21 Assisted Living Communities in Des Moines, Iowa

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,950 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 21 Assisted Living Communities in Des Moines and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $3,950
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $6,631
• In-home care: $4,767
• Adult day health services: $1,490

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care Study, Des Moines’ average monthly cost of assisted living is slightly less than the national average at $3,950. However, this is slightly more expensive than the Iowa average of $3,847. Some smaller cities in Iowa, such as Sioux City ($3,050), are much more affordable than Des Moines. Other cities, including Dubuque ($4,100) and Iowa City ($4,175) are more expensive.

In Des Moines, as in the rest of the country, the cost of senior care varies widely depending on the level of care required. Adult day health care comes in at slightly less than $1,500, which is around one-third the cost of assisted living, but hours are limited. Nursing home care is significantly more expensive than assisted living care, and in-home senior care, such as home health aides and homemaker services, is also more expensive than assisted living. It’s important to account for living expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries and maintenance when considering in-home care as these costs are typically included in assisted living fees.  Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,950

• Homemaker services: $4,767

• Home health aide: $4,767

• Adult day health: $1,490

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $6,631

 

Senior Iowans who have a low or very low income may qualify for Iowa Medicaid. If single, seniors must have a pre-tax annual household income below $16,146, but for married couples, the annual income limit is raised to $21,892. Services available to Medicaid-eligible seniors may include doctor visits, emergency room care, home health care and nursing home care.

Seniors who exceed Iowa Medicaid’s income limits may be able to qualify for this entitlement program through the Medically Needy plan. This plan, also referred to as the spend-down program, is designed for people whose high medical costs use up most of their income. Seniors pay their own medical costs until they reach the spend-down requirement, and then Medicaid kicks in. The program covers most health services, with the exception of care in nursing facilities.

Iowa residents can apply for Medicaid online through the state’s Department of Human Services portal. Alternately, they can complete a paper application and mail the completed application to Imaging Center 4, P.O. Box 2027, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406.

Senior residents of Iowa may be eligible to receive financial assistance through the state’s Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services Elderly Waiver (HCBS Elderly). This waiver doesn’t cover the costs of room and board in assisted living facilities, but it may cover some of the services that residents in assisted living facilities receive. 

To learn more about Medicaid in Iowa, seniors can call the Department of Human Services at 1 (855) 889-7985.

PACE

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is available to Iowa seniors who need the level of care that a nursing home would provide but would rather live in their own homes or an assisted living facility. This program is available to people aged 55 and over who are Medicaid and/or Medicare eligible. The PACE program covers a wide variety of services, including home health services and nursing facility services.

To apply for PACE, seniors need to contact the PACE provider that serves their county. Immanuel Pathways Central Iowa serves Des Moines and the rest of Polk County. To speak to a representative at Immanuel Pathways Central Iowa, call (515) 270-5000.

Elderlife Bridge Loans

Seniors who require temporary assistance paying for assisted living costs may be eligible to receive bridge loans through Elderlife Financial. The loan is usually structured as a line of credit, but lump sum disbursements are also offered. This short-term solution may be ideal for seniors who are waiting for another source of funding, such as the proceeds of a home sale.

Seniors can apply over the phone by calling (888) 228-4500 or by completing the online form. If the bridge loan is approved, the funds can then be sent directly to the assisted living facility. Each month, seniors can send varying amounts of money directly to the facility, depending on their care costs. Approvals are based on creditworthiness, but seniors can have up to six cosigners. 

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) offer information and assistance to seniors and their caregivers. Seniors can contact these agencies to learn more about the various programs that are available to them and receive help securing benefits and services. Aging Resources of Central Iowa
5835 Grand Ave, Ste. 106, Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 255-1310

Des Moines seniors who have served in the military may qualify for various programs offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. These programs may include VA pension benefits and disability compensation. Veterans can call or visit a veterans affairs location to learn more about the programs they may be eligible for. They can also receive health care services at the city’s VA hospital.

VA Des Moines Regional Office
210 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
(800) 827-1000

VA Central Iowa Health Care System
3600 30th St, Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 699-5999

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.