Senior Housing Options
From independent living to continuing care communities, understanding your options is the first step to finding the right fit for your next chapter.
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Understanding Your Options
Senior housing has evolved far beyond the "nursing home" stereotype. Today's options range from active adult communities for independent retirees to specialized memory care for those with cognitive challenges. The right choice depends on your current needs, anticipated future needs, lifestyle preferences, and budget.
Assess Your Needs
Consider current health, mobility, social preferences, and how needs may change over 5-10 years.
Understand Costs
Costs vary dramatically—from buying a condo to $10,000+/month for memory care. Plan accordingly.
Location Matters
Proximity to family, healthcare, activities, and familiar community affects quality of life.
💡 No One-Size-Fits-All
The "right" housing depends entirely on your individual situation. A 70-year-old marathon runner has different needs than a 70-year-old managing chronic health conditions. Don't let age alone dictate your choices—focus on lifestyle and care needs.
Independent Living Communities
Independent Living
Maintenance-free living with optional services and social activities
Independent living communities are designed for active seniors who want to simplify their lives without giving up independence. These communities offer private apartments or cottages with optional services like meals, housekeeping, and transportation.
Residents live independently but benefit from a built-in social community, organized activities, and freedom from home maintenance. There's typically no medical care provided—residents must be able to live independently or arrange their own care.
Typical Amenities
- Private apartment (studio, 1BR, or 2BR options)
- Community dining room with meal plans
- Fitness center, pool, walking paths
- Activity rooms and organized programming
- Transportation to shopping and appointments
- 24-hour security and emergency call systems
55+ Active Adult Communities
55+ Active Adult Communities
Age-restricted neighborhoods for independent, active retirees
55+ communities are age-restricted neighborhoods where at least one resident in each home must be 55 or older. Unlike independent living facilities, you typically own or rent a home—a condo, townhome, or single-family house— with access to community amenities.
These communities appeal to active retirees who want to own their home but enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle with neighbors in a similar life stage. No care services are provided—residents must be fully independent.
Typical Amenities
- Clubhouse with fitness center
- Pool, tennis courts, golf course
- Walking and biking trails
- Social clubs and organized activities
- Exterior maintenance often included in HOA
- Gated security (in some communities)
✅ Des Moines Area 55+ Communities
Popular 55+ communities in the Des Moines metro include The Legacy, Timberline, and various developments in Waukee, Ankeny, and West Des Moines. I can help you explore options that match your lifestyle and budget—just ask!
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted Living
Personal care assistance while maintaining as much independence as possible
Assisted living facilities bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes. They provide housing, meals, and personal care assistance for those who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility.
Residents typically have private apartments and enjoy social activities, but trained staff are available 24/7 to provide personalized care. The level of care is customized to each resident's needs and can increase over time.
Services Typically Included
- Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming
- Medication management and reminders
- Three meals daily plus snacks
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- 24-hour staff availability
- Social and recreational activities
- Transportation to medical appointments
Memory Care
Memory Care
Specialized care for those with Alzheimer's, dementia, or cognitive impairment
Memory care facilities provide specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. These communities offer a secure environment with staff trained specifically in memory care techniques and dementia-related behaviors.
Memory care may be a standalone facility or a specialized unit within an assisted living or nursing facility. The environment is designed to reduce confusion and anxiety while maximizing safety and quality of life.
Specialized Features
- Secure environment (controlled exits)
- Staff trained in dementia care
- Structured daily routines
- Memory-enhancing activities and therapies
- Wandering paths and secure outdoor areas
- Higher staff-to-resident ratios
- Specialized dining support
⚠️ Planning Ahead
Memory care needs often arise suddenly after a diagnosis or incident. If you or a loved one is showing early signs of cognitive decline, it's wise to research options now—waitlists can be long, and making decisions during a crisis is stressful.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Skilled Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes)
24-hour medical care for those with significant health needs
Skilled nursing facilities (often called nursing homes) provide the highest level of care outside a hospital. They offer 24-hour nursing care, medical management, and rehabilitation services for those with serious health conditions or recovering from surgery, stroke, or illness.
