Skilled Nursing in Des Moines, IA

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

Skilled nursing facilities in Des Moines, Iowa, provide comprehensive, 24/7 medical care and rehabilitation services for seniors recovering from surgery, illness, or managing chronic conditions. These facilities offer a supportive environment with trained professionals ensuring personalized care and comfort. Iowa ranks in the middle nationally for assisted living, reflecting a strong commitment to senior care while maintaining affordability and access to quality services.

About Skilled Nursing in Des Moines, IA

In Des Moines, Iowa, skilled nursing facilities provide round-the-clock medical care and rehabilitation services for individuals who require a higher level of support than what assisted living offers. These facilities are staffed with licensed nurses, therapists, and caregivers who assist with wound care, medication management, physical therapy, and post-surgical recovery. Skilled nursing also includes specialized care for those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke recovery, or cardiac issues. Many facilities offer short-term rehabilitation for individuals transitioning from hospital stays, as well as long-term care for those with ongoing medical needs. With a focus on quality healthcare and personalized attention, skilled nursing in Des Moines ensures that seniors receive the comprehensive support they need in a safe and professional setting.

Considerations when looking for Senior housing in Des Moines, IA

There are 28 skilled nursing facilities in Des Moines, Iowa. The estimated population of Des Moines is 210,381 with 12.5% of that number being those ages 65 and older. 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

• West Des Moines, IA – 7 miles west
• Ankeny, IA – 10 miles north
• Altoona, IA – 10 miles northeast
• Indianola, IA – 18 miles south
• Waukee, IA – 15 miles west

Pricing and How to Pay for Skilled Nursing

Paying for senior care depends on several factors. On average, residents can expect to pay $8,669 per month for skilled nursing services. These fees encompass personalized care, engaging activities, and comfortable accommodations, ensuring a fulfilling retirement experience. Keep in mind these costs may fluctuate depending on factors such as location and facility amenities.

Paying for Senior Living and Care will vary depending on a few factors. For instance, the level of care needed; the income and savings of the resident; the state and location of the community; or if the resident is a veteran. In the United States there are over 400 programs that may offer some monetary relief for senior care, but often the majority of costs are covered by private funds and family assistance. These funds come from our Federal, State, and Local Governments. 

It is important to take your time when exploring payment and coverage options.

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.

Medicare -MAYBE:

Medicare will TYPICALLY cover Skilled Nursing (SNF) care ONLY under these factors: 

• 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.
• The person has Medicare Part A, and has available days left in their benefit period. The person has a qualified hospital stay. (3 consecutive midnights or more) 
• The individual must enter SNF within 30 days of leaving the hospital. 
• The person’s doctor has ordered inpatient services at a skilled nursing facility. 
• The individual must need and receive the skilled care daily. The care provided must be care that the person can only receive in a SNF. 
• The person needs skilled services because of an ongoing condition or a new condition that started while in a SNF for treatment of an ongoing condition. 
• The skilled services must be reasonable and necessary for the treatment of the condition.  
• You must receive the care in a Medicare certified SNF.

Medicaid – MAYBE:

Medicaid can be a payer source if the patient needs both care and has a financial hardship based on the individual state criteria. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government; and national guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines. Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program. Each state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.

• Skilled nursing falls under Medicaid’s Nursing Facility Services. 
• People who are eligible for Medicaid must meet the state criteria for skilled nursing care. 
• The state of residency must abide by federal law and regulations when setting their skilled nursing care requirements.  
• The patient meets the state guidelines for income and asset limits.

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.For a clearer understanding on coverage contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

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 services at some point, so naturally, 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.

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

UnityPoint Health – Iowa Lutheran Hospital

• Address: 700 East University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50316
• Phone: 515-263-5612

Broadlawns Medical Center

• Address: 1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50314
• Phone: 515-282-2200

MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center

• Address: 1755 59th Place, West Des Moines, IA 50266
• Phone: 515-358-8000

Questions to ask a skilled nursing facility

• Is the facility licensed?
• Has the facility’s license ever been revoked?
• Is the facility Medicare/Medicaid certified?
• What types of insurance is accepted?
• Are all specific medical needs able to be met?
• What services are offered?
• What is the rate for basic care?
• Are any reviews available to be seen by the public?
• Are protocols in place to ensure healthy, balanced meals?
• What if an individual has specific dietary restrictions, can they be met at the facility?

Additional questions and inquiries to ask skilled nursing facilities

• What should a new resident (patient) bring with them?
• What is the difference between skilled nursing and assisted living?
• What happens in case of an emergency?
• Can the family pet visit the resident?
• What is the level of privacy?
• What are the available social activities?
• What is the hours for family visits?
• Can patients request special meals for dietary needs?
• Are skilled nursing facilities connected to hospitals?
• How big are the rooms?
• What are the training requirements of skilled nurses?

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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