NW 5th Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
4.8
(10 reviews)
"My father and I visited Rock Creek with Ashley. Ashley is an awesome lady. She treated us like family as soon as we walked in the door. Answered all questions we had and offered many ideas and food for thought. The room she showed us was much nicer ..."
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Independence Village of Ames
1325 Coconino Rd, Ames, IA 50014
4.7
(28 reviews)
"My sister is in a studio. Nice space. She enjoys the food and having a diabetic diet. My sister has many health concerns and medications. They are all handled well. Staff lets me know if a concern arises. Allowing me to not worry about her all the t..."
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Holland Farms Senior Living
2800 Sunset Drive, Norwalk, IA 50211
4.6
(9 reviews)
"We toured Holland Farms Senior Living. The staff were very nice. They appeared to like their jobs. All the residents seemed happy there. We talked to a couple of them about how they liked living there and they enjoyed it. Everybody seems happy. They ..."
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Independence Village of Ankeny
1275 SW State Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
4.6
(26 reviews)
"Very friendly staff and residents. Very clean. I LOVE LIVING HERE!!..."
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Independence Village Of Waukee
1650 SE Holiday Crest Circle, Waukee, IA 50263
4.6
(43 reviews)
"All the rooms have large windows with nice views. The staff here are very friendly and are involved with all the residents every day. We have 3 choice’s every day at the noon meal. Fun entertainment every week. I think this is the best retirement com..."
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Bickford of West Des Moines
5050 Hawthorne Dr., West Des Moines, IA 50265
4.5
(24 reviews)
"My grandmother has moved into Bickford of West Des Moines. We like the homey smaller atmosphere and some more attentive care. The staff is very kind and caring. I like that they have multiple activities set up for the residents, and they encourage th..."
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Bickford of Urbandale
5915 Sutton Place, Urbandale, IA 50322
4.4
(27 reviews)
"Bickford of Urbandale was well laid-out and easy-to-follow building. Everybody seemed friendly. The apartments seemed nice. They had a good view out of their window, a nice landscape, wildlife birds, and small creatures like that. The rooms were smal..."
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Courtyard Estates at Hawthorne Crossing
601 Hawthorne Crossing Dr. SE, Bondurant, IA 50035
4.0
(15 reviews)
"My grandmother moved into Courtyard Estates at Hawthorne Crossing. She's been there for over a month now. The lady that I had spoken to was very helpful. It is like a family there. I go, and I eat supper with my grandmother every day. I get to know t..."
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Edencrest Kettlestone
805 SE Tallgrass Ln, Waukee, IA 50263
"Kettlestone Edencrest at Kettlestone is the area’s premiere senior community. This community is located in the KeeTown Loop district clos..."
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McCauley Terrace
5921 Winwood Drive, Johnston, IA 50131
5.0
(1 reviews)
"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'..."
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Grand Living at Tower Place
540 S 51st St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
5.0
(3 reviews)
"We were very impressed with Grand Living at Tower Place, because we wanted to have a women only floor, and they have that. It's a secure locked floor and somebody is in attendance all the time. We just thought that was the best place. They have exerc..."
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Edencrest at The Tuscany
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..."
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Ballard Creek Assisted Living
908 US-69, Huxley, IA 50124
5.0
(1 reviews)
"I checked out Ballard Creek for my mom. It was very clean, they have very friendly staff, it's small so they knew everybody's name. They have activities that they do, there's a chapel, there's a game room, there's a beauty salon there. People can com..."
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Kennybrook Village
200 SW Brookside Drive, Grimes, IA 50111
4.8
(12 reviews)
"My Mom, Brother and I went to tour KennyBrook Assisted Living for my Mom and were very happy with what we saw. The staff were very kind, open, and upbeat. The available unit has a cute kitchenette, a decent size living room, a large bedroom with ..."
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Edencrest at Green Meadows
6750 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA 50131
4.7
(4 reviews)
"Edencrest at Green Meadows was a new facility in a beautiful environment. I felt that it had adequate open spaces. The programming seemed to be very good, especially for the memory care unit, which was the unit we were especially interested in. I lik..."
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Regency Care Center
815 W High Rd., Norwalk, IA 50211
4.7
(4 reviews)
"Regency Care Center is gorgeous. Any person that needs assisted living would be immensely happy here, and not to mention I want to add they don't necessarily have to wait for the elderly waiver. They will help them get this stuff going. It was just ..."
