Senior Living Apartments in Des Moines, IA

Senior apartments are not medical facilities. Consequently, people who move to senior-only buildings and communities typically rely on private pay methods to cover their monthly rent and any other add-on fees, such as pet allowances.

Some seniors, however, are able to leverage their (or their spouse’s) VA benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, or public assistance to lower their out-of-pocket financial responsibility for needed treatments, medications, therapies, diagnostics, and home health visits. This enables them to free up more of their disposable income to spend on the ideal senior apartment for their needs.

Senior apartment buildings, communities, and complexes are not health care facilities. Consequently, Iowa doesn’t regulate them as if they were memory care or assisted living locations. This doesn’t mean that landlords and property owners of senior apartments in Des Moines don’t have to follow certain housing standards, though. They must comply with the same regulations as other types of apartments throughout the city.

Senior apartment housing regulations in Des Moines

All apartments in Des Moines must comply with Fair Housing laws that make it illegal to discriminate against tenants or deny them reasonable accommodations. If you believe that your landlord or property owner is in violation of Fair Housing standards, you may file a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission within 180 days of the alleged discriminating event. You may also want to file a second complaint with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) within one year of the alleged discrimination. HUD can be a good resource for you as a senior apartment resident in other ways. Not only does HUD publish a guide listing your rights as a tenant, but it offers a comprehensive guide on renting in Iowa in general.

Senior apartments are inspected based on the guidelines laid out in this Des Moines housing code checklist. You may contact the Neighborhood Inspection Zoning Division in Des Moines and ask for an inspection report from any senior apartment living facility you’re considering.

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services contact information

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 senior apartments communities

In Polk County, the county of Des Moines, Iowa, the spread of Covid-19 is low. There are no regulations or mandates in place regarding face coverings, vaccine requirements, or social distancing. However, government entities recommend following precautionary best practices for all people, including residents of senior apartments. These preventative best practices are especially essential in communal and shared living spaces such as onsite fitness facilities, lounges, and community laundry rooms.

Moving to Des Moines to live in a senior apartment can be a good choice if you want all the freedom of living independently without the frustrations, costs, and obligations of caring for a large home, single-family dwelling, or townhouse.

Plus, two of the senior apartment facilities in Des Moines that are partners with A Place for Mom are combined senior apartments and either assisted living, independent living, or memory care communities. This means that you can more easily transition to different stages of your life without having to adjust to a new area every time.

Live with other independent seniors

One of the most appealing benefits of moving to senior apartments is the ability to be closer to your peers. Because all senior apartments in Des Moines are meant for residents at least age 55, the apartment complexes focus on providing amenities geared toward a more mature population. It’s a comfortable way to enjoy retirement without having to worry about mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or shoveling snow.

Take advantage of senior-focused activities

Whether you’re interested in staying fit, tending a garden, or engaging in arts and crafts, you’ll find plenty of senior-focused activities at some of the Des Moines senior apartment communities. Many feature fitness centers, game rooms, and movie rooms. This gives you access to entertainment and activities without having to leave your neighborhood. Of course, if you want to explore the greater Des Moines region, your senior apartment living community may occasionally organize outings and day trips.

Look for the advantages, resources, and services you prefer

Every senior apartment community has its nuances and unique aspects. When searching for the right one to call your next home, you may want to create a checklist of must-haves and nice-to-haves. For example, the following services, advantages, and resources are available and some senior apartments:

• Controlled access entry
• Pet-friendly setups including dog parks
• Playgrounds, walking paths, and clubhouses
• Business centers and community rooms
• High-speed internet access
• Patios and personal yard space
• Onsite 24/7 personnel or concierge availability
• Medical alert systems
• Garages and storage units

If you’re moving to Des Moines from out of state, take advantage of online digital tours. Many senior apartment communities will offer pre-recorded and live remote walk-throughs so you can get a better sense of each building and its environment, ambiance, and neighborhood.

Health care for seniors in Des Moines

Transportation for seniors in Des Moines

In general, Des Moines is a city best traveled by car. Although its Walk Score is 45 out of 100 according to WalkScore’s research that judges the pedestrian friendliness of a city, you may not be able to easily get to the downtown or popular locations on foot.

