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Get Pricing & Availability for Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA

Call (855) 481-6777 for immediate assistance and get more details

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Page Reviewed / Updated – July 19, 2022

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With a cost of living that’s about 19% lower than the U.S. average, Des Moines is an appealing choice for seniors on a fixed income. While health care costs in the city are higher than average, transportation and grocery costs are lower than average, which may help offset assisted living costs. Assisted living in Des Moines costs an average of $4,803 per month, which is $436 higher than the statewide average of $4,367.

Iowa has moderately friendly tax policies for seniors. Social Security benefits aren’t taxed at the state level, and other types of retirement income are only partially taxed. Iowa is one of few states that has an inheritance tax, and property taxes are somewhat higher than average.

This guide covers the average monthly costs for assisted living in Des Moines. It also goes over many of the local resources available to help support seniors.

The Cost of Assisted Living and Care in Des Moines, IA

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Des Moines pay $4,803 per month for assisted living care.

Des Moines’ assisted living costs are $436 higher than the state average of $4,367 per month and $303 higher than the national average of $4,500. Assisted living costs in Des Moines are higher than in other cities in the state. Ames and Cedar Rapids have only slightly lower costs at $4,655 and $4,748 per month, respectively, while costs in Sioux City are significantly lower at $4,148 a month. 

  • Des Moines: $4,803
  • Iowa: $4,367
  • United States: $4,500
  • Cedar Rapids: $4,748
  • Sioux City: $4,148
  • Ames: $4,655

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care in Des Moines, IA

Assisted living is one of the more affordable senior care options in Des Moines, costing $4,803 per month, including accommodations and care. Seniors who receive care in their own homes pay about $1,000 more for both in-home care and home health care, which both cost $5,815 monthly. Nursing home care is the most expensive option in Des Moines, with seniors paying $7,148 per month for semiprivate rooms and $7,756 for private rooms. The cheapest care senior care option in Des Moines is adult day health care, which costs $1,517.

  • In-Home Care: $5,815
  • Home Health Care: $5,815
  • Adult Day Health Care: $1,517
  • Assisted Living Facility: $4,803
  • Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room): $7,148
  • Nursing Home Facility (private room): $7,756

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA

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Other Ways To Pay for Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA

Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For additional information and planning, read our comprehensive guide to paying for senior care in Iowa.

Free Resources for Seniors in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines has several local resources that can help seniors research local assisted living facilities, locate options for covering care costs and connect with community-based resources.

Resource

Contact

Service

Aging Resources of Central Iowa (800) 747-5352 The Area Agency on Aging of Central Iowa serves those aged 60 and over with issues that affect their standard of living. This can include help with health care services, finding and applying for public benefits and financial advice and assistance. Aging Resources of Central Iowa conducts classes on senior issues, such as fall prevention, diabetes management and living with chronic illness or disability. Volunteers at the agency can help local seniors with referrals to outside programs that help with utility bills, nutrition assistance and direct financial aid. 
Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) (855) 408-1212 SHIIP provides confidential and unbiased health information and advice to seniors across the state. This is the program Iowa seniors can reach out to for answers about Medicaid and Medicare programs, assisted living waiver requirements and referrals to free resources for senior living. Program volunteers can also answer questions about long-term care insurance and provide some guidance regarding Medicare supplemental and other forms of health insurance.
Iowa Legal Aid

(800) 992-8161  

Iowa Legal Aid offers guidance and representation for seniors in Des Moines who need help with legal issues. Topics the center helps with include estate planning, long-term care issues and the complex legal and financial issues many seniors have to deal with. Legal experts working for the center provide free legal advice and help with understanding contracts, insurance matters and appeals for disability or other benefits programs. Seniors and people with limited incomes can appeal to the center for help with Medicaid and Medicare benefits, Social Security denials and assisted living rules and regulations. Iowa Legal Aid offers all of its sessions remotely.
Des Moines Vet Center

(515) 284-4929 

The Des Moines Vet Center helps honorably discharged veterans apply for benefits they may be eligible for through the VA, such as Aid and Attendance, veterans’ disability payments and pension programs that can be used to help with assisted living expenses. The VA also arranges transportation for veterans who need it, as well as health services through the VA health system.
Des Moines Parks and Recreation

(206) 878-1642

The Des Moines Parks and Recreation department provides a safe and welcoming social environment for seniors aged 60 and over at its public facility on 216 Street. While the Mayor’s office has indefinitely suspended many of the in-person programs the center operates, congregate meals and remote events are still available through the center. Remote-learning classes on senior fitness and lifestyle topics are available to members.

Rules and Regulations for Assisted Living Facilities in Des Moines, IA

Assisted Living Communities in Des Moines are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined by the state. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.

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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Des Moines, IA

3801 Grand

Situated in the stately North Grand neighborhood just a five-minute drive from downtown, 3801 Grand offers assisted living residents supportive care so they can maintain their independence within the city they love. The senior living facility is home to independent, assisted living and memory care communities allowing seniors to elegantly age in place. The downstairs lobby is modern and sleek and offers residents the chance to warm up near the fireplace after they come in from a walk around the neighborhood. Apartments are equally modern and offer kitchens/kitchenettes. Most residents take advantage of the restaurant-style dining area featuring chef-prepared entrees crafted out of fresh ingredients.

