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Bickford of West Des Moines
Assisted Living & Memory Care · West Des Moines, IA
Exterior view of a senior living facility with garden Exterior view of an assisted living facility with garden Exterior view of assisted living facility entrance sign Sign for Bickford assisted living and memory care Welcoming outdoor seating area at the facility entrance Sign for assisted living and memory care facility Sign for an assisted living facility surrounded by trees Cozy outdoor seating area with flowers and decorations Cozy lounge area with sofas and decorations Cozy common area with sofas and decorative elements Cozy resident room with a bed and natural light A cozy music corner with instruments and decor Cozy common area with seating and fireplace Elegant dining room set up for a meal Cozy living area with a welcoming atmosphere Dining room set up for meal service Cozy seating area with rocking chairs and colorful pillows Dining area with tables set for meal service Cozy interior living space with decorative furniture Cozy interior common area with seating and dining table Well-maintained garden with colorful flowers and greenery Cozy common area with fireplace and seating Interior view of a hair salon with styling chairs Cozy decorated resident room with a view outside Well-set dining room with a large table and flowers Refreshment station with drinks and snacks Bickford of Aurora, assisted living in Aurora, IL — Couple walking together along a garden path

Bickford of West Des Moines

Assisted Living & Memory Care · West Des Moines, IA
5050 Hawthorne Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265 View map Calculator: See prices in your area
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Overview of Bickford of West Des Moines

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Bickford of West Des Moines is known for its outstanding assisted living facilities and memory care services. They recognize the challenges that aging can bring and offer valuable support in your area. Providing an intimate and transparent environment to seniors, they go beyond traditional nursing homes, fostering a vibrant community with engaging activities like art, baking, and music, creating a tight-knit and uplifting atmosphere.

In addition to these engaging activities, Bickford excels in culinary offerings, accommodating special diets with high culinary standards and restaurant-style dining. Their services encompass medication management, a resident monitoring system, transportation, and a pet-friendly environment. Notably, they have designed spaces tailored to the unique needs of seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s, creating a harmonious facility. Discover their exceptional assisted living and memory care options in your area.

Facility Direct Line (515) 679-6451
Facility Direct Line (515) 679-6451
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Bed community size
66-bed community Rank #181 / 406Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 181st out of 406 homes in Iowa for bed count. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other Iowa facilities. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in Iowa that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Years in operation
27 years in operation Rank #61 / 286Years in operation — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 61st out of 286 homes in Iowa for years in operation. Shows how long this facility has been in operation compared to other Iowa facilities. Longer operating histories may benefit residents, families, and staff.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in Iowa that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A longer operating history, which may indicate experience navigating regulations and delivering ongoing care.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 59 / 100 Rank #160 / 528Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 160th out of 528 homes in Iowa for walk score. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average walk score across Iowa facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in Iowa that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
53%
Rank #241 / 379Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 241st out of 379 homes in Iowa for occupancy. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the Iowa average, with its Statewide rank out of 379. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in Iowa that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Lower than the Iowa average: 75.4%
Occupied beds
35 / 66
Average occupied beds in Iowa homes 51 beds

License Details

Facility TypeAssisted Living Programs For People With Dementia
StatusActive
IssuanceApril 30, 1999
ExpirationApril 30, 2027
CountyPolk
License NumberS0043
Year Opened04/30/1999

Ownership & Operating Entity

Bickford of West Des Moines is administered by Tesse Lester.

Therapy & Rehabilitation

1 service
Respite Care

Staffing & Medical

1 service
24-Hour Staffing

Contact Information

Email tesse.lester@bickfordseniorliving.com
Fax5152230151

Amenities & Lifestyle

Salon Services
Outdoor Spaces
Dining Options
ActivitiesActivities are designed to keep residents engaged, social, and active
Specific ProgramsMontessori Memory Care

Contact Bickford of West Des Moines

Inspection History

In Iowa, the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing conducts unannounced health and safety surveys to monitor compliance and protect residents in long-term care settings.

Since 2005 · 21 years of data 39 deficiencies 32 inspections

Inspection Scorecard Info This scorecard compares key inspection, deficiency, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Iowa state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Since 2005 vs. Iowa state average
Overall vs. IA average 1 Worse Metrics worse than Iowa average:
• Total deficiencies (44% above) 1 Better Metrics better than Iowa average:
• Deficiencies per inspection (33% below)

Deficiencies Info Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

This FacilityIA Averagevs. IA Avg
Total deficiencies Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 3927 This facility has 44% more total deficiencies than a typical Iowa assisted living residence (39 vs. IA avg 27).↑ 44% worse
Deficiencies per inspection Info Average deficiencies per inspection. 1.21.8 This facility has 33% fewer deficiencies per inspection than a typical Iowa assisted living residence (1.2 vs. IA avg 1.8).↓ 33% better

Inspections Info State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.

