Best Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 28 assisted living communities in Des Moines, IA using IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank assisted living in IA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Des Moines, IA our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in Des Moines, IA.
28 homes
Other senior care options in Des Moines:
Avg Monthly Cost: $6,602The average monthly cost across facilities in Des Moines, IA. Reflects published or estimated base rates and can vary with care level, room type, and amenities. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: $5,600
Avg Walk Score: 52/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Des Moines, IA. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 90The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Des Moines, IA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Assisted Living around Des Moines (Metro Area)

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.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HC (Home Care): Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. ADC (Adult Day Care): Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Inspection events categorized as complaint-related by the state regulator.
Count of incident-based investigations (e.g. reported events) in the regulatory record for the reporting period.
Wesley Acres
AL
ADC
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 72
Rank #105 / 403
Yes
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 47
Rank #89 / 504
-- 91.3% -23
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 7
Rank #206 / 299
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #253 / 299
Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center
AL
NH
HC
IL
MC
RESC
SNF
Des Moines (East Village)
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 72
Rank #254 / 403
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 47
Rank #2 / 504
-- 60.8% -18
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 7
Rank #175 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
AL
NH
RC
SNF
Des Moines (East Village)
108
Facility 108
IA AVG 72
Rank #57 / 403
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 47
Rank #2 / 504
-
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 19
Rank #86 / 285
66.7% -36
17
Facility 17
IA AVG 7
Rank #280 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Edencrest at Beaverdale
AL
IL
MC
RC
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
160
Facility 160
IA AVG 72
Rank #16 / 403
Yes
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 47
Rank #70 / 504
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #200 / 285
39.4% A+13
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 7
Rank #237 / 299
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #205 / 299
Valley View Village
AL
HOS
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Facility 79
IA AVG 72
Rank #117 / 403
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 47
Rank #304 / 504
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 19
Rank #3 / 285
100.0% -27
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 7
Rank #191 / 299
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #236 / 299
The Rose of East Des Moines
AL
Des Moines
128
Facility 128
IA AVG 72
Rank #32 / 403
No
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 47
Rank #98 / 504
1 bed / 2 bed
17
Facility 17
IA AVG 19
Rank #152 / 285
42.2% A+31
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 7
Rank #294 / 299
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #253 / 299
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
AL
MC
RC
West Des Moines
93
Facility 93
IA AVG 72
Rank #79 / 403
Yes
58
Facility 58
IA AVG 47
Rank #168 / 504
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 19
Rank #211 / 285
58.1% -7
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 7
Rank #175 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Holland Farms
AL
IL
MC
RC
Norwalk
116
Facility 116
IA AVG 72
Rank #45 / 403
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 47
Rank #304 / 504
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #233 / 285
38.8% -8
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Edencrest at The Tuscany
AL
IL
MC
RC
Altoona
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 72
Rank #323 / 403
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 47
Rank #442 / 504
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #233 / 285
92.5% -7
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #125 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Grand Living At Tower Place
AL
IL
MC
West Des Moines
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 72
Rank #125 / 403
Yes
63
Facility 63
IA AVG 47
Rank #134 / 504
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #233 / 285
47.4% -7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 299
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #205 / 299

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every IA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 28 analyzed for Des Moines.

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Overview of Wesley Acres

A community that strives in exceedingly making its residents comfortable, the Wesley Acres offers the best balance of urban living and assistance with everyday living.  A proud member of the Wesley Senior Living Group, Acres places integrity at the heart of its mission; ensuring that residents can feel inspired in creating a better life with the continuum of care being provided. Wesley Acres is an elegant senior living home that aims to enhance and enrich the lives of its residents. 

Wesley offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care. Their engaging activities and programs to name a few are the recreational activities, fitness activities, and entertainment programs available for residents to take part in at the library, media room, or outdoor social areas.

Contact Wesley Acres

Overview of Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center

Owned by Mark Allen, Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center is a nursing home in Des Moines, Iowa. The facility accepts Medicare and private pay, giving families flexibility in how they cover skilled nursing care. With an average stay of 119 days, the 51-bed home accommodates short-term post-acute rehab residents and those needing longer-term care. The facility’s current occupancy is 61%, which is a moderate census.

