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Assisted Living in West Des Moines, Iowa

Neighbor to Iowa’s state capital, West Des Moines was selected as one of the best places to live in the United States in 2018. Seniors 65 years and older comprise 13.7% of the city’s population of just under 68,000. Seniors can immerse themselves in enriching attractions such as the historic Jordan House Museum and the serene Walnut Woods State Park, and they are less than 10 miles from Des Moines and its abundant cultural venues.

West Des Moines has 73 senior living communities close by, which charge an average of $5,005 per month, per the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey. This is only $700 above the national average of $4,300 per month. The tax benefits here along with access to multiple high-quality health care providers make the area a comfortable location for spending retirement years.



The SeniorScore for West Des Moines, Iowa



The SeniorScore reflects a city’s senior friendliness by calculating 100 variables from government and private sources in four categories important to older adults. West Des Moines has a high overall SeniorScore of 80, eight points above the national average of 72 and three points higher than Iowa’s state average of 75. The city scored highest in the categories of Health & Safety and Finances at 72.

Seniors in West Des Moines have access to world-class medical care. The city has a very high number of Medicare-registered physicians, senior living facilities and home health care providers. More than 300 pharmacies are within close range, as are six award-winning hospitals including UnityPoint Health and MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.

A low overall cost of living compared to national averages along with low nursing home costs and average assisted living costs helped West Des Moines score so highly in Finances. The state is somewhat tax-friendly toward retirees as Social Security benefits are exempt from state income tax. Seniors are eligible for a deduction of up to $6,000 on other retirement income.

West Des Moines gets chilly winters and has a high population density. However, the area experiences low precipitation, average air quality, pleasant summers and a low crime rate, factors that contributed to its score of 69 in the General Quality of Life category. While the city has a slightly lower than average percentage of seniors in the population, there are 32 parks, 34 golf courses, 40 shopping centers and over 300 churches here for plenty of recreational and social opportunities.



SeniorScore™ for West Des Moines, Iowa



The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.

80

SeniorScore™ Overview

  • West Des Moines scores higher than the Iowa average of 75.
  • West Des Moines scores significantly higher than the national average of 72.
72

Health & Safety

  • There is a very high number of Medicare registered physicians within the city limits.
  • There are 6 hospitals within close range of the city, including Va Central Iowa Healthcare System, Metropolitan Medical Center, and Iowa Methodist Medical Center.
  • There are 73 senior living facilities in close proximity to the city, including Fairmeadows Village, Bickford of West Des Moines, and ManorCare Health Services-West Des Moines.
  • There is a very high number of home healthcare providers operating in the city.
  • There is an average number of fire stations serving the city.
  • The average life expectancy is 79.7, compared to the national average of 78.6.
  • There are 333 pharmacies within close range of the city.
  • The area has an average property crime rate.
  • The area has a low violent crime rate.
68

Recreation & Leisure

  • The city has a very low percentage of seniors in the population (21% of residents).
  • There are 34 golf courses in or around the city, including Blue Course at Willow Creek Golf Course, Glen Oaks Country Club, and Ponderosa Public Golf Course.
  • There are 32 parks near the city center, including Ashawa Park, Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge, and Walnut Woods State Park.
  • There are 318 churches in or near the city, including West Des Moines Christian Chr, Willow Creek Baptist Church, and Sacred Heart Church.
  • There are 40 malls / shopping centers within close range of the city.
  • There are 157 grocery stores within the city.
  • There are 13 movie theatres in or near the city.
  • There are 81 gyms or health clubs in or near the city.
72

