Best Assisted Living in West Des Moines, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 10 assisted living communities in West 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 West Des Moines, IA our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in West Des Moines, IA.
10 homes
Other senior care options in West Des Moines:

Compare Assisted Living around West 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. 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. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment. 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.
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.
Edgewater, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living
AL
ADC
IL
MC
NH
SNF
West Des Moines
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 73
Rank #225 / 289
Yes
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 45
Rank #283 / 302
1 Bed / 2 Bed-
97.5%
Facility 97.5%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #9 / 259
-22
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 265
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #249 / 265
Cedar Ridge Village
AL
IL
NH
SNF
West Des Moines (Heritage Bend)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 73
Rank #225 / 289
Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 45
Rank #289 / 302
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 18
Rank #187 / 232
95.0%
Facility 95.0%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #10 / 259
A+16
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 265
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #180 / 265
Harmony West Des Moines
AL
HOS
NH
PC
RESC
RC
SNF
West Des Moines
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 73
Rank #173 / 289
No
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 45
Rank #276 / 302
--
97.6%
Facility 97.6%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #8 / 259
----
Cedar Ridge Village
AL
IL
NH
SNF
West Des Moines
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 73
Rank #126 / 289
Yes
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 45
Rank #117 / 302
-
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 18
Rank #149 / 232
51.5%
Facility 51.5%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #146 / 259
A+2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 265
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 265
Bickford of West Des Moines
AL
MC
West Des Moines
66
Facility 66
IA AVG 73
Rank #135 / 289
Yes
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 45
Rank #87 / 302
Private Rooms
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 18
Rank #34 / 232
53.0%
Facility 53.0%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #139 / 259
-12
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 7
Rank #245 / 265
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #261 / 265
Heritage Court Assisted Living
AL
West Des Moines
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 73
Rank #168 / 289
No
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 45
Rank #210 / 302
-
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 18
Rank #34 / 232
35.7%
Facility 35.7%
IA AVG 61.5%
Rank #236 / 259
-9
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 7
Rank #174 / 265
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #180 / 265
Woodlands Creek Senior Living
AL
IL
MC
Clive
-Yes
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 45
Rank #242 / 302
-
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 18
Rank #71 / 232
-A+---
Luther Park Community
AL
CCRC
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Des Moines (Union Park)
-Yes
45
Facility 45
IA AVG 45
Rank #144 / 302
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed------
Woodlands Creek Senior Living
AL
IL
MC
Clive
-Yes
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 45
Rank #247 / 302
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 18
Rank #71 / 232
-A+---
Care Initiatives
AL
HOS
IL
NH
SNF
West Des Moines
-No
28
Facility 28
IA AVG 45
Rank #220 / 302
-------

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 10 analyzed for West Des Moines. See how we rank facilities

Cedar Ridge Village

8950 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Overview of Cedar Ridge Village

Cedar Ridge Village, situated in the delightful West Des Moines, Iowa, provides a diverse range of senior living options, including independent living and assisted living including care for disabled adults. This community effortlessly combines elegance and comfort, with inviting spaces, high ceilings, and carefully chosen furnishings, ensuring an exceptional living experience for residents.

Residents here can engage in a variety of activities, from card games and book clubs to arts and crafts and movie nights. The community also organizes off site excursions, such as concerts, theater outings, museum visits, and more, enriching the lives of its residents. Their spacious apartments are thoughtfully designed to accommodate different care needs, offering tailored, top-tier services in a meticulously maintained environment. Count on Cedar Ridge Village for superior senior living options, whether you’re seeking assisted or independent living near you.

Contact Cedar Ridge Village

Cedar Ridge Village

8950 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Overview of Cedar Ridge Village

Cedar Ridge Village is a 68-bed healthcare campus at 8950 Coachlight Drive in West Des Moines, Iowa. Managed by Kathy Dehaven and operated by Central Iowa Hospital Corporation, the facility provides a continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Current data indicates a census of 35 residents in the nursing wing, representing a 51% occupancy rate, which is below the Iowa average of 75.4%. The location earns a Walk Score of 51, providing residents with moderate foot access to local amenities in Dallas County.

