Other senior care options in Des Moines:

Page 3 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
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
27 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: 50/ 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.

Wesley Acres
AL
ADC
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #105 / 406
Yes
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 45
Rank #89 / 528
-- 91.3% -21
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 7
Rank #201 / 294
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #248 / 294
Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center
AL
NH
HC
IL
MC
RESC
SNF
Des Moines (East Village)
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 71
Rank #255 / 406
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 45
Rank #2 / 528
-- 60.8% -17
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 7
Rank #170 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
AL
MC
RC
West Des Moines
93
Facility 93
IA AVG 71
Rank #79 / 406
Yes
58
Facility 58
IA AVG 45
Rank #168 / 528
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 19
Rank #212 / 286
58.1% -9
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 7
Rank #170 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
Holland Farms
AL
IL
MC
RC
Norwalk
116
Facility 116
IA AVG 71
Rank #45 / 406
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #233 / 286
38.8% -7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
Vintage Hills of Indianola
AL
MC
RC
Indianola
90
Facility 90
IA AVG 71
Rank #83 / 406
Yes
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 45
Rank #441 / 528
-
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 19
Rank #212 / 286
45.6% A+7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
Edencrest at Beaverdale
AL
IL
MC
RC
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
160
Facility 160
IA AVG 71
Rank #16 / 406
Yes
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 45
Rank #70 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #200 / 286
39.4% A+17
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 7
Rank #232 / 294
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #200 / 294
Edencrest at Pleasant Hill
AL
IL
MC
Pleasant Hill
140
Facility 140
IA AVG 71
Rank #23 / 406
Yes
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 45
Rank #500 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 19
Rank #268 / 286
21.4% -2
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
Edencrest at The Tuscany
AL
IL
MC
RC
Altoona
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #324 / 406
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 45
Rank #444 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #233 / 286
92.5% -7
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #121 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
Grand Living At Tower Place
AL
IL
MC
West Des Moines (South 51St Street)
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 71
Rank #125 / 406
Yes
63
Facility 63
IA AVG 45
Rank #134 / 528
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #233 / 286
47.4% -7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 294
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #200 / 294
Edencrest at The Legacy
AL
IL
MC
RC
Norwalk
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #105 / 406
Yes
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 45
Rank #372 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #200 / 286
35.0% -8
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #146 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
The Rose of East Des Moines
AL
Des Moines (Martin Luther King Jr. Park)
128
Facility 128
IA AVG 71
Rank #32 / 406
No
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 45
Rank #98 / 528
1 bed / 2 bed
17
Facility 17
IA AVG 19
Rank #153 / 286
42.2% A+33
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 7
Rank #289 / 294
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #248 / 294
Valley View Village
AL
HOS
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Facility 79
IA AVG 71
Rank #117 / 406
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 19
Rank #3 / 286
100.0% -24
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 7
Rank #186 / 294
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #231 / 294
Independence Village of Waukee
AL
NH
IL
MC
SNF
Waukee
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 71
Rank #372 / 406
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 19
Rank #163 / 286
41.2% -12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 294
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #248 / 294
Holiday Beaverdale Estates
AL
IL
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
-Yes
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 45
Rank #125 / 528
-------
Life Center
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Des Moines (Waveland Park)
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 71
Rank #143 / 406
No
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 45
Rank #213 / 528
-------
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Overview of Prairie Vista Village

Located northeast of Des Moines, Prairie Vista Village  in Altoona is an independent living, assisted living, short-term rehab, and long-term care community that provides graceful and compassionate care. The person-centered community understands the meaning of family which is why they make it a point to create an environment that is home-like and welcoming. Prairie Vista is where residents feel comfortable and secure in a nurturing environment. 
Residents can rest easy knowing that they are placed first with the list of services and amenities provided for them: ADLs, transportation, library, and private dining rooms. Skilled nursing and personalized care are also offered to the residents. 

