Prairie Hills at Des Moines offers both Assisted Living and Memory Care, giving residents access to daily support as well as structured programs for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Medical oversight includes routine physician visits, on-site physical therapy, diabetes monitoring, and speech therapy. The community also accepts respite or short-term stays, so individuals recovering from surgery or illness can receive temporary care without disrupting their regular living arrangements.

A secured environment and round-the-clock staff coverage create a safe setting, especially important for residents who may wander. Licensed nurses supervise medication management, incontinence services, ambulatory assistance, and hospice coordination. A podiatrist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist see residents on campus, and the building layout is designed to minimize confusion for those with memory loss. Laundry and dry-cleaning services, pet-focused programs, and regular wellness checks round out the clinical support.

Accommodations range from studio and efficiency layouts to apartments with kitchenettes and in-unit washer and dryer connections. Most apartments include utilities, cable or satellite TV, Wi-Fi, wall-to-wall carpeting, and individual climate control, and many feature wheelchair-accessible showers. Common spaces include an indoor atrium, fireplace lounge, parking areas, and landscaped gardens with walking paths. Cats and small dogs are welcome, but not every floor plan has every feature, so it is best to verify specifics during a tour.

Dining is offered restaurant-style with all-day service, allowing residents to choose when they eat. A professional chef prepares three daily meals, supplemented by guest meals, international dishes, kosher and vegetarian options, and themed events such as barbecues or picnics. A pub provides light fare and social beverages, and snacks are available outside scheduled meal times.

Residents have access to an activity center, fitness center, library and computer lounge, indoor walking paths, and a swimming pool. Daily programming ranges from structured fitness classes and Wii bowling to trivia games, wine tastings, and club meetings. Educational speakers, intergenerational programs, holiday parties, and scheduled day trips expand engagement beyond the campus, while social outings and off-site activities keep residents connected to greater Des Moines.

Residents and their families say:

This community has garnered feedback highlighting both its strengths and areas needing improvement. Many reviewers praised the friendly and caring nature of the staff, their willingness to engage and answer questions, and the overall welcoming atmosphere. The community is noted for its clean and well-maintained facilities, ample activities including exercise classes, and efforts to make residents comfortable and engaged. It offers a variety of choices for residents, from food to room sizes, ensuring a degree of customization to individual needs. Families have noted a positive change in their loved ones' well-being since moving here, attributing it to the attentive care and vibrant community life. The availability of transportation and regular wellness checkups is a plus, alongside the security and safety measures in place, which provide peace of mind to families.

However, several concerns were raised regarding the understaffing issues which appear to affect the level of care and responsiveness to residents' needs. Some reviewers experienced communication problems, particularly in situations requiring prompt attention or follow-up, such as medical appointments or incidents requiring hospital visits. There were also mentions of personal belongings going missing and inconsistencies in the execution of scheduled activities. The feedback on food quality showed some inconsistency, potentially linked to staff turnover, including in the kitchen. Despite these concerns, the positive aspects of the community, especially its commitment to creating a homely and engaging environment for residents, are frequently acknowledged. It's clear that when the community operates smoothly, residents and their families have a highly favorable view of the living experience offered here.

AI generated summary of real reviews