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Des Moines, Iowa, is a pleasant city that captures the heart of the Midwest. Known for its friendly people, beautiful parks, and vibrant downtown, Des Moines has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to catch a baseball game, explore the city’s historical attractions, or enjoy the delicious food scene, Des Moines has it all. With a strong sense of community and a commitment to growth and progress, it’s no wonder that so many people love calling Des Moines their home.
For active seniors seeking a low-maintenance home with plenty of social opportunities and a laid-back lifestyle, independent living communities in Des Moines may be the perfect solution. These communities offer a range of amenities and benefits, including different housing layouts to suit the personal needs and wants of singles and couples.
With 15 A Place for Mom partnered independent living options available within a 10-mile radius of downtown Des Moines, seniors have a great starting point to begin their journey toward relocation to an independent living community in the area. From yoga classes to fine dining, everything you need is available without ever having to leave your neighborhood or building complex. In this guide, we’ll look at the options, their costs, and way to pay; we’ll also explore health care, transportation, and activities Des Moines has to offer.
Types of care available in Des Moines, IA
Independent Living
We chose The Lodge of Ashworth Inc. because during the tour we were impressed with how clean it was and they had availability at the perfect time. They also remodeled her apartment before she moved in so she was able to pick things like her paint colors. The best part about the community is that she is safe and they have handled the pandemic very well.
Fun, vibrant, safe and clean. The staff treat your parent/family member with respect and kindness. Not a cold sterile old folks home. A place they can still be adults and not just another number.
I would recommend this facility to others. All interactions that I have had with all of the staff have been great. Also, my mother has not had a complaint that she has told me about. So everything good. I can't rate the meals or activities as I haven't personally been involved with those.
4111 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
2824 E 16th St, Des Moines, IA 50316
2824 E. 16th Street, Des Moines, IA 50316
2824 E. 16th Street, Des Moines, IA 50316
1555 Hull Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
2571 Guthrie Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
3717 6th Ave., Des Moines, IA 50313
3330 E 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50317
3330 E 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50317
4210 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310
4755 Parkridge Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
2929 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
55 + Community in Beaverdale!Gorgeous community and homes located in the best area of Des Moines!We offer 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes with all kitchen appliances included. ElevatorStackable Washer and dryer connections in most units.Community Room hosts many resident activities.Fitness space and...
3700 E 31st Street, Des Moines, IA 50317
6300 School, Windsor Heights, IA 50302
Great Place for those who truly are independent or need very little assistance. Clean, small enough where you know all your neighbors, large apartments, and many resident-run activities. A place...
916 Ashworth, West Des Moines, IA 50265
916 Ashworth, West Des Moines, IA 50265
4010 E. 42nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50317
1499 Office Park Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265
1501 Office Park Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265
This is still a consideration - I like the philosophy of care there.
2625 Vine St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
My husband and I visited to see if we want to rent. We are very impressed with the friendliness of the staff and residents. Everything we saw looked clean and orderly. The apartments appear to be a great...
815 High Rd, Norwalk, IA 50211
Person-centered careA respected health care provider in theNorwalk community for more than 40years, Regency Care Center offerscomprehensive rehab-to-home care,long-term care, and assisted living thatis entirely focused on helping residentsmeet their full potential. With thecompletion of a new...
1800 36th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Valley West Apartments has been a part of the West Des Moines Community since 1979. The community is designated for 62 and older or disability person. This apartment communities rent and deposit is based off of the residents income.Valley West Apartments is located off of University Avenue....
1313 Wright Rd, Norwalk, IA 50211
695 Cole St, Carlisle, IA 50047
685 Cole Street, Carlisle, IA 50047
In Des Moines, the average actual cost to live in an independent living community is $3,349 per month, according to proprietary data from A Place for Mom.[01] Typically, these costs include amenities, such as full access to communal grounds and activities, property maintenance, lawn care and outdoor property management, and, if applicable, parking spaces and access to garage or storage units.
Please note that your actual costs may be higher or lower than the average based on the independent living community you choose and any extra services you choose to add.
The following chart represents starting costs of independent living in Des Moines and surrounding areas.
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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.
Many seniors moving to independent living facilities in Des Moines use a variety of personal savings and income to cover their cost of monthly room and board. For instance, they may rely on the savings they amassed during their working years. Or, if they’re receiving monthly Social Security benefits, pensions, or even investment returns, those monies may be enough to partially or entirely cover the cost of living in an independent living community.
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.
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.
Getting vaccinations and booster shots against both Covid-19 and the seasonal flu can help you reduce your risk of developing either condition or spreading an infection to others.
Not feeling well? Going to be around people who might be infected or immunocompromised? Be sure to wear a mask as a protective measure.
After being exposed to Covid-19, always isolate and test. You may want to speak with your doctor about quarantining if you test positive for Covid-19.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Des Moines{{citation:4}}
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Des Moines population[04]
Median annual income for Des Moines seniors 65 and older{{citation:5}}
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
At one point or another, you may need an orthopedic evaluation and surgery or cardiovascular disease treatment. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center has earned high points for many treatments and also operates as a general hospital. It’s continuously been ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report, and is not far from the independent living facilities partnered with A Place for Mom.[06]
Need a medical facility for an orthopedic condition? Broadlawns Medical Center may be a good fit. The Center constantly gets the nod from U.S. News & World Reports for its reputation as a top care center in the city.[06]
Veterans Affairs Central Iowa Health Care System-Des Moines
If you or your spouse is a veteran, you may want to seek out care at the Veterans Affairs Central Iowa Health Care System general medical and surgical site in Des Moines. U.S. News & World Reports points out that this site is especially strong in its emergency and surgical services.[06]
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
For more senior activity fun, be sure to bookmark the Polk County West Side Senior Center and Polk County Central Senior Center websites.
Independence Village of Pella, Attivo Trail Waukee and Independence Village of Ankeny are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Des Moines, IA. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Des Moines is 3,054 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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
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
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