Page 2 of Best Assisted Living in Des Moines, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 27 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.
27 homes
Other senior care options in Des Moines:

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-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our 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. ADC (Adult Day Care): Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
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
CCRC
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 73
Rank #82 / 289
Yes
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 45
Rank #46 / 302
--
73.8%
Facility 73.8%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #23 / 259
23
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 7
Rank #188 / 265
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #225 / 265
Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center
AL
HC
IL
MC
NH
RESC
SNF
Des Moines (East Village)
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 73
Rank #188 / 289
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 45
Rank #1 / 302
--
56.9%
Facility 56.9%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #121 / 259
18
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #161 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
AL
NH
RC
SNF
Des Moines (East Village)
108
Facility 108
IA AVG 73
Rank #48 / 289
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 45
Rank #1 / 302
-
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 18
Rank #54 / 232
68.5%
Facility 68.5%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #110 / 259
36
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 7
Rank #249 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
Trinity Center at Luther Park
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Des Moines (East Village)
120
Facility 120
IA AVG 73
Rank #34 / 289
Yes
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 45
Rank #1 / 302
--
90.8%
Facility 90.8%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #26 / 259
24
13
Facility 13
IA AVG 7
Rank #233 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
Independence Village of Pella
AL
CCRC
IL
MC
Pella
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 73
Rank #287 / 289
Yes
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 45
Rank #242 / 302
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 18
Rank #71 / 232
35.7%
Facility 35.7%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #236 / 259
5
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 7
Rank #188 / 265
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #261 / 265
Edencrest at Riverwoods
AL
IL
MC
RC
Des Moines (Woodside Park)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 73
Rank #82 / 289
Yes
35
Facility 35
IA AVG 45
Rank #194 / 302
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
12
Facility 12
IA AVG 18
Rank #137 / 232
40.0%
Facility 40.0%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #219 / 259
9
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 7
Rank #203 / 265
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #242 / 265
Independence Village of Waukee
AL
IL
MC
Waukee
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 73
Rank #259 / 289
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #175 / 302
1 Bed / 2 Bed
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 18
Rank #122 / 232
41.2%
Facility 41.2%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #214 / 259
5
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #58 / 265
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #225 / 265
Edencrest at Pleasant Hill
AL
IL
MC
Pleasant Hill
140
Facility 140
IA AVG 73
Rank #21 / 289
Yes
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 45
Rank #297 / 302
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 18
Rank #223 / 232
21.4%
Facility 21.4%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #258 / 259
2
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #35 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
Addington Place of Des Moines
AL
MC
Des Moines
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 73
Rank #182 / 289
Yes-Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 18
Rank #129 / 232
25.9%
Facility 25.9%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #243 / 259
8
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 7
Rank #252 / 265
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #180 / 265
Calvin Community AL
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Des Moines (Lower Beaver)
162
Facility 162
IA AVG 73
Rank #14 / 289
No
57
Facility 57
IA AVG 45
Rank #97 / 302
-
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 18
Rank #168 / 232
21.0%
Facility 21.0%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #259 / 259
3
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each assisted living community is ranked against every other IA assisted living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 27 analyzed for Des Moines. See how we rank facilities

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Edencrest at Pleasant Hill

6151 Martha L. Miller Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Overview of Edencrest at Pleasant Hill

Take in the beauty of Pleasant Hill, IA, with the astounding senior living community of Edencrest at Pleasant Hill, which provides assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Here, residents are well-cared for, with a kind and highly trained team attending to their needs and aspirations 24/7. Promoting a bright and friendly environment, the community strives to provide a haven where residents are comfortable and well-cared for.

Alongside cozy amenities and pet-friendly spaces, a robust calendar of events and activities is also conducted for residents to make the most out of their days. Delight with delectable and healthy meals for the finest dining experience. Residents create unforgettable moments with the community’s warmth and dedication.

Contact Edencrest at Pleasant Hill

Overview of Trinity Center at Luther Park

Trinity Center at Luther Park offers nursing home, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Des Moines, IA. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living helps with everyday tasks such as dressing, bathing, and taking medication. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision, and skilled nursing offers licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

The range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since changing care needs can be addressed within the same community. The community has 120 beds. Its 91 / 100 Walk Score places it in a walker’s paradise, meaning daily errands do not require a car, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Payment options include Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families several ways to cover care depending on eligibility and financial resources. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 39 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time allocated to each resident. Pets are allowed, so a resident may continue living with a pet, while rehabilitation services and religious services provide access to therapy and worship within the care setting. Rick Colby serves as the administrator.