This FacilityIA Averagevs. IA Avg
Total inspections Info Combined count of all inspections conducted at this facility. 3215 This facility has had 113% more total inspections than the Iowa average (32 vs. IA avg 15). More inspections can mean more regulatory scrutiny rather than worse care.↑ 113% more
Inspection breakdown
15complaint investigations
8renewal/recertification inspections
7incident investigations
2follow-up inspections

Inspection Reports Summary Info An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

  • The most recent inspection on October 15, 2025, found no deficiencies during complaint investigations of two complaints.
  • The April 1, 2025 recertification cited one deficiency for retaining a tenant requiring two staff for transfers, violating admission and retention criteria.
  • The January 23, 2023 complaint investigation cited three deficiencies involving failure to perform background checks, inadequate staff training, and insufficient dementia-specific training for all personnel.
Show Inspection Reports

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Private Rooms

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Single-story

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

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Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Managed by Tesse Lester

Executive Director

Places of interest near Bickford of West Des Moines

Address 1.2 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from West Des Moines's city center to Bickford of West Des Moines's address, calculated via Google Maps.

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Compare Assisted Living around West Des Moines

Info below is compiled from the IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Cedar Ridge Village
AL
IL
NH
SNF
West Des Moines
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 71
Rank #170 / 406
Yes
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 45
Rank #213 / 528
-
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 19
Rank #200 / 286
 51.5% A+2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
Bickford of West Des Moines
AL
MC
West Des Moines (Hawthorne Drive)
66
Facility 66
IA AVG 71
Rank #181 / 406
Yes
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 45
Rank #160 / 528
Private Rooms
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 19
Rank #61 / 286
 53.0% -32
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 7
Rank #270 / 294
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #290 / 294
Heritage Court Assisted Living
AL
West Des Moines (Office Park Road)
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 71
Rank #233 / 406
No
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 45
Rank #362 / 528
-
26
Facility 26
IA AVG 19
Rank #75 / 286
 35.7% -18
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 7
Rank #186 / 294
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #200 / 294
Cedar Ridge Village
AL
IL
NH
SNF
West Des Moines (Heritage Bend)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #324 / 406
Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 45
Rank #488 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #233 / 286
 95.0% A+15
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 294
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #200 / 294
Edgewater, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living
AL
ADC
IL
MC
NH
SNF
West Des Moines
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #324 / 406
Yes
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 45
Rank #482 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed- 97.5% -20
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 294
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #276 / 294
View all Nearby Homes

Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Iowa

Bickford of West Des Moines is located in West Des Moines, Iowa.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Iowa.

Get Financial aid guidance

Elderly Waiver

Iowa Medicaid Elderly Waiver

Age 65+
General Iowa resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
IA

Rural focus; waitlists possible.

Benefits
In-home care (5-7 hours/day) Meals ($6/meal) Respite (240 hours/year) Adult day care ($60/day)

Iowa Family Caregiver Support

IA NFCSP

Age Caregiver of someone 60+
General Iowa resident.
Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits Not applicable.
IA

Limited slots; rural emphasis.

Benefits
In-home respite (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$60/day) Short-term facility care (up to 5 days)

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Iowa Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General Iowa resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
IA

Three tiers; no waitlist.

Benefits
Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Iowa PACE

Age 55+
General Iowa resident, nursing home-level care need, safe with PACE support.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, Medicaid-eligible
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
IA

Limited to western Iowa (e.g., Council Bluffs); expanding slowly.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Medical care Meals Transportation Therapy Respite

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Iowa VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse
General Iowa resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth limit
IA

High veteran demand in rural areas.

Benefits
Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living)

Able Up Iowa

Able Up Iowa

Age 65+ or disabled
General Iowa resident, ability to repay loan, need for assistive tech or mods.
Income Limits (2025) No strict limit; must demonstrate repayment capacity.
Asset Limits Not specified; credit-based.
IA

Loans up to $25,000; statewide via Easterseals partnership.

Benefits
Loans for wheelchairs Ramps Walk-in tubs (~$500-$10,000 avg.) Reducing reliance on paid care

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Frequently Asked Questions about Bickford of West Des Moines

What neighborhood is Bickford of West Des Moines in?

Bickford of West Des Moines is in the Hawthorne Drive neighborhood of West Des Moines.

Is Bickford of West Des Moines in a walkable area?

Bickford of West Des Moines has a walk score of 59. Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.

What is the license number of Bickford of West Des Moines?

According to IA state health department records, Bickford of West Des Moines's license number is S0043.

When does Bickford of West Des Moines's license expire?

According to IA state health department records, Bickford of West Des Moines's license expires on April 30, 2027.

What is the occupancy rate at Bickford of West Des Moines?

Bickford of West Des Moines's occupancy is 53%.

How long has Bickford of West Des Moines been in business?

Bickford of West Des Moines has been operating for approximately 27 years, based on available licensing and registration records.

Are pets allowed at Bickford of West Des Moines?

Yes, Bickford of West Des Moines allows residents to bring their pets.

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