Of course, if you are without private transportation, you do have some other options for getting around the city. For instance, the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority has a few service choices, including bus lines that run throughout the day and around popular communities. These buses include the Paratransit Bus Plus service, which is a door-to-door solution for individuals who are disabled and can’t use regular buses. If you are considered low-income and are disabled, you may be able to obtain free Paratransit through a partnership with Polk County. To learn more, call their offices at (515) 286-3484 during normal business hours.

Are you interested in other means of non-emergency transportation suitable for seniors living in Des Moines? Compassionate Care Transportation LLC can arrange many types of transport, such as to shopping malls, grocery stores, and pre-scheduled doctor’s appointments. The company also is available to help arrange group outings.

Below are the Walk Score numbers on a scale of 1 to 100 for how well Des Moines is rated for public transportation, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Senior activities in Des Moines

Like most large cities, Des Moines is a place where there’s always something to do. Seniors who live in this region of Iowa have plenty of choices when it comes to entertainment, shopping, and general recreation. Plus, senior centers are dotted throughout the county to help bring retirement-age adults together for fitness, fun, and more.

Athletic and cultural events and experiences

Making memories isn’t difficult in Des Moines, thanks to ongoing events and happenings at places like Principal Park. Principal Park is the home to the Iowa Cubs, a minor-league baseball team. The Park doesn’t just feature baseball, however. Throughout the year, it’s the go-to location for concerts and themed events like a July Fourth celebration.

Two other ways to enjoy eclectic events any season of the year are at the Des Moines Civic Center and the Des Moines Symphony. The Civic Center, a premier performing arts hub, features accessibility for all patrons. Plus, it routinely engages in community ticket programs that enable low-income individuals to see high-quality live performances. Likewise, the Des Moines Symphony aims to enrich all members of the public through orchestral music experiences.

Museums and places to tour

A visit to the State Historical Museum can help you get a deeper sense of Iowan culture, heritage, and life (past and present). The museum is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchairs available for patrons.

Another popular museum that’s free is the Des Moines Arts Center. There, works and structures from artists and architects, including Henri Matisse, Georgia O’Keefe, and I.M. Pei are on display. Afterward, consider taking a visit to the celebrated outdoor Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The Park is a safe, walkable way to indulge in some of the Des Moines Arts Center’s most notable art donations.

Parks, nature preserves, and zoos

During temperate weather, plan to explore the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Seniors receive discounted admissions to this expansive 14-acre tribute to both indigenous and exotic plants, herbs, trees, and flowers.

The Blank Park Zoo is another place to get lowered admission if you’re age 65+. Known for housing many animals from countries like Africa and Australia, Blank Park Zoo is an ideal place for both guided and self-guided tours. It’s extremely family-friendly, earning kudos for being a solid to-do item if younger relatives are visiting for a day, weekend, week, or longer.

Fitness enthusiasts who appreciate kayaking, walking, biking, and paddle boarding will want to take a trip to Gray’s Lake Park. It’s within walking distance of other landmarks including the Botanical Garden and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Feasting and other fun

Iowa cuisine spans all cultures, meaning you can find your preferred type of meal within the city. For foodies, a trip to the Downtown Farmers Market is a great way to get a little exercise and engage with local bakers, agribusinesses, and other creators. Seniors who want to taste-test homemade beer can head to the Iowa guided brewery tour that includes lunch or dinner. Tours include a deep look into the craft beer scene and VIP access to breweries in the Des Moines area.

Senior gathering places

Seniors who want to meet others their age can find peers at the Des Moines Senior Activity Center. As with most Senior Centers, the mission of this activity center is to create community experiences for older adults. In many cases, the events offered by the center can be enjoyed by seniors’ family members, such as children and grandchildren. From pickleball and golf to yoga and tai chi, the activity center is a centralized location for seniors to unwind.

Because of Des Moines’ size, there are three activity center buildings:

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

Two other locations offering a year-round senior-specific event calendar are the Polk County Central Senior Center and the Polk County West Side Senior Center.