10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Waukee, IA

Woodlands Creek Retirement Community aims to create the most independent senior living experience possible for its 147 residents. That's why the facility's studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments have their own kitchens with generous custom cabinetry, large walk-in closets and their own washer and dryer units. Kitchens also have a garbage disposal and dishwasher for easier cleanup. Residents at Woodlands Creek all have their own patio or balcony, and basic utilities are covered by the community at no extra charge.

Walnut Ridge has a lot of luxury amenities in its resort-style community, where up to 88 residents have their pick between studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, detached townhomes and condos. Seniors have access to a pool and spa, card room, club room, chapel, and media room and theater, in addition to a TV room, party space and spacious dining room for sharing meals together. Outside, walking trails wend their way around the garden and patio area, the heated parking enclosure and the indoor car wash bay. The sheer amount of special extras Walnut Ridge residents enjoy gets this community a mention on this list.

The individual units at Independence Village Of Waukee each have their own private bathrooms, climate controls and emergency call systems that summon staff in the event they're needed. On staff are a nurse, med techs who can assist with medication management, and even a staff psychiatrist who helps residents with mental health needs follow their doctors' care plans. Housekeeping, linen and laundry service are provided, as is off-site resident transportation for personal, medical and recreational trips.

Bickford of West Des Moines has built a thriving community of 44 senior residents in a well-tended, cozy senior living residence. Amenities here include a spa, TV room, garden and patio area and party space for private celebrations. There's always something going on at Bickford, including book clubs, discussion groups, guest lectures and enrichment classes in the library, arts and crafts in the activities room and senior exercise activities in the well-equipped fitness room. There's also a beauty/barbershop where residents can get a trim while they wait for the next round of activities to begin.

Bickford of Urbandale is as serious about its kitchen as any other community, earning its spot on this list. Its Bread Basket Scratch Kitchen prepares fresh farm-to-fork meals three times daily, plus fresh, healthy snacks that are available all day long. Residents who know their way around a kitchen are free to help out, but the meals that get served in the home-style dining room are prepared under the supervision of professionals who can make renal, low-fat, low-salt, kosher and other special diet menus.

Ramsey Village is an all-inclusive assisted living community that offers skilled nursing and hospice to provide a complete continuity of care for its residents. Amenities include a luxurious spa, TV room, garden and patio area outdoors, free parking on-site, a party space indoors and a security gate to help keep everyone safe. The studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments at Ramsey Village all have cable TV and internet hookups, all utilities except phone are covered, and free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the residence.

Voted Best Assisted Living 2022-23 by U.S. News and World Report, 3801 Grand deserves a spot on any top 10 list for assisted living in Des Moines. This medium-sized senior community offers independent and assisted senior living on a landscaped property that's built around a large central courtyard with extensive landscaping. Crossing from one side of this yard to another, residents go from the family-style dining room to the sheltered outdoor patio, past the garden and on to the far wing of the community, where they can find religious services, VA benefits and senior financing consultants and the facility's complimentary shuttle van.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek has a place on this list for its extensive list of activities and community engagement programs. Residents can take part in the community's wellness programs and senior fitness classes in the well-appointed fitness center, attend services in the on-site chapel, get fit with Wii Sports, or gather for an informal get-together in the casual bistro. Small pets are allowed at MorningStar, and 24-hour care staff can accompany residents on the numerous walking trails around the facility when it's time for a stroll.

Edencrest at Beaverdale offers studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as roomy companion suites for seniors. Residents have free parking on the property, adjacent to the outdoor garden and patio area. In the dining room chef-inspired cuisine is served three times a day, and rooms have their own kitchenettes for making more intimate meals at home. Non-denominational religious services are offered on-site, and Edencrest's complimentary transportation can take residents to off-site church services, among other destinations.

Grand Living at Tower Place gets on this list for creating a lavish, resort-style assisted living experience close to the heart of West Des Moines. Residents have their choice of formal dining, casual meals together, private dining and grab-and-go from the bistro. There's a 200-seat theater on the property, as well as a woodworking shop with plenty of modern tools. Other amenities include a heated indoor pool, a full-service salon, fitness studio and a private chapel and meditation center for residents' spiritual needs.