The center has a substantial clinical backbone. Daily nurse staffing averages nearly 6 hours per resident each day. Registered nurses contributed about 1 hour and 15 minutes of that, supported by nursing aides providing 3 hours and 24 minutes. This staffing structure can support the home’s rehabilitation focus. Other services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The facility also offers respite care for families seeking short-term support, and there’s 24-hour nursing oversight to provide continuous clinical presence.

Amenities and activities are designed for engagement and wellness. Residents can access an indoor walking track and fitness center, a heated pool and hot tub, a fully stocked library, a woodworking shop, and a movie theater. The dining room serves meals from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, so there’s a consistent schedule for daily dining.

The surrounding neighborhood’s Walk Score of 91 is very walkable. This can be convenient for visiting family members navigating the area on foot. The facility’s regulatory standing shows a generally compliant operation, with oversight attention on clinical documentation, care planning, and staff training.

Contact Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center

Overview of University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Owned by Scott Berger, University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a nursing home in Des Moines, Iowa, that has served residents for 25 years. The 108-bed facility currently houses 72 residents, with an occupancy rate of 67%. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several options for covering rehabilitation services and ongoing nursing care.

The center focuses on short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing services. Residents have access to specialized programs for diabetes management, enteral nutrition support, ostomy care, pain management, IV therapy, and tracheotomy care. These services can benefit individuals recovering from surgery, hospitalization, and other health conditions that require ongoing clinical support.

Residents stay an average of 157 days, including short-term rehabilitation patients and those receiving longer-term care. Respite care is also available for families seeking temporary placement options.

Daily nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 37 minutes per resident. Registered nurses provide approximately 43 minutes of care each day, while nurse aides contribute about 2 hours and 36 minutes. This level of hands-on support is for residents with significant medical and personal care needs.

The community has a Walk Score of 91. It’s in a highly walkable area of Des Moines, which is convenient for family members and residents. State inspections have tracked the facility’s focus on care quality and compliance for several years. Responses to earlier findings demonstrate the facility’s ongoing commitment to maintaining care standards.

Contact University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Edencrest at Beaverdale

3410 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Overview of Edencrest at Beaverdale

Lead a meaningful life with the idyllic senior living community of Edencrest at Beaverdale in Des Moines, IA, providing assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs are well-cared for through different levels of care provided to meet their unique needs. With its commitment to understanding residents, the community crafts personalized care plans for their comfort.

Residents receive the utmost care and support with a care team attending to them 24/7, ensuring they enjoy every moment of their best years. With fun recreation and wellness programs, residents experience fun-filled days. The community promotes a pet-friendly and welcoming environment, making it ideal for those aiming to optimize their independence.

Contact Edencrest at Beaverdale

Overview of Valley View Village

Valley View Village 2571 is a high-standard nursing home in Des Moines, IA, that offers a wide range of care options, from independent living to rehabilitation. Promoting a welcoming environment, the community strives to maintain connections for older adults’ happiness and wellness. Delicious dining, recreational activities, and pet-friendly spaces are among the community’s unique features that make it an ideal retirement destination. With its dedication to residents’ welfare, personalized care plans are crafted to meet their healthcare needs and lifestyle preferences.

Hobby groups, fun excursions, and spiritual activities are just some of the activities that residents can join for leisure and wellness. The community also features a variety of amenities, including a library, well-maintained gardens, and walking paths, dedicated to enriching residents’ living experiences. As a community of its own, Valley View Village has all the local amenities needed for residents’ needs and leisure. This retirement community is one of Iowa’s finest choices for senior living, especially for its wide range of care options and extensive amenities.

Contact Valley View Village

Overview of The Rose of East Des Moines

Managed by administrator Alexis Morrison, The Rose of East Des Moines is a 128-bed assisted living community on Idaho Street in the Martin Luther King Jr. Park neighborhood of Des Moines. It offers residential care in a three-story building with one- and two-bedroom housing options. The community at a current 42 percent occupancy provides individual attention in a mid-sized setting.

The really walkable neighborhood scores 70, making most daily errands and essential services accessible on foot. Serving the Des Moines area for 17 years, The Rose of East Des Moines provides stability and continuity in the community. Pets aren’t permitted here. The central Des Moines location near the King Park area offers proximity to neighborhood amenities and services.

