1
On With Life
Scout 100Ankeny, IA · 28 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingModerate availability
One of Ankeny's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →Senior Care in Des Moines, Iowa
Every licensed senior community in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area — evaluated with real federal inspection data, staffing records, and transparent pricing, then ranked by our objective Scout Score. A local advisor can help you compare and tour, free.
53
Communities evaluated
21
Cities covered
15
5-star rated
3★
Avg CMS rating
Browse by type of care
Cost of senior care in Des Moines
Local Des Moines-area estimates: published state survey medians adjusted for Des Moines prices. Your advisor will find options that match your budget.
Assisted Living
$5,420/mo median
typical range $4,340–$6,780
Memory Care
$7,210/mo median
typical range $5,770–$9,010
Skilled Nursing
$9,710/mo median
typical range $8,860–$11,100
Continuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)
$5,420/mo median
typical range $2,500–$7,930
Residential Care Home
$4,880/mo median
typical range $3,900–$6,100
2024–2026 published survey medians medians, adjusted to Des Moines using federal (BEA) regional price data. Methodology
The best time to decide is before a crisis decides for you
Most families start this search after a fall, a hospital stay, or a caregiver reaching a breaking point — and end up choosing from whatever has a bed open that week. Families who plan even a few weeks ahead get to choose on quality, fit, and price instead of availability alone.
- Move-ins take time: assessments, paperwork, and preparation typically run 2–6 weeks in Des Moines.
- The best communities fill first: top-rated communities often run a waitlist — touring early holds your place in line.
- Touring costs nothing and commits you to nothing — but it turns a future emergency into a calm, informed choice.
All 53 communities in Des Moines, ranked
Ranked by Haven Scout Score — our composite of CMS ratings, staffing, and safety.
2
Spurgeon Manor
Scout 96Dallas Center, IA · 55 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)● Fills quickly
One of Dallas Center's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →3
Scottish Rite Park INC
Scout 96Des Moines, IA · 51 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)Usually has openings
One of Des Moines's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →4
Prairie Vista Village
Scout 96Altoona, IA · 46 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)● Very limited availability
One of Altoona's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →5
Indianola, IA · 71 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Fills quickly
One of Indianola's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →6
Mill-Pond
Scout 93Ankeny, IA · 60 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)● Very limited availability
One of Ankeny's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →7
Deerfield Health Care Center
Scout 93Urbandale, IA · 30 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)Moderate availability
One of Urbandale's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →
8
Childserve Habilitation Center
Scout 92Johnston, IA · 74 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Very limited availability
One of Johnston's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →9
Traditions Memory Care of Newton
Scout 91Newton, IA · 46 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Very limited availability
One of Newton's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →10
Newton, IA · 24 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Fills quickly
One of Newton's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →11
Brio of Johnston, LLC
Scout 91Johnston, IA · 36 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)● Fills quickly
One of Johnston's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →12
On With Life Long Term Care
Scout 89Polk City, IA · 40 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Very limited availability
One of Polk City's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →13
Wesley on Grand
Scout 89Des Moines, IA · 80 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)● Very limited availability
One of Des Moines's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →14
Walnut Ridge
Scout 87Clive, IA · 60 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)Moderate availability
One of Clive's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →
15
Karen Acres Care Center
Scout 86Urbandale, IA · 35 beds
5.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Fills quickly
One of Urbandale's top-rated skilled nursing communities.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →16
Wesley Park Centre
Scout 81Newton, IA · 66 beds
4.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)● Fills quickly
A highly rated skilled nursing and rehab community in Newton.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →17
Kennybrook Village
Scout 81Grimes, IA · 40 beds
4.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)● Very limited availability
A highly rated skilled nursing and rehab community in Grimes.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →18
The Village
Scout 80Indianola, IA · 54 beds
4.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)Moderate availability
A highly rated skilled nursing and rehab community in Indianola.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →19
West Des Moines, IA · 40 beds
4.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)● Very limited availability
A highly rated skilled nursing and rehab community in West Des Moines.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →20
Cedar Ridge Village
Scout 79West Des Moines, IA · 40 beds
4.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Very limited availability
A highly rated skilled nursing and rehab community in West Des Moines.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →21
Calvin Community
Scout 78Des Moines, IA · 59 beds
4.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)● Very limited availability
A highly rated skilled nursing and rehab community in Des Moines.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →22
Panora Specialty Care
Scout 74Panora, IA · 46 beds
4.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingModerate availability
A highly rated skilled nursing and rehab community in Panora.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →23
Granger, IA · 67 beds
3.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingModerate availability
A solid, federally rated skilled nursing option in Granger.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →24
Des Moines, IA · 108 beds
3.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingModerate availability
A solid, federally rated skilled nursing option in Des Moines.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →
25
The Bridges at Ankeny
Scout 67Ankeny, IA · 100 beds
3.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Fills quickly
A solid, federally rated skilled nursing option in Ankeny.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →26
Valley View Village
Scout 66Des Moines, IA · 79 beds
3.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Very limited availability
