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West Des Moines is a medium-sized city of about 70,000 people in the Des Moines metropolitan area. It has a large senior community that accounts for about 14% of its population, promoting a variety of social opportunities for retirees. The city boasts over 200 chain and local restaurants and is a retail hub with the Valley West Mall, the Jordan Creek Town Center, Galleria, West Glen Town Center and Valley Junction, a historic commercial district filled with unique shops. The city has an active senior center and a library with digital and print media, fostering engagement and lifelong learning.
There are 10 assisted living facilities within the West Des Moines areas, including three in West Des Moines and seven more in the neighboring city of Des Moines. On average, assisted living facilities in this region charge $5,005 per month for services, according to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, although fees may be higher or lower depending on a facility’s pricing structure, location and amenities.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
The $5,005 monthly cost of assisted living in West Des Moines is considerably higher than the statewide median of $4,073 and the national average of $4,300. Assisted living costs in nearby states are all higher, except in Missouri, where the average is $3,000 per month. In Nebraska and Minnesota, costs are closer to the national average at $4,188 and $4,283 per month, respectively. Illinois is the most expensive bordering state at $4,575.
Assisted living fees in West Des Moines are higher than in other Iowa cities. In Dubuque, costs are over $400 less at $4,568 per month, and in Iowa City, seniors pay $4,106. Assisted living facilities in Ames average $3,723 per month, while Davenport has the lowest rate statewide at $3,478.
Note: Data for West Des Moines was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Des Moines, was used instead.
There are two Iowa Medicaid waiver programs that cover assisted living services. The Home and Community Based Services Elderly Waiver is for seniors who need nursing home care but want to live in an assisted living community. The Health and Disability Waiver is for those under age 65 who reside in an assisted living facility.
For more information about these programs and their eligibility requirements, see our Assisted Living in Iowa page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Aging Resources of Central Iowa | (515) 255-1310 | Aging Resources of Central Iowa is the Area Agency on Aging that serves West Des Moines seniors. Its Information & Assistance specialists help seniors identify and apply for services and programs in the community, and its Aging and Disability Resource Center provides one-on-one consultations and options counseling and arranges assistance as needed. The agency’s Nutrition & Wellness program promotes seniors’ well-being through congregate meals and nutrition counseling and education, and the award-winning A Matter of Balance program helps seniors prevent falls through education and exercise classes that increase strength and balance. |
| Polk County Senior Services | (515) 274-0373 | Polk County Senior Services provides a broad range of services to West Des Moines seniors. At its congregate meal sites, including West Des Moines’ Westside Community Center, older adults can meet new people, enjoy a hot meal, play games, learn a craft and participate in group fitness activities. Services are available to all seniors regardless of income. |
| Des Moines Vet Center | (515) 284-4929 | The nearest vet center is in Des Moines, about 4 miles from West Des Moines. At this location, staff helps veterans determine what state and federal benefits they’re eligible for, gather necessary documents or request discharge upgrades and apply for benefits. Some benefits seniors may be eligible for include the Aid and Attendance benefit, the VA pension and service-related disability benefits, which may help cover assisted living expenses. Veterans may also find out more about veterans’ homes and VA healthcare services. |
| Central Iowa RSVP | (515) 246-6544 | The Central Iowa RSVP offers a broad range of volunteer opportunities for those aged 55 and over in the West Des Moines region. Volunteer opportunities vary throughout the year but may include coordinating volunteers to mobilize following a public health emergency or natural disaster, maintaining flower beds throughout the community and tutoring and mentoring local children. In exchange for volunteering, seniors receive supplemental liability insurance and invitations to recognition events. |
| Iowa Legal Aid | (800) 992-8161 | Iowa Legal Aid provides free legal assistance and advocacy for seniors statewide. Through its 60+ Elder Law program, it addresses issues pertaining to consumer and finance, health care, long-term care, wills and end-of-life planning, public benefits and identity theft. |
Assisted living facilities in West Des Moines are governed by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. This department enforces a comprehensive set of regulations to ensure quality care. To learn more about these regulations, see our Assisted Living in Iowa page.
