Situated in the heart of the Midwest, Des Moines is a wonderful place to live. With its friendly people, beautiful parks, amazing food, and vibrant arts scene, it’s no wonder the city has such a thriving senior population. So when it’s time to move to an assisted living facility, consider the benefits of making Des Moines home. With a friendly atmosphere, plenty of local activities and events, and attractive natural surroundings, Des Moines is a welcoming place for seniors.
A Place for Mom partners with 18 assisted living communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Des Moines. By using our guide, you can find the right fit. Assisted living will take daily chores off your plate, provide meals, and help with daily activities. You’ll be sure to meet new friends at all the fun activities and can hang out with them in the shared spaces like libraries, game rooms, and TV lounges.
In addition to listing assisted living communities, our comprehensive guide provides deeper insights into what it’s like to be a Des Moines senior resident. From transportation to health care, you’ll be introduced to some of the hallmarks of this capital city, as well as learn more about the cost of independent living and ways to pay for it.
10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Des Moines, IA
Situated in the heart of the Midwest, Des Moines is a wonderful place to live. With its friendly people, beautiful parks, amazing food, and vibrant arts scene, it’s no wonder the city has such a thriving senior population. So when it’s time to move to an assisted living facility, consider the benefits of making Des Moines home. With a friendly atmosphere, plenty of local activities and events, and attractive natural surroundings, Des Moines is a welcoming place for seniors.Read more
A Place for Mom partners with 18 assisted living communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Des Moines. By using our guide, you can find the right fit. Assisted living will take daily chores off your plate, provide meals, and help with daily activities. You’ll be sure to meet new friends at all the fun activities and can hang out with them in the shared spaces like libraries, game rooms, and TV lounges.
In addition to listing assisted living communities, our comprehensive guide provides deeper insights into what it’s like to be a Des Moines senior resident. From transportation to health care, you’ll be introduced to some of the hallmarks of this capital city, as well as learn more about the cost of independent living and ways to pay for it.
Des Moines Assisted Living Facilities | 455 Reviews
It's a nice place to live. I like that I have my privacy. The staff is friendly, and I get along with them pretty well. I do think some of their equipment needs updating. For instance, some of the...
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
My parents are at Senior Suites and I’ve known other people that Have lived there for years and it’s very caring ..wonderful place ..the food is great it’s always clean ...friendly ..we love it
- What families are saying about assisted living in Des Moines
- Costs of assisted living in the Des Moines area
- How people pay for assisted living in Des Moines
- Understand Iowa laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Des Moines
- What to expect from assisted living in Des Moines
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Des Moines? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about assisted living in Des Moines
Recent reviews for assisted living in Des Moines
The Bridges at Ankeny
Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston, IA
Edencrest at Beaverdale in Des Moines, IA
Costs of assisted living in the Des Moines area
On average, residents of assisted living communities in Des Moines pay a total cost of $4,334 monthly, according to the most recent proprietary data from A Place for Mom.[01] This fee typically covers room and board, activities available to all, communal space maintenance, apartment maintenance, some daily assistance with routine activities, and any associated fees and service fee add-ons. However, some communities may be higher or lower than the average depending upon a number of factors, including optional arrangements like deluxe accommodations, pet fees, or storage unit space rentals.
The following chart represents starting costs of assisted living in Des Moines and surrounding areas. These numbers do not take into consideration additional fees and add-ons.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA vs. nearby cities
Des Moines, IA
How people pay for assisted living in Des Moines
Seniors who move into assisted living communities, whether or not those communities are attached to independent living facilities, senior apartments, or memory care wings, typically use a combination of methods to pay for their monthly fees. The most common payment methods are with personal funds, through insurance vehicles like Medicaid or Medicare, or with help from VA benefits. Please note that Medicaid, Medicare, and VA assistance cannot be used for monthly rent costs but can be used to help pay for other fees, such as medical care or emergency services.
Seniors can use any type of personal savings to help cover the costs of moving to an assisted living facility in Des Moines. For instance, they might have savings or receive Social Security benefits or a pension. Additionally, they may have other sources of reliable or periodic income, including returns on stocks or other investments. Below are some of the other ways to pay out of pocket.
Number of veterans who live in Des Moines
About 12% of Des Moines veterans are 75+
Many veterans may already receive a Veterans Affairs (VA) Pension. However, some seniors may be able to access other veteran-specific funding as well. The Aid and Attendance benefit can be used by people in an assisted living facility because it is an additional amount added to the monthly Pension to be used for anything that improves quality of life.
For seniors who find the process of applying for veteran benefits overwhelming, consider speaking with a veterans service officer. These vetted representatives are able to help navigate the benefits system and help you apply.
