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.
64 Results
1203 North E St., Indianola, IA 50125
4.6
(3 reviews)
"My relative is a resident of The Village. It's very clean. He's very well kept, and he has very good care. He's always clean and looks clean. They get him up and around, and he likes the food a lot. I really do like it a lot. We were just thinking ma..."
READ MORE
4700 84Th St, Urbandale, IA 50322
4.5
(4 reviews)
"My wife has moved into the Senior Suites of Urbandale. She's in memory care. She seems to be adapting to her surroundings. They tell me that she's being calm and pleasant. They like her company. When I visited, she was clean and didn't have any odors..."
READ MORE
455 SW Ankeny Rd, Ankeny, IA 50021
4.4
(7 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..."
READ MORE
2901 Cedar Street, Norwalk, IA 50211
4.4
(5 reviews)
"My tour at Edencrest at The Legacy was very nice. Everything was pretty much included, like the laundry. They had a nice place to eat that's restaurant style and they'd come out to take your order. If you didn't like the special, you could order some..."
READ MORE
2785 1st Avenue South, Altoona, IA 50009
4.3
(8 reviews)
"The location of Prairie Vista Village is ideal for me because it's close to two of my sons and I like that the home has a patio, which I like having in my apartment. I like the idea that there are two meals a day included in the rent. The rent was af..."
READ MORE
13731 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50323
4.3
(10 reviews)
"My aunt has been at Deerfield Retirement Community for about 18 months now. The staff is phenomenal. They'll call me if there's a problem with her. Any medical thing that comes up with her, I get a phone call. I have a good rapport with them and they..."
READ MORECaring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.
1201 Southeast Mill Pond Court, Ankeny, IA 50021
4.1
(12 reviews)
"Mill-Pond was nice, but Ankeny is not close to our doctors or family. The staff was very nice. We have a friend there, and she loves it. It was very clean. Everybody was helpful. Because of the virus, we couldn't see any of the rooms. The rooms you c..."
READ MORE1500 Edgewater Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
4.1
(12 reviews)
"My mother moved to Copper Shores Village Assisted Living one month ago. We are very impressed with our experience.....and in Mom's words, "I could not have chosen a better place." We appreciate the warm welcome, cleanliness, attention to detail, and..."
READ MORE
604 E. Hillcrest Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125
4.1
(6 reviews)
"Vintage Hills is a very nice place. They were very accommodating. It was very clean and modern. They had a very good food. My father was there for 8 months. We had to move him out of the facility because he exceeded their level of care. He had had so..."
READ MORE
5837 Winwood Drive, Johnston, IA 50131
4.1
(9 reviews)
"Bishop Drumm Retirement Center was very nice, but it was very expensive. It's a buy in and I'm not ready for that. I would recommend it. It's very pretty and very clean. The rooms were very well appointed, but a little small. They had a good activiti..."
READ MORE420 NW Ash Drive, Ankeny, IA 50023
4.0
(2 reviews)
"Suites of Ankeny was very nice. The rooms were a good size. They have a cleaning service if you want them to come in. They have three meals a day. The lady watching the front desk took me around and she was very nice. It seemed like a very nice, calm..."
READ MORE613 W. North Street, Madrid, IA 50156
4.0
(5 reviews)
"Madrid Home for the Aged was willing to take my mother in the condition she was in. It's a very caring community. They were also aware of her financial situation and they're willing to work with us on that. They also have the extended care that she w..."
READ MORE
1204 Linden St, Dallas Center, IA 50063
4.0
(1 reviews)
"Spurgeon Manor was a beautiful facility. It has all levels. They have independent, assisted, and memory care. I don't know much about the staff. It was just a short visit inquiry. I know a lot of people that have relatives there, and they do a good j..."
READ MORE
1499 Office Park Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265
4.0
(1 reviews)
"My mother moved into Heritage Court. They've been very nice to her, they've been very attentive to her blood pressure, and they have lots of activities. They have 3 different church services, scriptures, hymnal, and a church worship service. She does..."
READ MORE
7951 E P True Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
3.8
(5 reviews)
"My wife was in Arbor Springs West Des Moines. It was a great place. It was very clean and nice, but it's just very expensive, and they don't accept Medicaid at all. It's a very top-end place. If you want to spend a lot of money and get a lot of ameni..."
READ MORE
9225 Cascade Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50266
3.6
(15 reviews)
"Edgewater, A WesleyLife Community, is beautiful. It's lovely. Wonderful food, good floor plans, and nice staff. The facilities are great. They have all the high-end facilities, like movie theater projection stuff and computer availability. You got ev..."
READ MORE1315 Coconino Rd., Ames, IA 50014
3.5
(2 reviews)
"I visited The Rose of Ames. They're a good facility, just not quite what I was looking for. The staff was friendly. The place was big enough for him, but the level of care was not what he's gonna need. The dining room was very roomy, they were able t..."
READ MORE
608 S. 15th Street, Indianola, IA 50125
3.4
(5 reviews)
"My dad has been in Windsor Manor since June 1st. They are very friendly and accommodating, and they made us feel very welcome right away. It was a smaller facility. He’s got a medium sized, one-bedroom; it’s very clean, it smells nice, and it has fre..."
READ MORE
815 High Rd, Norwalk, IA 50211
"Welcome to Regency Care Center! Offering comprehensive rehabilitation-to-home care, long-term care, and an assisted living community, Regenc..."
READ MORE
255 SE Brick Dr, Waukee, IA 50263
"To learn more about this provider’s license and review other available state reports, please visit: Iowa Department of Inspections and Appea..."
READ MOREAccording 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.
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.
.png&w=256&q=75){kind=small}
