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Reviewed by Victoria Collier, VA-Accredited Attorney Patriot Angels has helped 276 families in Iowa access the VA benefits they've earned.
Des Moines Assisted Living at a Glance
Veteran-Approved Assisted Living in Des Moines
The community below is a Patriot Angels partner in Des Moines, ready to work with veterans and surviving spouses on VA benefits.
Other Options for Veterans Near Des Moines
Compare a few more partner communities a short drive from Des Moines.
Des Moines Assisted Living Costs and VA Benefits
Assisted living in Des Moines averages $6,058 a month, based on NIC MAP data published by Where You Live Matters. That is $678 above the Iowa median of $5,380 (CareScout 2025). Before applying, review VA’s income and net worth limits so the assisted living bill is counted the right way. Rates at each Des Moines community vary with the apartment and the care level in the service plan.
| Benchmark | Per month | Left after up to $3,845 |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines assisted living average | $6,058 | $2,213 |
| Iowa assisted living median | $5,380 | $1,535 |
| U.S. assisted living median | $6,200 | $2,355 |
| Iowa in-home care | $7,836 | $3,991 |
Check Aid & Attendance Eligibility in Des Moines
Assisted living is paid care, which is what Aid & Attendance is for. A Des Moines veteran or surviving spouse who needs help with daily activities may qualify for up to $3,845 a month. Veterans rated 100% service-connected may also qualify; see Aid & Attendance with a 100% rating.
Prefer to talk it through? Call (844) 757-3047
How Many Veterans Live in Des Moines
About 8,179 veterans live in Des Moines, and 3,727 of them are 65 or older. Across Polk County, there are 21,413 veterans, 9,310 of them 65 or older. Figures come from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2020–2024).
Tips for Comparing Des Moines Communities
Dementia down the road
This Des Moines partner also runs memory care, so a move may not be needed if memory declines.
Staffing at night
Ask Des Moines communities how many caregivers are on duty overnight and how fast they answer a call button.
Medical appointments
Ask whether the community’s transportation covers doctor visits from Des Moines and how far it goes.
Check the state record
Look up any Des Moines community’s inspection history with DIAL before you sign.
Assisted Living in Cities Near Des Moines
Widen the search beyond Des Moines with these nearby Iowa cities.
Veteran Families We’ve Helped
Families in Des Moines and across the country rate Patriot Angels 4.9 on Google. BBB A+ accredited. See all reviews
Des Moines Assisted Living Questions
Can a Des Moines veteran use Aid & Attendance for assisted living?
Yes. A qualifying wartime veteran or surviving spouse in Des Moines who needs help with daily activities can receive up to $3,845 a month toward the community’s bill.
What does assisted living cost in Des Moines?
About $6,058 a month on average for the Des Moines area, based on NIC MAP data published by Where You Live Matters.
How many assisted living partners are in Des Moines?
Just one, in Des Moines, plus 33 across Iowa.
Which Des Moines communities also offer memory care?
Our Des Moines partner does. Look for the Memory Care tag on each card.
Does a Des Moines community have to accept VA benefits?
No. Aid & Attendance is paid to the veteran or surviving spouse, so it can go toward the bill at any private Des Moines community.
More Care Options in Des Moines
Related Patriot Angels guides
Looking beyond Des Moines? See Assisted Living in Iowa or the national guide.