Resources for Des Moines veterans
Des Moines VA Regional Benefit Office
210 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 5030
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Polk County Commission of Veteran Affairs
2309 Euclid Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50310
Phone: 515-286-3670
Email: Veterans.Affairs@polkcountyiowa.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs
7105 NW 70th Ave.
Camp Dodge – Building 3465
Johnston, IA 50131
Phone: 515-252-4698
Iowa Department of VFW
3601 Beaver Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50310
Phone: 515-255-2139
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
American Legion Department of Iowa
720 Lyon St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-282-5068
Email: info@ialegion.org
Disabled American Veterans
210 Walnut St., Room 566
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-323-7539
Vietnam Veterans of America Iowa State Council
210 Walnut St., Room 559
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 563-650-3055
Email: ghpaulline@gmail.com
Iowa Paralyzed Veterans of America
7025 Hickman Road, Suite 1
Urbandale, IA 50322
Phone: 515-277-4782
Email: iowapvakim@yahoo.com
Medicaid is the federal insurance program designed for people whose private funds have run out, putting them into a low-income category. With Medicaid, seniors may be able to pay for some of their assisted living costs that are directly related to medical needs, such as visits from a physical therapist or home health aide.
A Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver can help provide medical and social services to eligible seniors who might otherwise need nursing home care. Those most applicable to seniors moving to assisted living communities are the following:
- Health and Disability (HD) Waiver
- AIDS/HIV (AH) Waiver
- Elderly (E) Waiver
- Intellectual Disability (ID) Waiver
- Brain Injury (BI) Waiver
- Physical Disability (PD) Waiver
To apply for any of these waivers, fill out the online application. You can also use this printable Medicaid application if you’d prefer.
If it seems hard to navigate Medicaid, start by reading this booklet on waiver programs from the Department of Human Services and our guide to Medicaid assistance and waivers. Both resources are designed to help seniors understand their rights and potential options.
Stay abreast of what’s happening with the program by attending Iowa Medicaid Town Hall Meetings, to remain informed. Alternatively, the Central Iowa Agency on Aging can provide further resources for seniors unsure how to navigate obtaining Medicaid benefits.
Iowa Medicaid Member Services can help Medicaid recipients with submitting state-sponsored health insurance applications and renewals. The long-term care ombudsman is also an advocate for seniors and a good resource for information and assistance.
Des Moines resident Medicaid resources
Iowa Medicaid Member Services
2309 Euclid Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: 515-256-4606
TTY: 800-735-2942
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Social Security Administration
455 SW Fifth St. F
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Central Iowa Agency on Aging
5835 Grand Ave., Suite 106
Des Moines, IA 50312
Phone: 515-255-1310
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Long-term care Ombudsman
Beth Burke
510 E. 12th St., Suite 2
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-725-3308
Medicare operates as the federal health care program for people who are 65 and older. As such, many seniors may already be on Medicare. Because Medicare only pays for short-term medical costs, it won’t pay for assisted living room and board or related costs. However, it can be valuable to lower out-of-pocket costs to see doctors, get surgeries, or even have in-home medical care.
The Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a good first place to go for seniors not yet receiving Medicare. This program connects you with counselors who can help demystify Medicare benefits and help with the application process.
Be sure to also look into related programs, such as the state’s Medicare Savings Programs, which can help lower the cost of Medicare premiums and deductibles. Additionally, seniors who need the level of care generally found in a nursing home might be eligible for the Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE). PACE coordinates care and services for seniors at home or in assisted living facilities to help them delay a move into a nursing home.
To talk with someone about Medicare in a one-on-one format, contact a Medicare ombudsman at the PEER Advocate Program or the Central Iowa Agency on Aging. The other listed resources below are also available for support and advocacy. Visit the Des Moines, Iowa Social Security Administration office to get help and apply for Medicare.
Des Moines resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration
455 SW Fifth St. F
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SHIIP
1963 Bell Ave., Suite 100
Des Moines, Iowa 50315
Phone: 800-351-4664 or 563-421-1096
Email: shiip@iid.iowa.gov
Central Iowa Agency on Aging
5835 Grand Ave., Ste. 106
Des Moines, IA 50312
Phone: 515-255-1310
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Des Moines, Iowa Ombudsman
Bernardo Granwehr, Ombudsman
Bert Dalmer, Senior Deputy Ombudsman
1112 E. Grand
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Phone: 515-281-3592
Email: ombudsman@legis.iowa.gov
Understand Iowa laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
In Iowa, all assisted living facilities are licensed as Assisted Living Programs (ALPs) and regulated by the Health Facilities Division of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA). The process of receiving and keeping licensure involves meeting strict compliance requirements regarding staff, residential care, and other standards for ALPs.
Standards that apply to assisted living facilities
Iowa law defines ALPs — or assisted living facilities — home-like spaces that provide personal care to three or more people. The regulations put a major emphasis on preserving the dignity and privacy of residents, as well as encouraging their participation (and their loved ones) in decision making.
