Medicaid Waivers In Des Moines
Home and Community-Based Services Elderly Waiver
Iowa Medicaid offers additional services to eligible members through the HCBS Elderly waiver. This waiver helps seniors remain in the community by facilitating options that will keep them living in their own home or with family, instead of being put into institutionalized care.
Recipients are covered for a set of services tailored to their condition and abilities, which may include:
- Meal delivery, homemakers and chore assistance
- Home health aides and senior companionship
- Respite for caregivers
- Emergency and assistive devices
- Home and vehicle modifications
Consumer-Directed Attendant Care is a part of this waiver that helps recipients perform activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and preparing meals when theyre no longer able to do so alone. Skilled services including tube feeding, catheterizations and other in-home nursing care can also be provided.
Consumer Choices Option gives waiver recipients more control over their Medicaid coverage by allowing them to hire caregivers and other employees. Alternatively, the recipient can choose not to hire anyone and instead spend their allotted funds on medical goods and services. Counseling is available to help seniors and their families make informed choices.
Des Moines residents should contact their case manager to apply for waiver services, or ask their Medicaid managed care organization under the IA Health Link program.
Home Health Services
Nursing Homes Vs Assisted Living
Nursing homes and assisted living differ in important ways, although some people may think of these two types of senior care facilities as synonymous. Both nursing homes and assisted living facilities offer housing, meal services, and help with personal care. However, seniors in assisted living communities are generally active and relatively independent, although they may need help with certain daily tasks. Nursing home residents typically have debilitating health problems or serious chronic conditions that require 24-hour care, skilled nursing services, or rehab therapies.
Like assisted living, nursing homes also offer social activities for residents, although options may be more limited than in assisted living facilities. This is because nursing homes often focus on medical care, while assisted living communities aim to improve quality of life through personal care and social engagement.
Planning For Moving Day
If youre stressed about moving day, plan ahead and consider finding expert assistance to help with this major transition. A senior move manager specializes in helping seniors downsize, relocate, and move. Delegating what can be an emotional task may help reduce tension, prevent family conflicts, and ease the burden on families and caregivers.
Before deciding what to take when moving your family member to a nursing home facility, its important to understand the space your loved one will have after they move. Whether they share a room or have a private space, they might want to bring some personal items, such as toiletries, clothing, photos and keepsakes, jewelry, and eyeglasses. They may also want to bring certain items for entertainment, like books, hobby supplies, and a computer or tablet.
Before moving day, also be sure to ask staff at the facility whether:
- Bedding and towels are provided.
- A TV is available in the room.
- Its possible to bring a small fridge.
- Laundry services are included.
- Internet access is available for residents.
Make your loved ones new space feel more like home with familiar items and photos of family and friends before they arrive. Arrange their belongings in a way that reminds them of their previous home, but avoid cluttering the room. Instead, try to create a calming, comfortable space for your loved one.
Before moving day, remember to also:
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Need Help With A Nursing Home Abuse Matter
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You’ve come to the right place. If you are a resident of a nursing home or other long-term care facility and have suffered physical or psychological harm because of your caregiver’s negligent or intentional acts, a nursing home abuse lawyer can help.
Use FindLaw to hire a local nursing home abuse lawyer near you if you are the victim of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost In Des Moines

Assisted living in Des Moines has a monthly cost of $3,950, which is approximately $100 higher than average for Iowa. In nearby Ames, the cost is very similar at $3,964. Sioux City has the lowest cost in Iowa at an average of $3,050 per month.
Iowa City and Dubuque are the most expensive areas for assisted living in the state, with average costs of $4,175 and $4,100 per month, respectively.
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Arbor Springs cares for individuals through all stages of dementia. Located in a residential area, a hallmark of Arbor Springs is its award-winning design that offers residents the comfort, safety, and security of an environment similar to their own home. The Arbor Springs community is a welcoming arrangement of six neighborhoods positioned around Main Street. Main Street includes a sidewalk café, community center, therapy room, and beauty salon. Up to 10 residents live in a neighborhood with each one having a private bedroom.
Bedrooms are arranged around an intimate living room, and memory boxes serve as markers to help identify individual rooms. Residents dine with others from their neighborhood in a cozy, home-like dining room. Outside courtyards give residents the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and landscaping in a secure setting.
