Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA

Assisted Living in Des Moines, Iowa : Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask

Residential Assisted Living in Des Moines, Iowa, presents a perfect blend of comfort and compassionate care for individuals over the age of 55. Iowa, known for its high standards in senior care, consistently ranks among the best states for assisted living facilities. In Des Moines, seniors can expect a welcoming community, personalized attention, and a variety of engaging activities that enrich their golden years in a safe and supportive environment.

Some are available for private pay, and others for Medicaid-paid residents. Assisted Living provides protective oversight, personal services, social care needed because of impaired capacity to live independently, and regular supervision on a 24-hour basis.

About Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA

In Des Moines, Iowa, residential assisted living is defined as a housing and healthcare solution primarily catered to seniors aged 55 and over. These facilities provide a supportive environment where residents receive assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Beyond basic care, these residences offer meal services, housekeeping, and transportation, ensuring a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. Additionally, Des Moines assisted living facilities emphasize community engagement through a variety of social, educational, and recreational activities, fostering a sense of belonging and enrichment for their residents. This combination of personalized care and active community life makes Des Moines a standout choice for seniors seeking a balanced and fulfilling living experience.

Considerations when looking for senior housing in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines, Iowa, is home to approximately 23 residential assisted living facilities. As of 2024, the population of Des Moines, Iowa, is approximately 207,105. Within this population, a significant portion consists of seniors. There are about 25,805 adults aged 65 and over. In Des Moines, the summers are warm, humid, and wet; the winters are freezing, snowy, and windy; and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 17°F to 86°F and is rarely below -3°F or above 95°F.

Cities near Des Moines, IA

• Pleasant Hill: located northeast of Des Moines, at a distance of approximately 5.63 miles.
• West Des Moines: Situated southwest of Des Moines, around 5.90 miles away.
• Urbandale: Northwest of Des Moines, with a distance of about 6.54 miles.
• Saylorville: Northwest of Des Moines, approximately 6.54 miles distant.
• Windsor Heights: Northwest of Des Moines, at a distance of roughly 7.07 miles.

Pricing and How to Pay for Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA

The cost of residential assisted living in Des Moines, Iowa, varies based on the specific facility and the range of services offered. As of 2024, the average monthly cost for assisted living in Des Moines ranges from about $4,350.

You want to consider your payment options for assisted living, memory care, and care homes. For these services, Medicare is NOT an option for payment.

The most common payment for these services would be out of pocket Private Pay and assessing a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.

Medicaid can also be an option, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.

Long-Term Care insurance is also a possible option in cases of chronic conditions, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.

For our Veterans and spouses of veterans, be sure to assess Veteran Aid and your eligibility for these benefits.

Medicare – NO:

• Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
• People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
• Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.

Private pay – YES:

• Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
• Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
• Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.

Medicaid – MAYBE:

• Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
• Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
• Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
• National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
• The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
• If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.

Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:

Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.

• Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
• Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.

Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:

This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.

• There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
• A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
• If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.

Questions to Ask

Finding a senior living community can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:

Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Des Moines, IA

• UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center
  • Address: 1200 Pleasant Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Phone: (515) 241-6212

• MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
  • Address: 1111 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314
  • Phone: (515) 247-3121

• Broadlawns Medical Center
  • Address: 1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50314-1597
  • Phone: (515) 282-2200

• UnityPoint Health – Iowa Lutheran Hospital
  • Address: 700 East University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50316
  • Phone: (515) 263-5612

Resources and Links – Iowa

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Iowa HHS provides high quality programs and services that protect and improve the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities.

Iowa Department on Aging  The Iowa Department on Aging strives to improve the quality of life of older Iowans by connecting them to services provided by Iowa’s six Area Agencies on Aging. Learn how you or your loved one can connect to nutrition services, caregiver support, case management, and more

Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program  Senior Health Insurance Information Program can help find answers to questions you have on Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, long term care insurance, and other health insurance issues.

State Long-Term Care Ombudsman A Long Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for residents of nursing homes, residential care facilities, assisted living programs and elder group homes. The Ombudsman’s Office can investigate and resolve complaints that may affect the health, safety, welfare, or right of residents. Whether through individual contact with residents or systemic advocacy, ombudsmen make a difference in the lives of residents in long term care facilities everyday.

Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings

Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.

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