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Features
  • Guest accommodations available 
  • Transportation to medical appointments available

Edencrest at Beaverdale

Edencrest at Beaverdale is located just a few minutes off Route 6 in a residential neighborhood. The senior living community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care so residents can remain among friends and trusted caregivers as they age. Throughout the day residents can be found in the beauty salon, basking in the sun on a warm day in the landscaped courtyard or enjoying coffee with friends in the TV lounge. Assisted living residents have access to three meals served restaurant-style, laundry and housekeeping services and assistance with the activities with daily living as needed.

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Edencrest at Riverwoods

EdenCrest at Riverwoods is located just a block away from Evergreen park and offers Des Moines seniors a full array of care options ranging from assisted living to memory care. Assisted living residents have individualized care plans that include appropriate assistance with the activities of daily living, three restaurant-style meals and access to great programs such as the Live 2 B Healthy senior exercise program led by certified trainers. We included EdenCrest at Riverwoods on our top ten facility list for its innovative LifeShare program that allows family members to log into a secure portal and view pictures, write messages and check event logs to make sure their loved ones are active and engaged. 

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Edencrest at Siena Hills

Situated in a residential neighborhood behind Route 69, Edencrest at Siena Hills offers local seniors independent living, assisted living and memory care. Edencrest is also notable for offering a fourth level, one called closer care, which is meant to bridge the gap between assisted living and memory care. Assisted living residents receive individualized care plans based on what they need including assistance with activities of daily living, medication management and access to caregivers around the clock. Apartments are geared towards the needs of assisted living residents and include individual climate control and walk-in showers with seats.

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Ramsey Village

Ramsey Village is a continuing care senior community located a few blocks north of Drake University. The senior living facility offers five levels of care including assisted living. Pharmacy staff is available to residents around the clock and a medical director visits the community on a weekly basis to coordinate care plans. Assisted living residents receive individual care plans designed to meet their level of mobility and cognitive abilities. The nursing staff is always available and concierge services are available to arrange transportation to medical appointments as needed. Seniors stay active exploring the lovely gardens and walkways spread out over 10 acres of land during the summer months and settle down with coffee and friends in the game room and library during the winter. 

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Features
  • On-site salon 
  • Dentists, optometrists and podiatrists visit the campus monthly

Prairie Hills Des Moines

Tucked into a wooded area just south of Easter Lake, Prairie Hills Senior Living has offered local seniors elegant assisted living and memory care accommodations for the past two decades. The upscale facility offers seniors plenty of high-class amenities so that they can stay engaged and active during their senior years including a swimming pool, fitness classes, transportation services and three meals a day in a restaurant-style dining hall. Assisted living residents receive customized day-to-day assistance as needed with activities of daily living, access to an active social calendar, housekeeping, and trash services. We placed Prairie Hills on our top ten list for its scenic courtyards and quiet location. 

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Valley View Village

Situated just north of a shopping plaza, Easttown Park, and the East Side Library, residents of Valley View Village appreciate the walkable neighborhood and frequently visit nearby shops. The state of the art assisted living village offers elegant accommodations with kitchens, Pella windows, walk-in showers and oak cabinetry. Residents also have access to an array of on-site amenities including a parlor for greeting guests, lounges on every floor designed for socializing with friends, a library and computer room and a sunroom. All residents also have access to personal care services as needed and are invited to regularly scheduled trips to shopping malls, stores and restaurants.

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Features
  • All residents have a call pendant system 
  • Massage therapy services on-site

Bickford of Urbandale

Situated right off Exit 28 of Interstate 80, the Bickford of Urbandale is a cozy and quaint assisted living and memory care facility. The decor is rustic and comfortable designed to make seniors feel as if common areas are simply extensions of their own homes. Assisted living residents are encouraged to help with simple tasks throughout the day to stay active and receive help with the activities of daily living, healthcare coordination and medication management. All residents enjoy the Bread Basket Scratch Kitchen menu, which includes three freshly prepared meals a day. 

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Features
  • Private dining area available for special occasions 
  • Chaplain services available

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek

Situated in a green spot behind Trader Joe’s within close proximity to a number of major shopping plazas, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Jordan Creek is a luxury senior living community. In addition to receiving excellent personal care services on an individualized basis, assisted living residents have access to a wide array of amenities including a salon for manicures, a fitness room and a bistro. Throughout the day seniors can be spotted enjoying a meal prepared by the executive chef, chatting with friends by the fireside, relaxing in the spa bath or strolling through the fully secured and enclosed courtyards. We included MorningStar of Jordan Creek on our list for its wealth of high-class amenities.

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Woodlands Creek Retirement Community

Located one block west of the Campbell Recreation Area, active seniors enjoy the scenic views and multitude of walking paths accessible to them from Woodlands Creek Senior Living. The senior retirement community offers luxury accommodations and modern common areas to independent living, assisted living and memory care residents. Throughout the day residents can be spotted catching the breeze on their balconies, partaking in one of many chef-prepared meals, watching a film in the on-site movie theater or working out in the fitness area.

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