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Woodlands Creek Retirement Community
12605 Woodlands Pkwy, Clive, IA 50325
4.7
(39 reviews)
"My father was at Woodlands Creek Retirement Community. He was in a two-bedroom independent apartment. The apartments were completely redone between residents, so everything was new and fresh. It was set up wonderfully. Their fees were reasonable, and..."
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Walnut Ridge
1701 Campus Drive, Clive, IA 50325
4.7
(14 reviews)
"Walnut Ridge was larger. The hallways were wide and tall. It had a lot of glass and a lot of light. The recreation room includes a pool for exercise and classes. They had a large whirlpool area. The grounds there are more open. It's nice and green. T..."
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The Cost of Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA and Nearby Cities
According to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the monthly expenditure for assisted living in Des Moines comes to around $6,713. This amount exceeds the state median by about $1,500 and surpasses typical fees in surrounding cities. For example, respective care costs in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City trend lower at $4,770 and $4,876, while assisted living facilities in Waterloo charge around $4,163.
Des Moines
$6,713
Iowa
$5,200
United States
$5,350
Ames
$5,950
Waterloo
$4,163
Cedar Rapids
$4,770
Iowa City
$4,876
Paying for Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Des Moines
Seniors in the Des Moines area can have the cost of their assisted living accommodation subsidized by the Medicaid program. Medicaid waivers are also available for individuals who require long-term care that they are unable to pay for themselves.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Iowa page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page.
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA
As of 2023, assisted living in Des Moines costs 4.75% below the national average at $4,252. However, inflation impacts typical prices, with a projected 16.5% increase (from $3,881 to $4,579) between 2022 and 2024. Data indicates nearby Urbandale and Bondurant will see similar price hikes.
Assisted living in Ankeny is also set to increase by 16.5% from $4,675 in 2022 to $5,516 in 2024. Inflation projections for all three cities are significantly higher than the predicted 4.8% for Iowa.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $3,881 | $4,252 | $4,579 |
| U.S. Average | $4,070 | $4,459 | $4,802 |
| Iowa | $4,770 | $4,879 | $5,006 |
| Ankeny | $4,675 | $5,122 | $5,516 |
| Urbandale | $3,881 | $4,252 | $4,579 |
| Bondurant | $3,881 | $4,252 | $4,579 |
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living in Des Moines, IA
Seniors in Des Moines pay around $6,713 per month for assisted living services, with rates exceeding private alternatives but costing less than nursing home care. In-home care costs about $6,006, while home health care fees come to roughly $6,292. On the other hand, semi-private accommodations in nursing homes cost around $8,669.
In-Home Care
$6,006
Home Health Care
$6,292
Assisted Living Facility
$6,713
Nursing Home Facility (semi-private room)
$8,669
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Des Moines,IA
There are many resources in Des Moines,IA that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
For information about statewide resources and those in nearby cities, go to Caring's Iowa state page.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Aging Resources of Central Iowa | 800-747-5352 | Across Iowa, six Area Agencies on Aging provide supportive services for older adults to improve their overall quality of life. These agencies can connect seniors with local transportation services, nutritional programs, community support groups and other local aid. Additionally, low-income seniors can benefit from a variety of cost-saving programs, including home weatherization, heating and cooling bill support and help paying for medical care. AAAs also advocate for senior wellness by intervening in suspected cases of Medicare fraud or abuse. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Des Moines seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Caring Hands Eastview Food Pantry | 515-809-2356 | Food pantries distribute basic food items to seniors and low-income individuals, such as canned goods, rice, pasta, and other staples. These pantries are located throughout Iowa and have their own eligibility criteria. |
| River Place Food Pantry | 515-286-3434 | The Des Moines Area Religious Council operates two food pantries in Polk County, providing reliable access to nutritious food for seniors in the community. These pantries offer pre-packaged parcels and mobile delivery services, ensuring that seniors receive the nourishment they need right at their doorstep. Eligibility is determined based on income and household size, and participants can receive a monthly supply of food and non-food items that will last them for three days. With the support of dedicated volunteers and faith communities, DMARC effectively addresses food insecurity among older adults in Polk County. |