Arbor Springs offers long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, and respite care.
The Best 10 Retirement Homes In West Des Moines Ia
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What Others Are Saying About Us
This is the 3rd time in over 5 years that Mom has been at Arbor Springs. The first two times were after a fall/illness. This time, because her dementia is to the point that she can no longer live at home. Our family loves the facility, the staff and the overall environment. Could not ask for a better place to help care for someone we love so much.
-Sue Morrison
I love working for a facility that goes above and beyond for their staff and residents. I have never been more respected or well trained than I have at Arbor Springs. They strive to have a knowledgable staff and it shows in our relationships with each other and our wonderful residents. I don’t plan on leaving any time soon! Great job to my administrators and co-workers for making this such an awesome place to work!
-Mariah Bowman
Arbor Springs was a wonderful place for our father. It was the third facility we tried and it was a blessing. Dad was so content there. The staff was well trained to care for people suffering from dementia. It was such a happy, positive place that visits were fun. They were kind, patient and respectful. It was definitely an answer to prayer!
-Jan Marie Seward Miller
Very nice facility with personalized dementia care. The staff there truly care about their residents. They also offer Skilled nursing care and Rehab therapy . If you’re looking for a home like environment for your loved one, you should consider visiting Arbor Springs!
-Kayla Boynton
The Cost Of Senior Living And Care In Des Moines
Long-term care for seniors is relatively expensive in Des Moines when compared to Iowa as a whole. According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Survey, nursing home costs are roughly 10% higher, although other levels of care, such as assisted living, home care and adult day care, are just slightly more expensive than the state average.
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How Do I Choose A Nursing Home Facility Near Me
Finding a nursing home for your loved one may feel overwhelming. You may have many different facilities to choose from, so how do you know which one is right? Experts suggest starting with your family members prioritized needs.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What medical conditions does my loved one need care for?
- How much help with daily activities do they need? What can they do on their own?
- Are they mobile? Do they need help with transfers?
- Do they have any dietary restrictions? For example, do they have diabetes or kidney disease?
- Are they willing to share a room or do they need a private space?
- What type of social activities do they enjoy?
Some key factors to consider include:
Other considerations when choosing a nursing home include cost and facility amenities, recreational activities, meal services, and whether menus cater to dietary preferences and restrictions. Its also important to notice whether residents seem clean, happy, and well cared for, and how staff keep families informed of their loved ones health and care.
Ultimately, theres no substitute for visiting and experiencing a typical day. Touring a facility provides opportunities to see the building, assess cleanliness, witness staff interactions with residents, observe meal time, and talk to other residents.
Medicaid Program In Des Moines
Des Moines residents aged 65 or older, and people with disabilities, can receive federal health benefits through Iowa Medicaid. Seniors are served through the states managed care program, known as IA Health Link, which is an entitlement for all eligible residents.
Medicaid members receive coverage for nursing facilities and in-home services, such as health aides and skilled nursing. Many other medical services are also covered, including doctor care and prescription medication, preventive and routine checkups, hospital care and outpatient services. Case management may be provided if necessary.
Additional services may also be covered through the waivers described below, although Iowas options for financial assistance are limited compared to other states. Waiver services arent provided as part of the state entitlement program and there is a participation cap.
Iowa Medicaid eligibility requirements for seniors:
- Aged at least 65 years old
- United States citizen and resident of Iowa
- Maximum monthly income of $2,313 per month for an individual
- Maximum asset value of $2,000 for an individual
Higher amounts are allowed for assets and income in the case of married couples. If both are applying for coverage, the income limit is $4,626 per month and the asset limit is $3,000. If only one spouse is applying, the non-applicant spouses income is mostly disregarded and a much higher asset limit is allowed.
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Talking To Your Loved One About Nursing Home Care
Elder care is a difficult but important topic that families ultimately cant avoid. Having regular conversations about senior care before an emergency situation arises is often best. Planning ahead will give you and your family time to think about options and discuss what you need to do to prepare.
However, if your aging parent needs immediate help, its time to hold a family meeting. Consider your family dynamics to decide who to include. If your senior loved one is in good mental health, it may be a good idea to involve them.
