10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Ames, IA

The award-winning Independence Village of Ames tops the list of top local senior living facilities because of its personalized care plans and updated finishes. Each resident has a private apartment with a kitchenette complete with updated stainless steel appliances, and open floor plans to make the apartments easy to navigate. The choice of studio or one- or two-bedroom apartments provide variety for seniors. The unique Personalized Dining Services program allows residents to dine on chef-prepared meals made from their input and preferences and served restaurant-style in a community dining room. This pet-friendly community also offers a pet care program to ensure furry residents have excellent care.

Cozy sitting rooms, elegant decor and a resident garden and patio space make Bickford of Ames stand out. This assisted living community has a nurse on staff for medical care and provides a wide range of activities for seniors. Residents can be seen playing on the Wii Sports console, exercising in the fitness room, taking an art class or participating in a group game throughout the day. Staff is available 24/7 to help with activities of daily living and medication management, and a registered nurse is on staff to coordinate health care needs.

Ramsey Village ranks well for senior living communities near Ames because of its focus on helping seniors maintain independence. Located in Des Moines and about 30 miles south of Ames, this community sits on a campus with mature trees and beautiful gardens with courtyards and walking paths. The exercise room, game room and beauty salon give residents ways to take care of personal and entertainment needs on campus, and regularly scheduled activities engage residents physically and socially. On Sundays, church services within the community make it easier for people of faith to worship with their neighbors.

Edencrest at Beaverdale stands out because of its multiple unique programs. The Red Carpet Service promise ensures every area of life, from personal care to the activities scheduled, gives seniors an exceptional living experience. Through the Dare to Dream program, one resident each month gets the opportunity to do something they have always dreamed of. LifeShare is a broadcast system that allows staff to send important community information to all TVs within the community. The Music Speaks and Live2B healthy programs focus on cognitive and physical health.

Valley View Village is also in Des Moines, and this community occupies a campus in the quiet Fairmont Park residential neighborhood. This pet-friendly community has everything residents need for their comfort close at hand. Seniors can often be seen sitting with friends in the sunroom or parlor or sipping a drink from the coffee bar. The on-site beauty salon provides help with hair care, and the spa room has an accessible whirlpool tub. Secured building access helps keep residents safe, and around-the-clock staffing gives them help with daily living tasks whenever they need it.

The Gardens Assisted Living has pleasantly decorated apartments and common areas. Seniors can choose from five different apartment sizes up to two bedrooms, and all apartments have kitchenettes and a full-sized washer and dryer. Daily meals are served in a restaurant-style dining room, and residents can visit the bistro 24 hours a day when they want a snack. Regularly planned recreational and wellness activities keep residents active, and comfortable lounges spread throughout the facility create natural gathering spaces. The community boasts a hair salon, a library with computers, free Internet and an exercise room. Transportation is available for doctor's appointments and group outings.

The beauty of Wesley Acres takes assisted living up a notch. Inside this facility, revolving art installations from residents and local artists provide interest to the space. The outdoor areas have gardens with fountains, flowers and walking paths, and local deer often come to visit. This community in Des Moines emphasizes wellness for the entire person — body, mind and spirit. Meals are made from fresh ingredients and created by a culinary team that includes several restaurants and dining venues.

Edencrest at Ravenwood is about 40 miles from Ames in Des Moines. This assisted living community is not far from the Des Moines River riverfront and Easter Lake Park. The property is surrounded by natural areas, providing residents with lovely views. Restaurant-style dining provides residents with choices at each meal from a selection of chef-prepared meals, and seniors can order in to dine in their rooms if they prefer. A spa and on-site laundry facility help residents stay comfortable, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the community.

Located in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines, Calvin Community has one- and two-bedroom assisted living apartments for residents who need a little extra help. Here, 24-hour nursing emergency response ensures residents' health needs are met quickly when necessary. Residents can use garden pots to practice their gardening skills, and social activities or exercise classes provide mental and physical engagement. Transportation services are offered when residents need a ride into town.

The Rose of Des Moines has a welcoming front porch with outdoor seating to encourage residents to spend time in the fresh air. Inside, spacious common areas and a community room with a kitchen provide additional gathering spaces. A private chef is on staff to make meals, which residents can eat in a beautiful atrium dining area. Residents can utilize outdoor walking paths, raised bed gardens and patios with seating areas. This community is located near a Des Moines bus station, which makes getting around town easier for residents.