Finances

  • The property taxes average 3.28% of total income, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.79%.
  • The property taxes average 1.52% of property value, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
  • The city sales taxes averages 7.00%, which is higher than the national average of 6.97%.
  • Iowa has an average state income tax of 4.60%, compared to the national average of 3.38%.
  • The city's mean household income is $89,103, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,580.
  • The city's median household income is $67,491, which is significantly higher than the national median of $51,560.
  • The city's per capita income is $37,895, which is significantly higher than the national average of $25,611.
  • Assisted living costs average $43,350 per year, which are average compared to national figures.
  • Nursing home costs average $77,380 per year, which are low compared to national costs.
  • Adult daycare costs average $17,550 per year, which are average compared to national numbers.
  • Home healthcare costs average $57,200 annually, which are very high compared to national costs.
  • The unemployment rate is about 4.36%, which is very low compared to national averages.
  • The overall cost of living is very low compared to national averages.
  • 0% of the senior population are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
69

General Quality of Life

  • West Des Moines receives low levels of rainfall each year.
  • West Des Moines has harsh mean temperatures, with cold winters and pleasant summers.
  • This city has average air quality.
  • West Des Moines has a dense population density of 1,638.5 people per square mile.
  • Residents of West Des Moines have a very short daily commute time.
  • The city has a low public transportation ridership.
  • West Des Moines has a high public school quality ranking.
  • The city has a low public school safety rating.
  • This city has a very high graduation rate of 94.86%.

 
 

Assisted Living Costs in West Des Moines, Iowa



Due to its proximity to the state capital, West Des Moines shares Des Moines's average assisted living cost of $5,005 per month, according to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey. This rate is more than $700 above the national monthly median of $4,300 and almost $1,000 over the statewide average monthly cost of $4,073.


West Des Moines is among the most expensive cities in Iowa for assisted living. Just north in Ames, seniors pay $3,723, and to the far west in Sioux City, they pay $3,750 per month for this care, about $1,250 less than residents near the capital. Iowa City seniors in the east are paying $4,106 monthly for assisted living, approximately $900 less than those in West Des Moines. Farther east in Cedar Rapids and Dubuque, assisted living averages $4,450 and $4,568 respectively, between $400 and $500 less. Only Waterloo exceeds West Des Moines as the costliest city in the state, with median costs running around $50 more per month at $5,060.

  • West Des Moines: $5,005
  • Davenport: $3,478
  • Ames: $3,723
  • Sioux City: $3,750
  • Iowa City: $4,106
  • Cedar Rapids: $4,450
  • Dubuque: $4,568
  • Waterloo: $5,060


Top Assisted Living Facilities in West Des Moines, Iowa



Heritage Court - West Des Moines, IA

Heritage Court

1499 Office Park Rd

West Des Moines, IA 50265

1-855-241-4685

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Heritage Court is a senior housing community situated in the Waveland Woods area of West Des Moines, Iowa. The encompassing area is densely populated, with roughly 33,000 individuals residing in the 50265 zip code. With an average family ...

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Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center - Des Moines, IA

Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center

900 Polk Blvd

Des Moines, IA 50312

1-855-241-4685

5 Reviews  

Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center is a 72 unit senior community located in the Ingersoll Park neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa. With approximately 16,000 people residing in the zip code of 50312, the neighboring area has a medium-density population. ...

4 miles away from West Des Moines, IA

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Illahee Hills - Urbandale, IA

Illahee Hills

8308 Colby Pkwy

Urbandale, IA 50322

1-855-241-4685

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Illahee Hills is a senior care community located near the Merle Hay neighborhood of Urbandale, Iowa. The community is in a largely middle class area, with an average household income of $70,159. With about 33,000 residents in the ...

4 miles away from West Des Moines, IA

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Wesley Acres - Des Moines, IA

Wesley Acres

3520 Grand Ave

Des Moines, IA 50312

1-855-233-7205

6 Reviews  

Wesley Acres is situated within the Greenwood area of Des Moines, Iowa. It is an 80 unit senior housing community. With a median household income of $55,663, the community is in a mostly middle income area. It ...