Contact Trinity Center at Luther Park

Overview of Calvin Community Al

Calvin Community Al provides assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Des Moines, IA. Independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with bathing, dressing, medication management, and other daily tasks. Memory care is secured and supervised for someone at risk of wandering, and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Several care levels are available here. That may suit a resident whose needs could grow over time without requiring a move to another community. Respite care provides a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. With 162 beds, the community includes more residents and staff than a smaller residence, along with usually more programming. Rehabilitation services are available on site, so residents can receive rehabilitation within the community rather than arranging care with an outside provider.

Pam’s Kitchen and the Wellness Team are named programs, and weekly worship services provide a scheduled religious activity. Meals are served in a dining room, with special dietary accommodations for residents with specific food needs. A Walk Score of 57 places the area in the somewhat walkable band, meaning some errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives may be able to reach certain nearby destinations independently. Jeanette Perdue serves as the administrator, and the community opened in 1965.

Contact Calvin Community AL

Overview of Independence Village of Pella

Situated in Pella, IA, Independence Village of Pella is a reliable senior living community that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. The community features an array of beautifully designed accommodations, ranging from studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, providing a comfortable living space to residents. Care needs are fully met with personalized care plans and professionally trained employees available 24/7 to provide care and assistance.

There’s no shortage of enriching things to do with a vibrant calendar of activities, events, and programs offered by the community. Dining experience is improved with chef-prepared meals that are carefully curated to satisfy unique dietary needs and food preferences. Residents never have to worry about chores with housekeeping, laundry services, and other supportive services provided by a dedicated team. Here, residents have what they need to live a carefree and fulfilling lifestyle.

Contact Independence Village of Pella

Overview of Independence Village of Waukee

Independence Village of Waukee offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Waukee, IA. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks while the resident keeps a private living space; independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care; memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone who may be at risk of wandering. Having all three care types on one campus may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since they may be able to move between care levels without leaving the community.

The community has 34 beds. That creates a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other, with one bedroom and two bedroom housing for someone living alone or a couple moving together. Pets are allowed, so a resident may be able to bring a pet when moving in. A Walk Score of 38 places the area in a car dependent setting, meaning most errands require a car or a ride rather than a short walk; Austin Williams serves as the administrator.

Contact Independence Village of Waukee

Edencrest at Riverwoods

2210 E Park Ave, Des Moines, IA 50320
Overview of Edencrest at Riverwoods

Ideally set in the tranquil neighborhood of East Park Avenue, Des Moines, IA, is the reliable senior living community of Edencrest at Riverwoods that provides assisted living and memory care. Experience the highest quality of care and support with a compassionate and responsible team caring for residents’ needs and preferences around the clock. Featuring different levels of care for individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs, the community promotes a vibrant and welcoming environment where residents thrive.

Elevate your retirement with fun recreation and wellness programs, highlighting your interests and strengths. Delightful and healthy meals are also provided to foster comfort and meet dietary needs. With beautiful courtyards and pet-friendly spaces, residents enjoy a peaceful and happy retirement.

Contact Edencrest at Riverwoods

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

An indoor walking track circles Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center, and there is a pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center. A workshop, a library, and a movie theater fill out the day.

Seven care types operate across 51 beds in Des Moines: independent living, residential care, assisted living, memory care, home care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing. A resident whose needs change does not leave to get the next level.

Independent living means private living with no daily care attached. Assisted living adds bathing, dressing, and medication to that.

Memory care answers a narrower problem. Getting up and going out at an hour when nobody is awake is not something a family supervises from another house.

The area scores 91 for walking, high enough that a coffee or a haircut stays an ordinary outing rather than a scheduled trip. Rehabilitation services cover recovery from an illness or injury.

Respite sometimes needs no clinical justification at all. A person needs somebody in the building overnight, not therapy or procedures.

Nursing coverage on the skilled side reaches 5 hours and 56 minutes per resident each day and does not thin after dark. Medicare and private pay are accepted, and private funds cover what Medicare’s limited window does not. Daniel Boor serves as administrator.

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

Overview of Addington Place of Des Moines

Treat yourself to a luxurious retirement with the prestigious senior living community of Addington Place of Des Moines in South East 27th Street, Des Moines, IA, offering assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Featuring cozy and sophisticated studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences, the community ensures seniors enjoy a comfortable and secure retirement. Moreover, 24-hour care and assistance allow seniors to flourish and live to their potential.

With mind-stimulating programs and enriching activities, Addington Place of Des Moines ensures residents enhance their cognition and live an active lifestyle. Delight in healthy and delicious meals that satisfy cravings and dietary needs. Addington Place of Des Moines is a pet-friendly community that strives to create a safe place for seniors to spend their golden years doing the things they love.

Contact Addington Place of Des Moines

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.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Assisted Living in Des Moines at a glance

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
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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.