Set aside dedicated time, without distractions, to discuss their needs and potential solutions. Its also important to be open to having a series of conversations before your family agrees on the right senior care choice.
How Much Does A Nursing Home Cost

Nursing home costs depend on certain factors, including location and the level of care your loved one needs. The median monthly cost of nursing home care in the U.S. is about $7,989 for a semi-private room and $9,086 for a private room, according to Genworths Cost of Care survey.
The cost of nursing home care is high because residents at these facilities often have a variety of chronic medical needs and typically require more help with personal care. The level of care provided at nursing homes is also higher than what other senior living communities offer, with services ranging from dialysis to wound care, injections, and more.
Nursing home costs vary greatly by state. Seniors living in East Coast states, Hawaii, or Alaska will pay more for nursing home care than those living in the Midwest or Southern states.
Typically, nursing home costs will cover a semi-private or private room, meals, skilled nursing care, rehab services as prescribed by a physician, and recreational activities offered at the facility.
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When Is It Time For Nursing Home Care
For many families, moving a family member to a nursing home may be a difficult decision. However, when its no longer safe for a senior loved one to live on their own, considering senior care options may be the most caring thing to do. It may be time for a nursing home if your senior loved one:
- Needs 24-hour medical or skilled nursing care. If your family member is gravely ill or has a serious, progressive medical condition, they may need specialized care from the licensed health care professionals at a nursing home.
- Isnt mobile. Seniors who are bedridden or need significant assistance with mobility or transfers may require nursing home They may need help with daily activities, incontinence care, and nursing care for bedsores.
- Are at high risk for falls. Falls are leading cause of serious head injuries and hip fractures in elderly adults. Nearly three million older adults end up in the emergency room each year because of fall injuries, according to the CDC. If your loved one falls frequently or is at increased risk for falls, they may need care from specialized staff who know how to minimize fall risks.
- Cant feed themselves. Elderly adults who cant feed themselves or are unable to maintain dental hygiene on their own may benefit from nursing home
Nursing Homes In Des Moines Iowa
There are 19 nursing homes in Des Moines, Iowa. The median daily cost of nursing home care in Iowa is approximately $169, with costs running between $120 and $259 per day. On a per month basis, this equates to a mean expenditure of $5,070, with costs ranging from about $3,600 up to $7,770. The median annual cost is $61,685, which is below the national average of $77,380.
Costs for nursing home care in Des Moines generally range between $164 per day and $279 per day. The median cost is around $212 per day, or around $77,380 yearly.
Des Moines is a medium sized city in Polk County in the State of Iowa and also serves as the state’s capital. It is part of the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro statistical area. With 212,318 residents residing within the city limits and 457,908 in the encompassing metro area, it is the biggest city in Iowa. About 22% of the residents are over the age of 55.
The SeniorScore for Des Moines is 76. The average housing price in the city is $36,000, which is lower than the Iowa average of $153,000. Des Moines also has an average unemployment rate of about 7.8%. The city’s average household income is $47,000 , in comparison to the average of $52,000 for the state of Iowa.
Des Moines has harsh average temperatures, with cold winters and mildly warm summers. The city receives low amounts of rainfall annually. Des Moines has moderate air quality and a high crime rate compared to similarly-sized cities.
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How Much Does Home Care Cost In Des Moines
Des Moines and nearby Ames share the same average cost for in-home services at $4,767 per month, which is roughly $200 more than Iowas average. The lowest cost for this level of care is in Davenport, with an average of $4,004 per month, followed by Cedar Rapids at $4,195.
Sioux City has the highest cost in the state, and its considerably higher at $5,243 per month.
Protect Your Loved Ones From Nursing Home Malpractice
When you make the decision to put an elderly parent or a disabled relative in a nursing home, assisted living center or another long-term care administrator, it is fair to expect that they will be properly cared for and treated with respect. Unfortunately, this trust is sometimes violated by negligent or indifferent nursing home employees.
At Slater Law, LLC, in Des Moines, Iowa, we fight aggressively to protect the rights of nursing home residents and their families. Our attorneys bring more than 40 years of combined experience to our elder abuse practice and understand what it takes to obtain positive results.
Whether you have just recently noticed signs of neglect or you have already confronted the nursing home about what you are seeing, it is important to talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
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