A Plus Home Care Services - Ankeny, IA in Ankeny, IA

Cons

• They need to improve communication with staff and scheduling.
• Their communication and scheduling are inadequate.
• If a shift cannot be covered, the loved one is left by themselves.

Review

This community is best suited for families that can actively participate in care coordination and tolerate variability in staffing. It operates as a smaller, more hands-on option where ongoing family involvement becomes part of the plan. It is not a turnkey, always-on solution; success hinges on monitoring schedules, communicating needs clearly, and stepping in when a caregiver cannot make a shift. For households comfortable with that level of engagement, the option can be a workable path, provided expectations are aligned with staffing realities.

Those considering alternatives should prioritize providers with demonstrated reliability in scheduling, robust backup coverage, and formal supervisory oversight. If a family requires predictable daily rhythms, timely responses, and clear lines of accountability, larger teams or facilities with explicit staffing guarantees are likely to deliver less uncertainty. In short, explore options that embed redundancy in coverage and offer proactive communication protocols rather than relying on ad hoc adjustments.

In terms of strengths, the available feedback does not present concrete, standout advantages that meaningfully counterbalance the primary concern. The absence of clearly documented positives suggests that any potential perks - such as a home-like setting or individualized attention - are not sufficiently evidenced to offset the risk of inconsistent staffing. Without a clear, verifiable track record of dependable coverage or proactive communication, the overall value proposition remains uncertain. Families should weigh this conservatively against options with more transparent strengths.

The central drawback is explicit and consequential: communication and scheduling gaps with staff. If a caregiver cannot attend a shift, the resident can be left without companionship, routine reinforcement, or oversight. This creates safety and well-being risks, undermines continuity of care, and erodes confidence in daily operations. For seniors who rely on consistent monitoring, medication management, or regular social interaction, such gaps become material barriers to quality living. Even with good intentions, the lack of consistent coverage can transform what should feel like a supportive arrangement into a source of ongoing concern for families.

To evaluate this option effectively, families should demand concrete assurances and verifiable practices. Ask for frequency and method of scheduling updates, a named primary supervisor, and guaranteed backup caregivers with defined response times. Request evidence of cross-coverage plans for holidays or illness and a written policy outlining how emergencies are handled. Investigate whether there is a formal incident log, caregiver handoff procedures, and a clear escalation path when issues arise. Finally, seek trial periods or references that can attest to how scheduling problems were resolved in practice.

In the end, this provider is not the strongest fit for families whose top priority is dependable, 24/7 staffing and seamless communication. The single documented concern - inconsistent communication and scheduling - casts a long shadow over reliability and safety. Alternatives with clearer staffing guarantees and accountable oversight deserve serious consideration for anyone prioritizing peace of mind and uninterrupted daily routines. For families willing to invest in active oversight and who can supplement care as needed, the option may be workable; for those who cannot, moving toward providers with proven coverage and transparent processes is the prudent course.

This area of Ankeny, Iowa offers a range of healthcare services, with several physicians' offices nearby specializing in eye care, cardiovascular services, orthopedics, and more. There are also pharmacies within a short distance for convenient access to medications. In terms of recreation and dining options, there are theaters where you can catch a movie or bowling game, as well as various restaurants ranging from casual fast food to sit-down establishments like Olive Garden. If you enjoy coffee or tea, there are multiple cafes including Starbucks and Panera Bread. Additionally, there are several parks within a few miles for outdoor activities and places of worship such as Saylorville Baptist Church for spiritual support. For any medical emergencies, Mercy Franklin Center is located within a reasonable driving distance at 8.1 miles away. Overall, this part of Ankeny provides convenient access to essential services and amenities that may be appealing for senior living options.

Physicians

• Eye Care Of Iowa Pc - Ankeny (0.2 miles)
• World Of Vision (1.2 miles)
• Hearing Doctors Of Iowa (1.2 miles)
• Southard Nicholas Dr Iowa Clinic Cardiovascular Services Ankeny (1.2 miles)
• Iowa Health Physicians & Clinics (1.9 miles)
• Iowa Orthopedics (2 miles)
• Iowa Orthopedic - Kurt A Smith Do (2 miles)

Theaters

• B&B Theater And B-Roll (0.3 miles)
• B&B Theatres Ankeny 12 & B-Roll Bowling (1.9 miles)
• Flix Brewhouse Des Moines (7.3 miles)
• Cinemark Altoona And Xd (8 miles)

Restaurants

• Magees Irish Pub & Eat (0.5 miles)
• Whiskey River Ankeny (0.6 miles)
• Yankee Clipper (1 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (2 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.1 miles)
• Olive Garden (2.2 miles)
• Maid-Rite (2.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Main Street Cafe & Bakery (1.1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.7 miles)
• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (7.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Mercy Pharmacies (2 miles)
• Merwin Ltc Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)

Parks

• Georgetown Park (2.4 miles)
• Terra Park (5.9 miles)
• Lions Park (7.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saylorville Baptist Church (2.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Mercy Franklin Center (8.1 miles)