The Best Memory Care Facilities in West Des Moines, IA | MemoryCare.com
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The Best Memory Care Facilities in West Des Moines, IA

Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer’s, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As West Des Moines' senior population continues to grow (14% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.

In West Des Moines, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 18% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 29%, showing that while Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region, the associated deaths have decreased recently. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (5.1% in West Des Moines vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).

To help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment find the support and care their loved ones need, we applied our unique methodology and spent dozens of hours researching senior living communities in West Des Moines. In addition to an overview of the communities’ best features, this guide highlights the best memory care facilities in the city, and gives information about pricing, types of care provided, residents’ reviews, and more.

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The Best Memory Care Facilities in West Des Moines, IA

Table of Contents

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How Memory Care Facilities Can Help

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.

As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.

In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.

Overview of what memory care facilities provide

Our Selection Process

To choose the best memory care facilities in West Des Moines, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.

Overall, our team:

  • Spent over 27 hours researching memory care facilities in West Des Moines
  • Read more than 95 reviews written by residents and their loved ones
  • Interviewed 7 representatives from local communities
Overview of our methodology

Reviews of the 12 Best Memory Care Facilities in West Des Moines, IA

Bickford of West Des Moines

  • Resident Capacity:44
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:$4,258 for Memory Care, $4,258 for Assisted Living

Bickford of West Des Moines is a premier assisted living community that also offers comprehensive memory care. The community uses the Lifesong memory care program, which focuses on capturing each resident's history and interests and then creating programming that fits each individual. Caregivers are specifically trained in memory care and offer assistance with daily activities, housekeeping and laundry. Residents live in apartment homes equipped with kitchenettes and emergency call systems. To keep seniors with memory concerns safe, the community is in a controlled access building with secure outdoor gardens and patio areas. Each resident has a personal monitoring device that provides real-time information about the location to help staff address security risks proactively. With this security and signage throughout, the community allows seniors a mobile lifestyle in a protected environment.

What Residents Are Saying

Residents and family members often note the excellent security of this community for memory care residents. One visitor remarked, "Bickford of West Des Moines had a very secure memory care. They provide them with three good meals a day, and exercises for those who want to. They also have a nice locked down outside area that they can be in."

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek

  • Resident Capacity:151
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:$6,900 for Memory Care, $5,010 for Assisted Living

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek offers a philosophical approach to dementia care called Lavender Sky which encourages seniors to embrace and explore life's possibilities. Older adults in memory care benefit from sharing a suite with a companion or roommate to help improve their appetite, socializing and sleep. With the family's permission, AI-enabled video surveillance called Safely You helps memory care residents' care staff detect, prevent and reduce falls. Care managers are on-site 24 hours a day to assist seniors with daily living needs and to ensure their safety and comfort. Chefs are trained to create meals that meet each resident's dietary requirements, including reduced salt, sugar-free and vegetarian. MorningStar also provides clinical services, including physical therapy, wound care and short-term stays.

What Residents Are Saying

Family members comment on the community's inviting, friendly atmosphere, cleanliness and dedicated care staff. One relative writes, "My mom really enjoys living at MorningStar Jordan Creek. The staff is kind, caring, and responsive, and they have gone above and beyond to keep residents safe during these uncertain times. Highly recommend."

Grand Living At Tower Place

  • Resident Capacity:N/A
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:N/A

Grand Living at Tower Place offers world-class hospitality in a resort-style setting with memory care, assisted living and independent living options. Through the LUMINATIONS program, caregivers offer support for seniors with memory loss. Memory care residents can choose between two neighborhoods. Lavender Lane is for women only, while Monarch Lane welcomes anyone. Both neighborhoods offer spacious studio apartments, and they're designed with special closets, lighting and bathrooms to help those with memory loss maintain independence. Each apartment entrance features a unique painted scene to help residents find the correct apartment. Caregivers tailor daily activities to the abilities and interests of each resident, using their life story as a guide. Partnerships with families offer additional opportunities for personalizing care.

What Residents Are Saying

Residents comment on the caring staff and friendly environment. One person said, "The staff is fantastic and go out of their way to make residents and guests feel at home and always have time to listen and chat. The activities are numerous and fun... The residents are very friendly and welcoming and the apartments are beautiful."

Independence Village Waukee

  • Resident Capacity:48
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing
  • Base Pricing:$5,515 for Memory Care, $4,830 for Assisted Living, $2,850 for Independent Living

Independence Village Waukee is an award-winning senior community offering specially designed care services for those living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other types of cognitive impairment. The community's secured memory care neighborhood employs a team of trained 24-hour staff to meet and support the unique care needs of seniors in every aspect of living, from wellness to dining. Specific elements such as high ceilings and large windows in each apartment help minimize confusion and increase visibility while providing a bright, spacious living space. Every day, three chef-prepared meals and desserts made with locally obtained ingredients are served in the restaurant-style dining area. A variety of stimulating activities and fitness programs help memory care residents make the most of their day and relieve anxiety. Other amenities at Independence Village Waukee include housekeeping services, a beauty salon and a library.