While some residents stay short-term for rehabilitation, others require long-term skilled nursing care. These facilities are regulated by state and federal agencies and must meet strict standards.
Services Provided
- 24-hour nursing care (RNs, LPNs, CNAs)
- Physician oversight and medical management
- Physical, occupational, speech therapy
- Wound care and IV therapy
- All meals and personal care
- Medicare-certified rehabilitation
💡 Medicare Coverage Note
Medicare covers skilled nursing care only for short-term rehabilitation following a qualifying hospital stay (3+ days). It does NOT cover long-term custodial care. Medicaid covers long-term care for those who qualify financially. Long-term care insurance is valuable for covering these costs.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Full continuum of care—independent living through skilled nursing on one campus
CCRCs (also called Life Plan Communities) offer the full spectrum of senior housing on a single campus. Residents typically enter while independent and have priority access to assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing as needs change—without moving to a new community.
CCRCs require a significant upfront entrance fee plus monthly fees. In return, you get a guaranteed place to age with access to higher levels of care. This "aging in place" model provides security and continuity.
Levels of Care Available
- Independent living apartments or cottages
- Assisted living when needed
- Memory care if required
- Skilled nursing/rehabilitation
- Priority access as needs change
- Couples can stay connected even with different care needs
⚠️ Contract Types Matter
CCRCs offer different contract types that affect costs and what's included. Type A (Life Care) contracts include future care at little additional cost but have higher entrance fees. Type B and C contracts have lower upfront costs but higher fees if you need more care. Understand exactly what you're signing.
Aging in Place at Home
Aging in Place
Staying in your own home with modifications and support services
Most seniors prefer to stay in their own homes as long as possible—and with proper planning, modifications, and support, many can. "Aging in place" means making your current home work for your changing needs rather than moving to a senior community.
Success requires honest assessment of your home's accessibility, available support systems, and willingness to bring services in. It's not for everyone, but for many, it offers comfort, familiarity, and independence.
Making It Work
- Home modifications (grab bars, ramps, walk-in tubs)
- In-home care services (hourly or live-in)
- Meal delivery services
- Transportation alternatives
- Medical alert systems
- Technology (video calls, smart home devices)
- Strong social support network
✅ Downsizing Can Support Aging in Place
Sometimes the best path is moving to a smaller, more accessible home that you own—not a senior community. A single-level home in a convenient location can support independent living for many more years than a multi-story house with stairs.
📊 Housing Options Comparison
| Feature | 55+ Community | Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care | Skilled Nursing | CCRC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Own/Rent | Rent | Rent | Rent | Rent | Entrance Fee + Rent |
| Independence Level | Full | Full | Moderate | Limited | Limited | Varies |
| Personal Care Help | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (when needed) |
| Medical Care | ✗ | ✗ | Limited | Limited | ✓ 24-hour | ✓ (when needed) |
| Meals Provided | ✗ | Optional | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Housekeeping | HOA exterior | Optional | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Social Activities | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | ✓ |
| Transportation | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Secure Environment | Some gated | Varies | Varies | ✓ | ✓ | Varies |
| Typical Monthly Cost | $200-$600 HOA | $2,000-$5,000 | $4,000-$7,000 | $5,500-$9,000 | $6,500-$12,000 | $3,000-$6,000 |
Which Option Might Be Right for You?
Active & Independent
You're healthy, active, and need no assistance with daily activities. You want lifestyle amenities and community.
Need Some Help
You need assistance with some daily activities like bathing, dressing, or medication management.
Memory Concerns
You or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, dementia, or shows signs of cognitive decline.
Complex Medical Needs
You need 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitation, or have serious ongoing health conditions.
Planning Ahead
You want to make one move and have guaranteed access to increasing levels of care as you age.
Love Your Home
You're strongly attached to your current home and have a good support system and accessible space.