5 miles away from West Des Moines, IA

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Calvin Community - Des Moines, IA

Calvin Community

4210 Hickman Rd

Des Moines, IA 50310

1-855-243-3078

5 Reviews  

Calvin Community is a 59 bed senior care facility. It is situated within the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa. The facility is in a predominantly middle class area, with a median per-family income of $52,867. With ...

5 miles away from West Des Moines, IA

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Beaverdale Estates - Des Moines, IA

Beaverdale Estates

4610 Douglas Ave

Des Moines, IA 50310

1-855-233-7205

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Beaverdale Estates is a senior community located in the Meredith area of Des Moines, Iowa. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with around 31,000 people residing in the 50310 zip code. With a median family income of $52,867, ...

5 miles away from West Des Moines, IA

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Free Assisted Living Resources in West Des Moines, Iowa



Aging Resources of Central Iowa

Aging Resources of Central Iowa is an Aging & Disability Resource Center serving seniors 60 years or older and their caregivers. The agency acts as a portal for LifeLong Links, a source of information and assistance regarding local programs and other agencies that support seniors. Services include interactive options counseling for long-term care planning, case management for ongoing needs, and an older worker employment program for older citizens seeking employment opportunities. LifeLong Links is available to all Iowa seniors regardless of income to help them delay or avoid a spend-down to Medicaid or premature entry into a care facility.

5835 Grand Avenue, Suite 106, Des Moines, IA 50312-1444

(515) 255-1310 or (800) 747-5352

https://www.agingresources.com/

Polk County Senior Services

Managed by the Polk County Department of Community, Family & Youth Services, Senior Services provides and coordinates an array of direct and purchased services for individuals and families of all ages. This agency offers information on and referrals to the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, Medicare, Social Security and Eldercare Locator.

Community & Family Division, Polk County River Place, 2039 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310

(515) 286-3434

https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/community-family-youth-services/senior-services/

Des Moines Vet Center

The Des Moines Vet Center can help elderly veterans in the area understand and access government programs for senior care. Trained VA representatives stand ready to answer questions, determine eligibility and explain benefits available to veterans and their families.

1821 22nd Street, Suite 115, West Des Moines, IA 50266

(515) 284-4929

https://www.va.gov/find-locations/facility/vc_0405V

Polk County Senior Centers

Polk County operates 17 multipurpose senior centers that serve as socialization hubs for older residents. These facilities offer health screenings and information about community initiatives set up for the elderly population.

Community & Family Division, Polk County River Place, 2039 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310

(515) 286-3434

https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/community-family-youth-services/all-programs/senior-services/

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

Sponsored by the United Way of Central Iowa, RSVP connects adults ages 55 and older with service opportunities including personal assistance and transportation for the elderly, youth tutoring and mentoring, food pantry assistance and meal delivery.

111 9th Street, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50314

(515) 246-6544

https://www.unitedwaydm.org/rsvp


 
 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions



Question
What is the cost of assisted living in Iowa?

Answer
The cost of assisted living in Iowa runs from about $930 to $8,620 per month, with an average around $3,418. By comparison, the national average is about $3,500 per month.

Question
How much do assisted living communities cost in West Des Moines?

Answer
The minimum per-month cost for assisted living in West Des Moines, Iowa is around $1,754 and may be as much as $5,100. The average is roughly $3,613 per-month, with a yearly cost of around $43,350.

Question
What does assisted living include?

Answer
The services offered in assisted living facilities generally include basic medical care, recreational activities, medication assistance, transportation assitance, and meal planning.

Question
Can I pay for assisted living in West Des Moines with Medicaid?

Answer
There are several assisted living facilities in West Des Moines that accept Medicaid, including West Bridge Care and Rehabilitation, Westhaven Community, Bishop Drumm Retirement Center, Newton Health Care Center, and Edgewater, Wesley Life Living.

Question
What is the senior population of West Des Moines?

Answer
The encompassing area is home to 581,522 inhabitants, but there are 55,278 living inside the city itself. The senior community composes about 21% of the overall population.

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