What Residents Are Saying

Residents praise the attentive staff and pleasant surroundings. One resident writes, "Love my apartment. Love the staff. Very friendly environment, very beautiful place to live. I feel very welcome. I just love this place. Best part of my day is my conversations with receptionist."

  • Reviews:4.48 out of 5 stars; 242 reviews
  • Phone:(515) 987-4100
  • Address:1650 SE Holiday Crest Circle, Waukee, IA 50263
  • Web:https://www.storypoint.com

Bickford of Urbandale

  • Resident Capacity:70
  • Room Types:N/A
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:$4,258 for Memory Care, $4,258 for Assisted Living

Bickford of Urbandale is a single-story assisted living and memory care community that's located in a tree-lined area near I-35/80. Residents with Alzheimer's and other memory disorders live in a specialized neighborhood within the community. This memory care neighborhood provides supervision and assistance from The staff is made up of specialized caregivers who receive advanced dementia care training, and registered nursing care coordination is provided. Personalized historical records known as a Lifesong Document are used by caregivers to engage with residents, and familiar items matching interests and hobbies are available in Lifesong baskets and stations throughout the community. In addition to regularly scheduled group activities and games, Bickford of Urbandale offers premium activity services tailored for smaller groups and one-on-one engagement.

What Residents Are Saying

The child of one resident praises the staff for being active, encouraging and putting on fun activities. "I know all the employees, it's a very hands-on environment, and it's just awesome."

Ramsey Village Continuing Care

  • Resident Capacity:78
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Private Rooms, Shared Rooms
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:$6,510 for Memory Care, $2,624 for Independent Living, $3,360 for Assisted Living

Ramsey Village Continuing Care offers two programs for seniors with cognitive disease, each providing tailored plans for residents based on their needs. While the Courtyard program focuses on keeping residents engaged and as independent as possible, the Bridges program offers additional medical support for those with more severe forms of dementia. The community's activities, amenities and spaces, including upscale private suites and welcoming common areas, are designed to be comfortable and provide seniors with a strong sense of self. Wayfinding uses a color coded system to help residents with memory loss navigate within the community, which is kept secure with an emergency response system. Highly trained staff is available 24/7 and can assist with medication needs, daily tasks, dining and hydration management.

What Residents Are Saying

Family members of residents speak highly about the level of care received by staff members. One commenter mentions, "Everybody there is very friendly and very helpful. We like working with the nurses and the staff in the office. It has a homelike atmosphere."

Holland Farms Senior Living

  • Resident Capacity:100
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Respite
  • Base Pricing:$5,695 for Memory Care, $4,045 for Independent Living, $4,495 for Assisted Living

Holland Farms Senior Living offers multiple levels of residential senior living, including independent living, assisted living and memory care. The memory care staff at Holland Farms are trained in the special needs of residents with Alzheimer's, and they administer several programs aimed at helping slow the progress of the disease. Daily enrichment activities, such as arts and crafts and music programs, are held in the library, activity room or in the private courtyard that's set aside just for the community's memory care residents. Special events are celebrated in the community's party space, while informal get-togethers happen every day in the coffee shop and TV room.

What Residents Are Saying

Family members often leave five-star reviews online. One reviewer said this: "My grandma spent the last two years of her life in Holland Farms... I could not recommend them highly enough... There was constant activities: field trips to animal shelters and schools, visits to museums, meals out, bus and train rides, baking cookies, art projects, theme parties, and more."

Glen Oaks Alzheimer's Special Care Center

  • Resident Capacity:66
  • Room Types:Studios, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:$6,725 for Memory Care

Glen Oaks Alzheimer's Special Care Center follows an award-winning SPARK program based on science, research and rehabilitation techniques to care for residents. Established on four foundational pillars, SPARK pulls inspiration from Montessori methods to provide every resident with a meaningful role in the community while strengthening necessary skills. A rotating calendar of events includes many opportunities for residents to engage in activities ssuch as puzzle nights, happy hours, cooking classes, movie nights, therapy dog visits and musical performances. Highly trained staff are available 24/7 to assist residents with activities of daily living and physical, emotional or spiritual needs. Amenities include a beauty and barber shop, on-site spa and enclosed courtyard.