Over 18 years, state inspection records show that recent complaint investigations have found no deficiencies. Meanwhile, earlier inspection periods recorded the kinds of operational matters typical in assisted living settings. Such records are available for families wanting to understand the facility’s compliance history.

For families assessing assisted living options, a visit to the facility can provide a firsthand experience of its housing layouts, common areas, and daily operations.

Contact The Rose of East Des Moines

Overview of MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek

A proud member of the MorningStar Senior Living Group, MorningStar at Jordan Creek provides exceptional assisted living and memory care services that are all tailored to each individual’s needs. The community prides itself on providing the best services; striving to be the top-ranked assisted living community in Des Mois. An elegant community that is built on its contemporary design and styling, allowing for a more luxurious environment while providing resort-like service. Residents of MorningStar at Jordan Creek can rest assured that they can feel like they’re a home away from home.

The community boasts elegant designs and upscale amenities such as its dining room, brightly-lit lounge areas, spacious apartments, courtyard, and arts and crafts studio. MorningStar promotes a stress-free lifestyle for their residents, which is why they have provided essential services to do so– housekeeping, social and recreational events, and transportation events. Management highly encourages residents to take part in activities and maximize the amenities so as to socialize and promote a warm and welcoming environment. 

Contact MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek

Overview of Holland Farms

Located on Sunset Drive in Norwalk, Iowa, Holland Farms is a three-story community that has been in operation for five years. It offers 116 private and semi-private apartments and currently serves 45 residents, giving older adults a choice of living arrangements based on their preferences for privacy or shared space.

The surrounding neighborhood has a walkability score of 38, so while a few nearby destinations can be reached on foot, most errands and family visits require a vehicle. The quieter setting may appeal to those who prefer a less urban environment.

State inspections have identified areas for improvement in medication management procedures and service planning documentation. Interested families are encouraged to schedule a tour to discuss these findings with staff and learn more about the safeguards and care practices in place.

Contact Holland Farms

Edencrest at The Tuscany

1600 8Th St Se, Altoona, IA 50009
Overview of Edencrest at the Tuscany

Have a peaceful retirement with Edencrest at the Tuscany, an outstanding senior living community in Altoona, IA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. With its commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life, a reliable and highly skilled team cares for their personal needs and other responsibilities 24/7. A resident-centered approach is also utilized for residents to live their lives to the fullest.

Fostering a nurturing and inviting environment, enriching social programs, and fun activities are orchestrated for residents’ happiness and wellness. Here, delectable and nutritious meals are served to meet dietary needs and tastes. Filled with beautiful scenery and tranquil walking trails, residents live a serene lifestyle while receiving the utmost care they deserve.

Contact Edencrest at The Tuscany

Overview of Grand Living at Tower Place

Grand Living at Tower Place is an assisted living community in West Des Moines, Iowa, in an average walkable neighborhood where some daily errands can be finished on foot. Operating for five years, it’s housed in a mid-rise building. It offers an array of housing configurations: studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units to cater to different preferences and care needs. The 76-bed facility currently maintains a 47 percent occupancy rate, with 36 residents in place. This lower occupancy may give new families a chance to tour the home and experience the setting with more availability and attention to queries.

The Iowa authorities’ regulatory inspections have identified areas for improvement across policies and procedures, including medication management, emergency response protocols, background verification processes, and activity programming. These are operational areas that families must discuss directly with management during a tour to know how it’s addressing and fortifying such practices.

An in-person visit by prospective residents and their families would be valuable to learn about the specific services, care offerings, amenities, dining, and daily activities offered at Grand Living at Tower Place, plus to better understand its approach to resident support and engagement.

Contact Grand Living At Tower Place

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA

What is the average cost of assisted living in Des Moines, IA?

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Des Moines, IA is approximately $5,300. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for assisted living in Des Moines, IA?

Assisted living in Des Moines, IA typically ranges from $4,800–$7,400 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.

What is the typical staff-to-resident ratio at assisted living facilities in Des Moines, IA?

Assisted living facilities in Des Moines, IA typically operate with a staff-to-resident ratio in the range of 1:6 to 1:12.

What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does Iowa Medicaid cover assisted living?

Iowa Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for assisted living, but most states (including Iowa) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living combines private or semi-private apartments with help on activities of daily living (meals, bathing, dressing, medication management) and a social calendar — for residents who need some support but do not need 24/7 medical care.