While the campus maintains high marks in several categories, an August 2025 health inspection identified seven deficiencies. These findings included issues with infection control protocols and resident rights regarding service notifications, though the facility achieved a citations-per-inspection rate of zero for the most severe “immediate jeopardy” classifications. Nurse staffing metrics remain a primary strength, with the facility providing 4 hours and 10 minutes of total nursing time per resident daily.

This level of support includes registered nurse (RN) hours that are approximately 56% higher than the state average. Professional services focus heavily on recovery, with nearly 73% of short-stay residents reaching expected self-care abilities by discharge—a figure significantly higher than the national average. Quality measures for long-term residents also perform at a 5-star level, particularly in areas like pressure ulcer prevention.

Residential options include private apartments with kitchenettes and access to various communal social spaces. The facility provides three nutritional meals daily plus snacks, alongside amenities such as a hair salon, library, and landscaped courtyards. Wellness programming is supported by scheduled transportation for medical appointments and community outings. The community is pet-friendly and maintains a 2.58:1 staff-to-resident ratio, which is 29% better than the regional benchmark.

Prospective representatives evaluating a high-staffed rehabilitation setting with recognized quality standards may find this campus appropriate. Families are encouraged to ask directly about the corrective steps taken regarding 2025 infection control findings and request current nurse-to-resident ratios for the skilled nursing wing before making a placement decision.

Contact Cedar Ridge Village

Overview of Bickford of West Des Moines

Bickford of West Des Moines offers assisted living and memory care in West Des Moines, Iowa. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while the resident has a private room. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Both care levels are available on one campus, so a resident whose needs grow can move from assisted living to memory care without leaving the community or starting over socially. That makes Bickford of West Des Moines a potential fit for someone whose care needs may change over time. The community has 66 beds and offers private rooms, giving each resident an individual room rather than shared accommodation.

Respite care provides a short stay when a family’s usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. Pets are allowed, so residents may keep a pet in the community, and salon services provide grooming on site. Dining includes homestyle food made from scratch. West Des Moines has a Walk Score of 59 out of 100 and is described as somewhat walkable, so some errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives may be able to get out independently. Tesse Lester serves as the administrator.

Contact Bickford of West Des Moines

Overview of Heritage Court Assisted Living

Heritage Court Assisted Living is an assisted living community in West Des Moines, IA, with 56 beds in a defined residential setting. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while allowing a resident to maintain a private living space.

The area has a Walk Score of 31, making it a car-dependent setting where most errands require a car or a ride. A resident who no longer drives would need transportation for routine errands.

Patricia Wiltfang serves as the administrator.

Contact Heritage Court Assisted Living

Overview of Edgewater, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living

Edgewater, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living, graces a 50-acre campus nestled amidst natural beauty, boasting serene water features and picturesque ponds. Within this splendid setting, they offer a spectrum of senior living options, including independent senior living, memory care living, assisted living, long-term care, and short-term rehabilitation. mainly, Edgewater prioritizes the overall wellness of their residents, providing not only five-star dining but also a wealth of amenities to enhance their daily lives.

Residents at Edgewater enjoy concierge services, an art studio, and a newly constructed event center. The community further offers indoor heated saltwater pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, salon and spa services, and much more. With spacious areas for various activities, including independent living apartments, a skilled culinary team, and chefs dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences, Edgewater stands as a vibrant, pristine, and ideal place to call home.

Contact Edgewater, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living

Overview of Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Woodlands Creek’s vision is to create a warm and welcoming independent living environment where seniors feel at home, fostering meaningful relationships and endless possibilities. Their mission revolves around promoting engaging social interactions and providing personalized care to nurture a sense of belonging. Woodlands prioritizes residents’ well-being, ensuring their needs are met with compassion and respect.

Residents at Woodlands Creek enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with a range of scheduled activities for independent living seniors. The community also offers comprehensive services for assisted living and memory care residents, including transportation, access to senior physicians, and round-the-clock nursing staff, ensuring comfort and security for all residents.