Contact Prairie Vista Village

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 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 Scottish Rite Park

Scottish Rite Park is an independent living community nestled in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa. For over 50 years, this nonprofit community has thrived, offering a warm and sociable atmosphere that welcomes all who enter. Scottish Rite Park provides comprehensive healthcare services that cater to varying needs. With offerings that include memory care, long-term skilled nursing, and rehabilitative care, residents can rest assured that their well-being is in capable hands. Spanning an expansive 10 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Scottish Rite Park boasts meticulously designed spaces and a myriad of opportunities for residents to connect and thrive.
Each amenity has been thoughtfully curated to cater to diverse interests and ensure that residents have ample opportunities for leisure and entertainment. From a state-of-the-art fitness center to a cozy movie theater, a penthouse for special gatherings, a delightful restaurant, and an art gallery showcasing captivating works, there is no shortage of options for residents to indulge for exciting small group activities. For a nursing home, this place exceeds expectations. Its team works hard to give residents the highest quality of life possible in their golden years.

Contact Scottish Rite Park

Overview of Copper Shores Village

Copper Shores Village is part of the Immanuel senior living network in Des Moines, Iowa. The community is open to residents 55 and older and spans independent living, assisted living, and memory care under one roof.

Immanuel operates outside the federal CMS framework, which means no Medicare or Medicaid certification. Private pay is the payment model here, consistent with how most faith-affiliated independent and assisted living communities in Iowa are structured. The Immanuel brand is organized around a lifelong learning and wellness orientation, with a faith-based community identity built into the model. Programming includes recreational activities and socialization; 24-hour care is available.

The Walk Score of 42 puts this in the “some errands walkable, most require a car” range, which is fairly typical for Des Moines residential neighborhoods outside the core.

Copper Shores Village is a faith-oriented, multi-level care community in Des Moines for adults 55 and older, built around wellness and engagement programming and operating on a private-pay basis as part of the Immanuel network.

Contact Copper Shores Village

Overview of Trinity Center at Luther Park

Operating under the Gardens at Luther Park organization, Trinity Center at Luther Park is a 120-bed nursing home that provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled care for residents aged 55 and older. The building maintains a high local volume with a 91% occupancy rate and manages an extended 239-day average length of stay. Financial coverage handles a standard mix of Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay sources. The campus is built in an exceptionally walkable downtown neighborhood, making local errands and shops easily accessible on foot.

Daily care lines supply an average of 4 hours and 34 minutes of direct nursing time per resident each day, with a combination of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides covering the floor alongside on-site physical therapists. On the compliance side, public monitoring files from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing indicate that state inspectors have noted recurring administrative issues centered on care documentation, food handling protocols, and basic infection control.

Beyond the medical operations, daily life on the campus is organized around faith-based Christian values, spiritual support programs, regular activities, and local volunteer networks.

Prospective representatives researching faith-based senior care options or multi-level nursing setups can review these state health filings to assess the property’s operational history. The public records outline a busy, highly occupied facility backed by solid daily direct care hours and a walkable location, balanced against some recurring regulatory points regarding kitchen and documentation maintenance.

Contact Trinity Center at Luther Park

Overview of Bishop Drumm Retirement Center

Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Des Moines, Iowa, is a 150-bed nursing home run by Sylvania Franciscan Health. The community admits short-term rehabilitation patients and long-term residents, accepting payment through Medicare, Medicaid, and private funds. The facility maintains an average occupancy rate of 72 percent, with typical resident stays lasting around 172 days.

Clinical care includes specialized orthopedic therapy and skilled nursing, with staff on-site 24 hours a day. Residents receive an average of 3 hours and 58 minutes of direct nursing attention daily, under the supervision of registered nurses who perform regular health assessments. For local seniors who live at home, the campus offers daytime adult care programs and short-term respite stays.

The neighborhood has a walkability score of 67 out of 100, indicating that the surrounding area is moderately walkable for visitors and families.

Prospective residents looking for a community that offers a full continuum of nursing care and daytime programming can call Bishop Drumm Retirement Center directly to verify bed availability or discuss enrollment details.

Contact Bishop Drumm Retirement Center

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.