An assisted living stay in Iowa must begin with an agreement that outlines everything from cost to emergency procedures to staffing policies. Personal care, health-related care, and medication oversight must be provided. The facility must provide at least one hot meal per day.
A sufficient number of staff members must be on hand 24-hours a day to cover all the residents’ needs, and all staff must be trained on emergency procedures. Staff members must also pass criminal background checks.
Regular inspections at assisted living facilities
It is the role of the Iowa DIA to conduct regular inspections of each assisted living facility. Typically, inspections happen at least once every 24 months, although they may be performed more frequently. Inspections ensure that every facility maintains the highest quality of care and puts residents’ safety, comfort, and dignity first.
Check the Health Facilities Division online database for inspection reports. You can search by facility name or type or search by location.
Iowa Department of Health contact information
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-281-7689
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Des Moines assisted living facilities
Iowa officially lifted all masking and social distancing mandates, but Des Moines shares these best practices. However, many assisted living communities follow their own best practices and may ask workers to wear masks when coming in close contact with residents.
To reduce your risk of contracting or sharing Covid or a comparable illness like the seasonal flu, follow some basic hygiene rules.
Vaccinations.
If you’re able to get vaccinations for Covid and influenza, stay up to date. Health care insurance usually covers the cost for these preventative vaccines.
Masking.
Wear a mask in crowded indoor areas or when you’re not feeling well.
Staff safety.
Some assisted living facilities are still enacting masking mandates for their employees and any visiting health care professionals such as nurses, therapists, or specialists.
Quarantining.
Think or know you were exposed to Covid? Isolate until you learn more from a Covid test.
Get to know assisted living in Des Moines
What to expect from assisted living in Des Moines
According to U.S. News and World Reports, Des Moines is more than just a cost-effective place to live with lots of natural parks, plenty of restaurants and shopping, and some walkable areas. It’s also named one of the top 100 places to retire in the country. This makes it a welcoming, affordable option for seniors who want to make the move to an assisted living facility.[04]
Progressive combination living for seamless aging in place
In terms of the facilities themselves, each of the 18 assisted living communities associated with A Place for Mom has its own atmosphere and layout. Seniors will find that most of these communities aren’t standalone facilities, either. They’re more modern and meant for an aging-in-place lifestyle. To allow seniors the most independence and freedom while being able to access care, seven of our partners are assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities combined. Another eight are assisted living and memory care. While there is one each of senior apartments/assisted living, senior apartments/assisted living/independent living/memory care, and a standalone assisted living facility.
Basic to luxury and everything in-between
Some seniors hope to live in accommodations that skew toward the luxurious and high-end. Others are more interested in making a more quaint assisted living facility home. No matter the requirements, seniors can find suitable options across the board in Des Moines, making it easier to pinpoint exactly where to call home.
Amenities to suit your lifestyle
Seniors moving to an assisted living community can still uphold an independent lifestyle. Especially since assisted living facilities are laid out to serve personal care needs and help with activities of daily living without limiting seniors from the safe activities and opportunities they enjoy. Many of our partner communities offer at-cost and complimentary transportation, for instance. This gives seniors the opportunity to explore the Des Moines area with friends and family, and three-quarters of our partners take residents on outings. Some even set up activities for both residents and their family members, making it simpler and more convenient to make memories with both new friends and loved ones. Onsite, seniors can enjoy art classes, bingo, yoga, movies in the theater room, or a game of cards with friends.
Care has you covered
On the health care side, seniors may want to evaluate assisted living options based on whether they offer full medication management, onsite memory care, onsite hospice, or visiting providers. At our partner facilities, nearly all of them offer visiting physical and occupational therapists, podiatrists, and nurses. Full medication management is available at 82% of our partner assisted living facilities.
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Des Moines? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Des Moines[05]
Median annual income for Des Moines seniors 65 and older[06]
Health care for seniors in Des Moines
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, this acute care hospital consistently receives high marks from the U.S. News & World Report as a premiere Des Moines health care facility. Some of its most recognized treatments and services include those covering orthopedics, surgery, and cardiovascular disease.
Striving to provide patients with affordable care options, Broadlawns Medical Center is also a well-regarded facility, according to U.S. News & World Reports. If you need ongoing orthopedic care, consider making an appointment with a doctor at any of Broadlawns’ locations.
Veterans Affairs Central Iowa Health Care System-Des Moines
The Veterans Affairs Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines features a general medical and surgical site. If you’re a former member of the military, you may want to contact this System to find out your care options. U.S. News & World Reports rates this System highly for emergency treatment and triage.
Transportation for seniors in Des Moines
At our partner assisted living facilities, transportation for seniors is made easy with 82% offering it at-cost and 77% providing it free of charge.