 

Contact Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Harmony West Des Moines

5010 Grand Ridge Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Overview of Harmony West Des Moines

Harmony West Des Moines provides nursing home care, skilled nursing, assisted living, hospice care, palliative care, residential care, and respite care in West Des Moines, IA. Skilled nursing has licensed nurses on site around the clock. Assisted living and residential care help with daily living needs, while hospice supports residents nearing the end of life and palliative care focuses on comfort during serious illness. Respite care offers a short stay for a family caregiver who needs to travel or recover.

The range of care levels, along with respite care, may suit a resident whose needs may grow over time or a family seeking temporary support. The community has 55 beds, placing it in the smaller community range where staff and residents may get to know each other. Nearly all beds are filled at the time represented by the 98% occupancy rate, which may affect availability.

Total nurse staffing is 3h 33m per resident per day. This represents the overall nurse staffing time allocated to each resident daily. Rehabilitation includes orthopedic care and programs for stroke and other neurological conditions, giving residents support focused on these recovery needs. Short term rehabilitation provides a time limited setting focused on recovery.

Payment options include Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, so families can use the payment source that applies to their situation. Karah D. serves as the director.

Contact Harmony West Des Moines

Overview of Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Considerably one of the trusted senior living communities in the city, Woodlands Creek offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care lifestyle in a warm and welcoming environment for the residents– making them feel right at home. The retirement home strives in promoting an engaging social life for the seniors to create endless possibilities for them as well as develop meaningful relationships that blossom into wonderful memories. Woodlands is the home where people and interests are mattered and cared for.

The resident lifestyle of independent living seniors is focused on maintaing an active lifestyle by offering them a range of scheduled activities. Assisted living levels of care offer a range of services focused on the individualized and personal care needs of its residents: transportation, a geriatric physician, and a 24/7 nursing staff– the same goes for the memory care unit.

Contact Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Overview of Luther Park Community

Luther Park Community is a senior living community in Des Moines. It serves occupants across a full spectrum of care needs, from independent living to skilled nursing and Alzheimer’s care. Set in a quiet residential neighborhood about 2.4 miles from downtown, the three-story community offers floor plans ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments. Unit sizes span 517 to 1,050 square feet, so residents can find a layout that fits their space needs.

The home highlights care and independence. Daily life includes a hair salon, outdoor living spaces, an exercise room, and a library, with nutritious meals and transportation to outings integrated into the schedule. Pets are allowed, which matters to many occupants wanting their animal companions around. Central to the daily experience are fitness and recreational activities, alongside the attentive support each resident receives following their care level. The facility’s location scores 45 on the walkability scale, meaning some walkable nearby services, and most errands and appointments require a drive. For visiting families and friends, the residential setting offers a quieter pace than busier commercial areas, with easy access to local parks, shopping, dining, and hospitals nearby.

When considering the facility, families may want to tour the floor plans, observe daily activities and meal service, and discuss the care tier and housing option that best match their family member’s needs and preferences.

Contact Luther Park Community

Care Initiatives

1611 W Lakes Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Overview of Care Initiatives

Care Initiatives, located in West Des Moines, Iowa, is a care facility offering a spectrum of services that offer skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice care. Their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those they serve is evident in their approach. Every interaction with residents is valued, and they prioritize personal growth for each individual. Care Initiatives boasts a team of dedicated professionals, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants, who provide various services, spanning dietary support, social services, and engaging activities.
In terms of skilled nursing services, Care Initiatives excels in providing specialized care such as tube feedings, wound care management, and access to beauty and barbershop services. They also offer bariatric accommodations and cater to the unique needs of veterans. Additionally, their rehabilitation services are top-notch, featuring accelerated care, state-of-the-art therapy equipment, and expert care in occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Care Initiatives is renowned for its expertise, making it a trusted community where seniors can be assured of safe and high-quality care.

Contact Care Initiatives

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 West Des Moines, IA

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

The average monthly cost of assisted living in West Des Moines, IA is approximately $5,500. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

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

Assisted living in West Des Moines, IA typically ranges from $5,000–$7,600 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.

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

Assisted living facilities in West 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.

Assisted Living in West Des Moines at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 28/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in West 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: 54The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in West Des Moines, IA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90