A solid, federally rated skilled nursing option in Des Moines.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →Skilled Nursing
27
West Des Moines, IA · 56 beds
3.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Fills quickly
A solid, federally rated skilled nursing option in West Des Moines.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →28
Des Moines, IA · 74 beds
3.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Very limited availability
A solid, federally rated skilled nursing option in Des Moines.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →29
Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center
Scout 54Des Moines, IA · 46 beds
3.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Fills quickly
A solid, federally rated skilled nursing option in Des Moines.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →30
Norwalk, IA · 45 beds
3.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Fills quickly
A solid, federally rated skilled nursing option in Norwalk.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →31
The New Homestead Care Center
Scout 51Guthrie Center, IA · 58 beds
2.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)Moderate availability
A below-average federal rating — worth a careful look in Guthrie Center.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →32
Ramsey Village
Scout 48Des Moines, IA · 78 beds
2.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)● Fills quickly
A below-average federal rating — worth a careful look in Des Moines.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →33
Newton, IA · 70 beds
2.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingModerate availability
A below-average federal rating — worth a careful look in Newton.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →34
Newton, IA · 54 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Fills quickly
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →35
Sunny View Care Center
Scout 41Ankeny, IA · 94 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Fills quickly
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →36
Perry Lutheran Home
Scout 41Perry, IA · 70 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)Moderate availability
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →37
Perry, IA · 57 beds
2.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)Moderate availability
A below-average federal rating — worth a careful look in Perry.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →38
Azria Health Winterset
Scout 40Winterset, IA · 65 beds
2.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)Moderate availability
A below-average federal rating — worth a careful look in Winterset.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →39
Adel Acres
Scout 40Adel, IA · 50 beds
2.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingModerate availability
A below-average federal rating — worth a careful look in Adel.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →40
Trinity Center at Luther Park
Scout 39Des Moines, IA · 120 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)● Fills quickly
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →41
Des Moines, IA · 89 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Very limited availability
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →42
Parkridge Specialty Care
Scout 36Pleasant Hill, IA · 90 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Fills quickly
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →43
Accura Healthcare of Carlisle
Scout 28Carlisle, IA · 80 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)● Fills quickly
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →
44
Altoona, IA · 106 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Fills quickly
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →45
Regency Care Center
Scout 21Norwalk, IA · 101 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingUsually has openings
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →46
Bishop Drumm Retirement Center
Scout 21Johnston, IA · 150 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingContinuing Care (CCRC / Life Plan)Moderate availability
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →47
Harmony West Des Moines
Scout 18West Des Moines, IA · 113 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Fills quickly
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →48
Aspire of Perry
Scout 16Perry, IA · 46 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingUsually has openings
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →49
Good Samaritan - Indianola
Scout 13Indianola, IA · 105 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingModerate availability
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →50
Azria Health Park Place
Scout 12Des Moines, IA · 70 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingModerate availability
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →51
Urbandale, IA · 115 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled NursingModerate availability
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →52
Des Moines, IA · 80 beds
1.0CMS rating
Skilled Nursing● Fills quickly
A low federal rating — review the details closely.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →53
West Des Moines, IA · 140 beds
Skilled NursingUsually has openings
A West Des Moines skilled nursing community awaiting a federal rating.
Est. $8,860–$11,100/mo
View full evaluation →Frequently asked questions
How much does senior living cost in Des Moines, IA?
In the Des Moines, IA area, assisted living typically runs $4,340–$6,780/month (median $5,420), memory care $5,770–$9,010/month (median $7,210), and skilled nursing $8,860–$11,100/month (median $9,710) — local estimates built from published survey medians adjusted for area prices. A free Haven advisor can pinpoint exact pricing for communities that fit your budget.
What are the best senior living communities in Des Moines, IA?
Ranked purely by objective federal data (star ratings, staffing, inspections — rankings cannot be bought), the top-rated communities in Des Moines, IA right now are On With Life, Spurgeon Manor, Scottish Rite Park INC. The full ranked list of 53 communities is on this page.
How are the 53 communities on this page rated?
Every skilled nursing community is scored with our Haven Scout Score, a composite built from official CMS Care Compare data — overall star rating, health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures — plus safety signals like fines and citation history. We rank by objective data, not by who pays us.
Is Haven really free for families?
Yes. Haven is always free for families. When we help a family find and move into the right community, that community pays us a referral fee. You never pay anything, and we show every licensed community in the area — not just paying partners.
What's the difference between assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing?
Assisted living helps with daily activities while preserving independence. Memory care is a secured setting with specially trained staff for dementia. Skilled nursing provides 24/7 licensed medical care and rehab. Not sure which fits? Take our free 2-minute care assessment.