Seniors living at an assisted living community that offers transportation may still want to get around Des Moines in other ways with a care team or with visiting family members. Fortunately, like many large cities, Des Moines has its walkable areas. However, the city’s walk score sits at 45 out of 100, meaning that not every neighborhood has well-maintained paths, trails, or sidewalks. With this in mind, seniors may want to take public or private transportation to get to parks, museums, shopping centers, events, and restaurants.
The main public transportation is a bus line run by the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority. The bus line offers discounts for seniors and even has a special door-to-door Paratransit Bus Plus service that may be free for those considered low-income or disabled. To learn more about discounts and related options as a senior living in Des Moines, contact the Transit Authority at (515) 286-3484.
Most people don’t keep a car if they’re relocating to associated living communities in Des Moines. Still, seniors can always take rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to get where they want to go. If you’d rather use a private transportation method that’s specifically made with seniors in mind, get in touch with Compassionate Care Transportation. This organization sets up affordable, non-medical transport for senior individuals and larger groups.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Des Moines
One of the most enjoyable parts of moving to any new city is being able to fully explore its amenities and unique aspects. In Des Moines, seniors can find lots of ways to spend their free time. From shopping at boutiques and stores and trying different types of cuisine to attending live events or enjoying nature settings, they can fill your calendar month after month.
Below are just some of the initial places to explore and things to do after once the assisted living move-in day is complete.
Getting outside for fresh air
Being able to indulge in outdoor recreation and relaxation is something residents of Des Moines prize. The city has more than 76 small and large parks. Seniors can find out about specific activities in these parks by checking the Des Moines Parks and Recreation site regularly.
One of the most notable parks in the region is Gray’s Lake Park. It’s quite spacious and attracts hikers, picnickers, and watersports enthusiasts. Even for those that use a wheelchair or require an assisted device, navigation is easy on many of its more well-maintained paths. TrailLink also offers a map of wheelchair-accessible places to go at Gray’s Lake Park.
Gray’s Lake Park isn’t far from another popular outdoor hotspot in Des Moines: The expansive Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. This Botanical Garden is filled with native and exotic plants. It’s known for its pristine landscaping and won a 2022 “Best Attraction” award. Seniors can even expect to get a discounted ticket price to roam around the Garden grounds. From the Garden, consider taking a 15-20 minute bus ride to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park with its massive outdoor art installations.
Museums and educational experiences
Being able to learn something new is one of the benefits of going to museums and other educational institutions. To find out about the first settlers — and their generations since — check out the State Historical Museum. This museum is built for accessibility with all displays being wheelchair accessible and some wheelchairs available for visitors’ use.
Want to go a little “wild” with self-paced learning? A trip to the Blank Park Zoo is in order. The Blank Park Zoo won the 2022 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, a true feather in this facility’s cap. It’s not hard to be amazed by the wonders of the animal, avian, aquatic, and reptile kingdoms here.
Art lovers will appreciate the Des Moines Arts Center, which is both free and packed with works from well-recognized artists like Georgia O’Keefe and Henri Matisse. For those who would like to see art pieces from emerging artists, including those local to the Des Moines region, consider going to the Polk County Heritage Gallery.
Cheering for athletes and performers
Although many assisted living communities may offer onsite entertainment like traveling singers, bingo games, and movie get-togethers, seniors may want to go to an event outside of the complex. At Principal Park, seniors can indulge their love for baseball by watching games played by the minor league Iowa Cubs. Another rewarding location to try for those into music is the Des Moines Symphony, which focuses on bringing live performing arts concerts and more to audiences. Additionally, the Des Moines Civic Center presents year-round opportunities to sit back and be entertained by Broadway-style entertainment, comedians, singers, and other performers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Independence Village of Waukee, Woodlands Creek Senior Living and Independence Village of Ankeny are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Des Moines, IA. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Des Moines is 4329.97 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. Census Bureau Tables
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. Census Bureau Tables
U.S. News and World Reports. (2023). Living in Des Moines, IA | U.S. News Best Places
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Median Income in the Past 12 Months (in 2021 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars) (S1903) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST
U.S. News & World Report L.P. (2023). Best Hospitals in Des Moines, IA Rankings
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
- Urbandale, Iowa
- Adel, Iowa
- Johnston, Iowa
- Ankeny, Iowa
- Madrid, Iowa
- Polk City, Iowa
- Van Meter, Iowa
- Huxley, Iowa
- West Des Moines, Iowa
- Grimes, Iowa
- Clive, Iowa
- Norwalk, Iowa
- Pleasantville, Iowa
- Slater, Iowa
- Green Castle, Iowa
- Sheldahl, Iowa
- Mitchellville, Iowa
- Windsor Heights, Iowa
- Saylorville, Iowa
- Pleasant Hill, Iowa