| Wesley Life Meals on Wheels | 515-699-3243 | Wesley Life Meals on Wheels provides a valuable service to seniors aged 60 and above in Des Moines, IA, who face challenges in shopping for and cooking their own meals. Our dedicated volunteers deliver freshly prepared, hot meals from Monday to Friday, between 10:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. These meals are carefully crafted with nutritious, low-sodium ingredients, ensuring the health and well-being of our recipients. Each day, we offer three different meal options, allowing our clients to choose according to their preferences. For added convenience, we also offer frozen meals. While there is a per-meal fee, we are committed to reducing the cost through local grants and funding. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Des Moines collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Assistive Technology Program - Des Moines | 866-866-8782 | DME is loaned for a nominal charge and can be used for any length of time. The organization also manages the Iowa Assistive Technology Exchange Program. The website connects seniors with providers across Iowa who have equipment available for loan or sale. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Des Moines seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Legal Aid - Des Moines | 800-992-8161 | Before moving to an assisted living community or while in residence, seniors may need legal advice and assistance with managing complex issues such as medical trusts, wills and competence hearings. Iowa Legal Aid provides free and low-cost legal advice and services to seniors. For issues that are not available through Iowa Legal Aid, seniors can obtain low-cost legal advice for as little as $25 per 30 minutes through lawyers that partner with Legal Aid to offer discounted service. This nonprofit organization also administers the Legal Hotline for Older Iowans. |
| Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (OSLTCO) - Des Moines | 641-420-9850 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for the rights of seniors in residential care communities. Financed by the state, the ombudsman doesn't charge for its services, which include investigating complaints about facilities by their residents, or their families, and third parties. The ombudsman pursues solutions with care providers on behalf of residents and doesn't charge for any of its services. Additional services include providing copies of inspection reports to families comparing memory care communities for their loved ones. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Des Moines have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans in Iowa - Des Moines | 515-284-4663 | The program provides grants of up to $10,000 which older adults can use to remove health and safety hazards from their property. Seniors can visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website to check if their home is eligible for the program. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in Des Moines bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Polk County Senior Services Community Centers/Meal Sites | 515-286-3434 | Polk County operates 17 multipurpose senior centers that serve as socialization hubs for older residents. These facilities offer health screenings and information about community initiatives set up for the elderly population. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Des Moines help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa 211 | 211 | An initiative of the United Way, 211 Iowa is an information and referral service that can help connect seniors and caregivers with resources in their communities. Individuals can call the organization to speak with trained experts who can provide information and help direct them to services that suit their individual needs and circumstances. The service is free, confidential and available 24/7. |
| UNITED 55+ Program | 515-246-6500 | United 55+ is an AmeriCorps Senior Program in Central Iowa that aims to promote community engagement among seniors. Through this initiative, seniors are encouraged to volunteer at local nonprofits, selecting programs that align with their abilities and availability. These opportunities range from assisting at nonprofit gift shops to creating literacy kits, writing uplifting notes, and aiding low-income families with tax preparation. Additionally, participants are eligible for mileage reimbursement. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Des Moines help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Social Security Office 50309 | 800-772-1213 | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Des Moines resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption - Des Moines | 800-367-3388 | Homeowners aged 65 and older who meet certain financial criteria can make a claim for tax relief under the state's Homestead tax laws. Iowa seniors who live in rental properties could be entitled to rent reimbursement. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Des Moines retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Des Moines | 515-518-4770 | The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income seniors pay their home energy bills. This federally-funded program provides a one-off payment toward a resident's residential heating utility. |
Veteran's Services
Des Moines retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines VA Medical Center | 800-698-2411 | The Des Moines VA Medical Center is a veterans' primary health facility delivering nonurgent care, surgical interventions and mental health services. The center offers specialists in cancer care, diabetes management, dentistry, audiology and spinal cord injury and disorder treatment. It can also connect vets and their families with transitional housing assistance and provides behavioral health assessments and counseling. Patients of the center must be VA health care registered. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Des Moines
Des Moines-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Iowa are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page for more information about these laws.
Frequently Asked Questions About Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA
Reviews of Communities Nearby
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...
Assisted Living
Jeffrey
5.0
Review of Wesley on Grand
I had an in-person tour of Wesley on Grand. It's hard to find anything you don't like about the place. It has a very nice structure and was recently remodeled. It's a Tudor-style setting. They also...
Assisted Living
Kyle L.
5.0
Review of Edencrest at Beaverdale
The rooms are very nice and the food is great. The staff is really friendly.
