10 Best Independent Living Communities in Des Moines, IA

Being able to reside in one of Des Moines’ independent living communities provides freedom and independence. However, since seniors are not receiving medical care in the community as part of room and board, these costs will likely have to be paid out of pocket each month.

Fortunately, many seniors can offset private pay methods to cover other costs of daily living through helpful resources, including VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. Seniors who move to independent living communities rely on numerous ways to cover the cost of their medically necessary care, including those that happen in-home at their independent living apartments.

If you’re not familiar with these payment methods, please check out the following tabs to get an idea of whether or not they could work for you.

Because independent living communities in Des Moines are not care facilities, they do not need to be licensed or inspected by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals as assisted living facilities do.

This doesn’t mean that independent living communities aren’t required to stay up-to-date with regulatory requirements like codes and zoning expectations. They are. In fact, many independent living communities also actively acquire accreditation from entities like the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) to differentiate themselves from competing community options. Being accredited by this nonprofit organization means the facilities are committing to upholding certain standards and actively being checked against them.

Like senior apartments in Des Moines, independent living must comply with Fair Housing laws making it illegal to discriminate or deny reasonable accommodations. They must also follow the Americans with Disabilities Act, which (among other things) ensures you have the right to have your service dog with you in your facility.

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 independent living communities

Iowa doesn’t require independent living communities to follow any specific Covid-19 practices. Nevertheless, it is wise to follow some best practices when you’re living in housing that’s shared with many other seniors.

One of the most important benefits to moving to an independent living community in Des Moines is the ability to choose from a variety of facility settings and types. Like all housing communities, each independent living location offers distinctive amenities, activities, and nuances.

Independent living with an eye toward the future

For seniors looking to the future, consider choosing a community attached to other kinds of senior-specific communities. For instance, though there are standalone independent living facilities, there are also those that are connected to assisted living, senior apartments, and memory care complexes. By moving to a community that has a combination type of living arrangement, seniors can easily change living arrangements as their health necessitates. Here’s how our partner communities break down:

• 7 standalone independent living facilities
• 7 independent living/assisted living/memory care facilities
• 1 senior apartments/independent living/memory care facility

The onsite resources you need for active living

One of the hallmarks of independent living communities is the resources they offer to seniors who are active. More than half of the independent living options you’ll find through A Place for Mom offers onsite arts centers, barber shops, beauty salons, fitness centers, outside garden space, and complimentary transportation. Doing what you love is even easier. You can tickle the ivories on the facility piano or make a new project in the woodworking shop available at some of our partner independent living facilities. Interested in bringing along a dog or cat? Nearly all independent living communities we partner with are pet-friendly.

Options in the greater Des Moines area

The greater Des Moines region offers a few more choices for seniors who may not be able to find an independent living community that meets their needs within a 10-mile radius. Within a 25-miles radius, A Place for Mom partners with an additional five facilities. Three are standalone independent living complexes, while one is a senior apartments/independent living combo. The last one is a combo of independent living, assisted living, and memory care.

Health care for seniors in Des Moines

Transportation for seniors in Des Moines

Though Des Moines, like most large capital cities, offers some public transportation, it’s best traveled by car. This doesn’t mean seniors can’t walk or bike around the city, of course. Walk Score rates cities on the ability for pedestrians or cyclists to get around; with a walk score of 45 out of 100 and a bike score of 30 out of 100, seniors may be able to travel in a way that nets some good exercise, too.

Feel more comfortable using public or alternative transportation methods? Don’t have a car? A Place for Mom’s partnered independent living facilities make it easy with 79% providing free transportation and 36% offering it at-cost.

There’s also the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority and its bus lines. The buses run around Des Moines and to popular sites. If seniors need a bus with accommodations, try the door-to-door Paratransit Bus Plus service. The Paratransit Bus Plus service may even be free to use for those who are disabled as well as low-income. Seniors can find out more about getting complimentary or low-cost service by calling (515) 286-3484.

Of course, seniors can always rely on Ubers, Lyfts, and other rideshare methods to go to the grocery store, head out to the shopping mall, visit restaurants with friends, attend events, and get to scheduled, non-emergency medical appointments. For senior-specific private transportation, reach out to Compassionate Care Transportation. Compassionate Care Transportation has a reputation for setting up reliable and affordable transportation for both individuals and groups.

Senior activities in Des Moines

Making the move to Des Moines isn’t just about finding an independent living community. It’s about exploring a city that has plenty to offer. From cultural activities and live entertainment to outdoor activities and lots of cuisine types to choose from, Des Moines can serve up constant things to do alone or with friends and family.

For outdoor enthusiasts

You can enjoy all of Des Moines’ four distinct seasons. For seniors who like to bike, jog, walk, fish, and participate in water sports, Gray’s Lake Park is a must-see location. It offers easy trails and paths, as well as accessibility to other landmarks like the 14-acre Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (seniors get special discounted admission rates) and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Another fun place to go is the Blank Park Zoo. With animals from far-flung regions of the world, the Zoo offers tours but can easily be navigated on your own. If you’re looking for something different to do with visiting friends and family, the Zoo is a perfect landing spot.

For museum lovers

Perhaps one of the most important museums to visit in Des Moines is the State Historical Museum. The Museum is designed to give a broader picture of what life in this original prairie town was like — and how it developed over the centuries. The Museum is completely accommodating and accessible for those who use a wheelchair or need wheelchair assistance.

For seniors who love art, the free Des Moines Arts Center features works from artists including Georgia O’Keefe and Henri Matisse. The Polk County Heritage Gallery is another place to see art within a multi-use exhibition space. The Heritage Gallery focuses on highlighting work from both known and emerging artists.

For live performance buffs

Seniors who want to go to a live orchestral performance or an athletics game can easily do it in Des Moines. Take Principal Park, for instance. It’s home to the minor league Iowa Cubs. But season after season, seniors can find much more at this Park than just baseball. For instance, be sure to stop by for their annual Independence Day celebration.

Live music and theater are always on the menu at the Des Moines Symphony as well as the Des Moines Civic Center. Both organizations are fully committed to bringing the performing arts to residents and visitors. Plus, seniors may be able to get discounted tickets, especially if they fall into a low-income category.

For foodies

Seniors can find every type of food in Des Moines. From down-home southern BBQ to fine cuisine, Des Moines spans the gamut when it comes to taste options. To explore fresh and organic food finds, plan an excursion to the Downtown Farmers Market. It’s where local farmers and creative cooks gather to support each other and the community they serve.

Like adult beverages? Head with friends from the independent living community on a city brew tour.

For peer community seekers

Some of the best-kept-secrets of the Des Moines region are its Des Moines Senior Activity Centers. Each Senior Center is devoted to presenting activities and experiences focused on senior adults. However, don’t expect that Senior Centers to only cater to those age 55 and older. The senior centers in Des Moines often set up events that are family-friendly and appealing to all age groups.

To visit any of the Des Moines senior activity centers, plug the following addresses into your smartphone:

• North Side Senior Services: 3010 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50313
• South Side Senior Services: 100 Payton Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50315
• East Side Senior Services: 1213 E. 26th St., Des Moines, IA, 50317

For more senior activity fun, be sure to bookmark the Polk County West Side Senior Center and Polk County Central Senior Center websites.