What Residents Are Saying

Family members of previous residents rave about the quality of life provided to memory care patients. One reviewer mentions, " I couldn't have asked for a better place... He went in and just fit right in with everybody. He could communicate with people that were basically about the same as him, and they had activities that he would go to. He played bingo, he played balloon basketball, and they would have film-type things like national parks and history."

Woodlands Creek Senior Living

  • Resident Capacity:147
  • Room Types:1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:N/A

Woodlands Creek Senior Living is a large, multi-story retirement community located near West Des Moines in a mostly residential area. The community provides memory care in a specialized setting, as well as separate independent and assisted living programs. Residents with dementia or Alzheimer's can choose from the available one- and two-bedroom apartments in the memory care neighborhood. These units are relatively large compared to nearby communities, with each featuring a private bathroom, walk-in closet, kitchen/dining and living space. Caregivers and other appropriately trained staff are on duty at all times and are overseen by a registered nurse. Daily activities are hosted throughout the community, including outdoor spaces, with staff available to escort residents and encourage participation. Its amenities include a library, movie theater, gym and whirlpool bath.

What Residents Are Saying

Family members of Woodlands Creek residents generally like the continuum of care available in one place, with one in particular saying, "My mom started out in independent living, moved to assisted and finally memory care all while at Woodlands. At each level we found the staff to be very caring."

  • Reviews:4.67 out of 5 stars; 210 reviews
  • Phone:(515) 223-9755
  • Address:12675 Woodlands Parkway, Clive, IA 50325
  • Web:https://dialseniorliving.com

Walnut Ridge

  • Resident Capacity:88
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:N/A

Walnut Ridge offers memory care in a neighborhood-style setting with secure walking paths and welcoming courtyards. The community prioritizes family connections through group activities, and loved ones are encouraged to stay in guest suites for weekend stays. Throughout the day, staff members guide residents through enriching programs such as morning stretches, afternoon chair dancing and evening movies. Seniors can also benefit from amenities such as a heated swimming pool and personalized fitness classes, as well as spiritual services, transportation to medical appointments and wholesome meals. Residents are monitored via a controlled entrance system, and staff members are always available to help with personal tasks such as dressing and hygiene.

What Residents Are Saying

Visitors and residents value the community's outdoor spaces and kind staff. One reviewer says, "It was very nice. They had a nice view of the outdoors. They had a nice walking area for the residents to go outside and walk. They had a nice game room ... The staff was great."

  • Reviews:4.65 out of 5 stars; 62 reviews
  • Phone:(515) 457-1111
  • Address:1701 Campus Drive, Clive, IA 50325
  • Web:https://www.preshomes.org

Edencrest at Beaverdale

  • Resident Capacity:N/A
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:$6,291 for Memory Care, $3,606 for Independent Living, $4,606 for Assisted Living

Nestled in a quiet neighborhood in Iowa's capital city, Edencrest at Beaverdale offers memory care which includes support for daily living activities and reminders to help residents with daily tasks. Secured entrances and exits along with close, careful supervision from trained caregivers through the WanderGuard system help keep residents safe, and apartments and common areas are well-lit for easier navigation. Memory care residents can enjoy fresh air in the private, enclosed courtyard, which features a shared garden for seniors to tend. The community incorporates activities designed to support cognitive functioning, including color therapy, cognitive games and music therapy. The team also plans activities to revitalize the body and senses and promote socialization through health and fitness classes, craft classes and walk and talks. Picture menus are available in the restaurant-style dining hall to help memory care patients successfully order their meals.

What Residents Are Saying

Residents and family members often talk about the kind staff and quality care. One family member commented, "We are so thankful for the kind of care that our mother receives at this facility. The staff goes out of their way to make her feel dignified and cared for."

Edencrest at Green Meadows

  • Resident Capacity:74
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites, Private Rooms
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite, Skilled Nursing
  • Base Pricing:$6,480 for Memory Care, $4,644 for Assisted Living

Edencrest at Green Meadows welcomes seniors into a friendly, warmhearted residential setting which embraces each resident as an individual. The community's thoughtful design features secured entrances and well-lit hallways, plus monitored enclosures to support resident safety and prevent residents from wandering. Individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia can benefit from Edencrest's dedicated memory care program. Staff members connect with residents and their families on a personal level so they can deliver highly individualized assistance with daily activities and reminders. To help seniors maintain their cognitive function and physical capabilities, the community offers programs such as color therapy, arts and crafts, fitness classes, games and music therapy. Restaurant-style dining always welcomes family members to join residents, and picture menus allow memory care seniors to see and point at the meal items they desire.

What Residents Are Saying

The community receives high praise for its compassionate staff. The daughter of a resident shares, "The staff was compassionate, caring, and very attentive to her needs. I love how they treat residents like family and always call them by name when greeting them and providing care. It gave us peace to know she was in a safe place and well loved."

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