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Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa and home to over 214,000 people, 12% of whom are seniors. It’s listed on the AARP Age-Friendly Network and recognized as a great place to retire for its health care amenities, public transportation options and general affordability, as well as the efforts its leaders have made toward making it a comfortable place for residents of all ages. Its overall cost of living is about 20% below the national median, and locals don’t pay state income taxes on Social Security benefits and are only partially taxed on other retirement income.
Des Moines has numerous assisted living facilities to accommodate varying lifestyle preferences and budgets. These facilities are well-suited to older adults who don’t need intensive medical services but need help with daily activities, such as grooming, bathing and mobility. These facilities also provide daily meals, housekeeping and maintenance services, fostering a low-stress environment. On average, seniors in Des Moines pay $4,803 per month for services, which is high compared to most other cities in Iowa.
This guide provides more information on local assisted living services, along with options for paying for care and an overview of free resources for seniors.
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 >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Iowa. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
In Des Moines, assisted living residents pay approximately $4,803 per month for services.
In Des Moines, older adults pay $4,803 per month for assisted living. This is several hundred dollars higher than the state average of $4,367 and the national median of $4,500.
Des Moines is the costliest surveyed city in Iowa for assisted living services, with seniors paying approximately $4,803 for monthly care. This is over $600 higher than rates in Sioux City, where care costs are the lowest in the state at $4,148. Seniors in Iowa City pay $4,410 for care, and in Waterloo, rates are comparable to the national median at $4,567. In Ames, assisted living facilities charge $4,655 per month, and in Cedar Rapids, rates are closer to Des Moines’s median at $4,748.
How to Get Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Des Moines
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Iowa.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Aging Resources of Central Iowa | (515) 255-1310 | Aging Resources of Central Iowa is the appointed Area Agency on Aging for the Des Moines region. This agency provides free and low-cost services for those aged 60 and over, helping them access community-based programs that meet their needs. It has information and referral specialists who listen to your needs and connect you with services in the community, such as durable medical equipment loans, prescription drug assistance and transportation. The agency also houses the Aging and Disability Resource Center and the long-term care ombudsman, which serves and advocates on behalf of older adults in residential care communities. |
| Polk County Senior Services | (515) 274-0373 | The Polk County Senior Services Division operates senior centers throughout the region and administers a range of programs to meet the needs of older adults in Des Moines. Through this division, you can locate health clinics that provide preventative health services and wellness screenings, along with preventative foot care and blood pressure screenings. These services are available regardless of income, although donations are accepted. The division also provides free health insurance options counseling, which can help older adults understand their Medicare benefits and make informed decisions regarding their health coverage. |
| Des Moines VA Regional Office | (800) 698-2411 | The Des Moines Regional Office provides comprehensive information and services to older veterans in the region, helping them access state and federal benefits that may reduce living and long-term care expenses. Through this office, veterans meet one-on-one with benefits specialists who help them identify programs they’re eligible for, fill out and submit applications, gather supporting documents and follow up on claims. The office can also help qualifying individuals enroll in VA health insurance and obtain medical care, as well as find information on the Iowa Veteran Home in Marshalltown. |
| Central Iowa RSVP | (515) 246-6544 | Central Iowa RSVP provides volunteer opportunities exclusively to those aged 55 and over, giving older adults an outlet to serve their communities using their skills, interests and prior work experience. Through this program, older adults may teach classes in local community and senior centers, provide benefits counseling and help manage public safety initiatives. In exchange for their time, volunteers may access benefits, such as transportation reimbursement and supplemental personal liability insurance. |
| Iowa Legal Aid | (800) 992-8161 | Iowa Legal Aid has licensed legal professionals who specialize in elder law. Through this nonprofit organization, seniors can access free and low-cost civil legal advice, information and representation. The office can help older adults apply for public benefits that pay for assisted living, learn how to protect themselves from identity theft and navigate issues, such as wills and life planning. |
| City of Des Moines Senior Programs | (515) 237-1386 | Des Moines’s Parks and Recreation Department operates programs and activities for city residents aged 60 and over, including games, crafts and ceramics. It also oversees two Polk County Congregate Meal Sites and the Senior Striders Walking Club, which meets on weekday mornings at the Fourmile Community Recreation Center. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Des Moines area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