Questions to Ask When Touring
When visiting senior communities, come prepared with questions. Here are the most important things to ask and observe:
📋 About Services & Care
- What services are included in the base rate?
- What costs extra? How much?
- How do you assess care needs?
- What happens if my needs increase?
- What's the staff-to-resident ratio?
- Is there a nurse on staff 24/7?
💰 About Costs & Contracts
- What's the total monthly cost?
- How often do rates increase?
- What's the move-out policy?
- Is there a waitlist? How long?
- What's your refund policy?
- Do you accept long-term care insurance?
👥 About Community & Life
- Can I see a sample activity calendar?
- Can I talk to current residents?
- What's the dining experience like?
- Are there outdoor spaces?
- What transportation is provided?
- Can family visit anytime?
🏠 About the Facility
- How old is the building?
- Can I see a unit like what's available?
- What can I bring from home?
- Are pets allowed?
- What's your policy on couples with different needs?
- How do you handle emergencies?
💡 Visit Multiple Times
Don't make a decision based on one tour. Visit at different times of day, eat a meal there, attend an activity, and talk to residents and families. The "feel" of a community matters as much as the features list.
Des Moines Area Resources
🏛️ Iowa Department on Aging
State agency providing information on senior services, long-term care options, and programs for older Iowans and their families.
Visit Website →📞 LifeLong Links
Iowa's Aging and Disability Resource Center. Call for free, unbiased information about long-term care options and services.
Call 1-866-468-7887 →🔍 Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare tool to compare nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare providers. Includes quality ratings.
Search Facilities →🏠 Area Agency on Aging
Local agencies that provide services and information for seniors in specific Iowa regions. Can connect you with local resources.
Find Your AAA →Your Guide to Senior Housing Decisions
As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), I have specialized training in helping seniors and their families navigate housing transitions. Whether you're exploring 55+ communities, helping a parent move to assisted living, or selling the family home, I understand the unique challenges involved.
I can help you understand your options, connect you with senior housing specialists, coordinate with senior move managers, and guide you through selling your current home when you're ready.
- Specialized senior transition training
- Patient, no-pressure guidance
- Connections to senior move managers
- 55+ community expertise
- Estate and family home sales
- Coordination with family members
- Flexible timeline accommodation
- Local senior housing knowledge
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when it's time to move from home?
Signs include: difficulty with home maintenance, safety concerns (falls, medication errors), isolation and loneliness, caregiver burnout, or declining health that needs more support than home care can provide. Have honest conversations with family and your doctor.
How do I pay for senior housing?
Options include: proceeds from selling your home, retirement savings, pension and Social Security, long-term care insurance, VA benefits (if applicable), and Medicaid (for nursing home care for those who qualify). A financial advisor can help plan.
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?
Assisted living provides personal care help (bathing, dressing, medications) but not medical care. Nursing homes (skilled nursing) provide 24-hour nursing and medical care. Assisted living is for those who need help but not intensive medical care.
Should I sell my house before finding senior housing?
It depends. Some families sell first to know their budget; others want to secure the new place first. If you need funds from the sale, consider a bridge loan or coordinated closing. I can help you navigate timing.
What if my spouse and I have different care needs?
CCRCs are ideal for this—couples can live on the same campus with different care levels. Some assisted living facilities also accommodate couples. Discuss options with facilities directly; many work to keep couples together.
How far in advance should I start planning?
Ideally 1-2 years before you think you'll need to move. This allows time to research, tour, get on waitlists (popular communities have long waits), and make thoughtful decisions rather than crisis-driven ones.
Let's Talk About Your Options
Navigating senior housing can feel overwhelming. I'm here to listen, answer questions, and help you understand your choices—no pressure, no obligation. Let's start a conversation.
Sarah Ingles, Realtor® SRES®
Smart Move Des Moines
Brokered by CHASE. Collective Real Estate
Iowa License #S73007000
Trusted Partner
Golden Concierge
Senior living care and placement
yourgoldenconcierge.com
(515) 303-2872
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