Independence Village of Ankeny

Pros

• The staff at Independence Village are consistently described as friendly, caring, and attentive to the needs of residents.
• Residents appreciate the cleanliness and maintenance of the facility, noting that it always looks and smells clean.
• Many families express satisfaction with the variety of activities offered, which keep residents engaged and happy.
• The spaciousness of the apartments is frequently highlighted as a positive aspect, providing comfort to residents.
• Several reviews commend the quality of food prepared by an executive chef, indicating an overall improvement in meal options over time.
• The facility fosters a sense of community where residents can easily make friends through shared meals and organized events.
• Families feel reassured knowing that their loved ones are safe and well taken care of in the welcoming environment of Independence Village.
• The facility offers various therapies on-site, enhancing support for residents' health needs.
• Many reviews reflect gratitude for how staff consistently demonstrate respect and dignity towards residents.

Cons

• The staff has experienced quite a bit of turnover since the reviewer arrived.
• The meals are not what was promised, and residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the food quality.
• Some residents have reported that the food is often served at the wrong temperatures and does not meet dietary needs.
• There was an issue with cleanliness upon moving in, and housekeeping appears to be inconsistent even afterward.
• Multiple people have moved out due to a perceived lack of care, and there have been complaints about activities being poorly managed or not happening as scheduled.
• The cost of care is deemed very high considering the level of service received, leading to disappointment from family members.
• The transition process was confusing for some families, especially regarding emergency protocols like fire alarms.
• Some reviewers noted that while some staff members are friendly, others are not as attentive or caring.

Review

Independent Village of Ankeny has garnered a mixed bag of reviews, showcasing both praise and criticism regarding its services and overall resident experience. Many families have expressed appreciation for the staff’s friendliness and attentiveness. Numerous reviews highlight that staff members are often described as kind, caring, and knowledgeable, creating a supportive atmosphere for residents. Visitors frequently note how the community appears clean and well-maintained, with ample spaces for residents to socialize outside their apartments. This environment fosters opportunities for connections among residents through shared meals and various planned activities.

Nevertheless, there have been significant concerns about staff turnover since some families arrived at the facility. While many reviewers commend individual staff members, several expressed frustration over inconsistent care due to frequent changes in personnel. Issues such as inadequate room cleaning upon move-in and ongoing cleanliness problems have been reported despite the existence of a housekeeping team. Moreover, several families shared dissatisfaction regarding meal quality—many stating that meals do not meet the expectations set during the initial tours or fall short of being restaurant-quality food as promised. Complaints included inadequately prepared meals served at improper temperatures or lacking essential dietary considerations like low sodium options.

On a more positive note, many residents enjoy the activities provided by Independent Village of Ankeny. Various social events, outings, and special programs create an engaging environment that keeps residents active and involved in community life. Some reviewers highlighted particular activities like pet therapy or holiday excursions as beneficial experiences that help foster friendships among residents while also providing joy in daily life. Families noted how encouraging participation in these activities can greatly enhance emotional wellbeing for their loved ones.

Despite the complaints surrounding food quality and staff turnover, numerous families feel relieved knowing their loved ones are safe in this community. The physical layout of the apartments is praised—spacious with large windows—and designed with safety features like level transitions to minimize trip hazards. For many adult children visiting their parents regularly, being able to witness their happiness directly gives peace of mind about their loved ones' living arrangements at Independence Village.

Some reviews mentioned appreciation for the kitchen flexibility to accommodate nutritional needs alongside helpful caregivers eager to assist whenever necessary. The on-site availability of physical, occupational, and speech therapies was recognized as a major strength of this facility; caregivers seem genuinely concerned about each resident's wellbeing from health monitoring to activity engagement.

It is significant to note that while some families express discontent regarding specific aspects like food service discrepancies and management issues related to staffing consistency, others proudly showcase personal stories highlighting how much residents have embraced independent living within this community setting. Residents frequently mention forming close bonds with caregivers while partaking in enjoyable experiences available throughout each day.

Overall, Independent Village of Ankeny presents itself as a place where genuine efforts are made toward fostering a warm environment for seniors despite underlying operational challenges that need addressing—most notably those concerning meal preparation quality and staffing stability. As such communities continue evolving based upon feedback from current residents' families amid changing demands in elder care facilities today; it remains imperative for management to listen closely while adapting services accordingly so every aspect aligns with promises made when choosing this residence—a sentiment echoed repeatedly throughout these evaluations.

This area of Ankeny, Iowa offers a variety of amenities that may appeal to seniors looking for a peaceful and convenient place to live. With several physicians' offices nearby, including Eye Care Of Iowa PC and Hearing Doctors Of Iowa, residents can easily access healthcare services. The abundance of restaurants such as Magees Irish Pub & Eat and cafes like Starbucks provide plenty of dining options. In addition, pharmacies like CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens are in close proximity for easy access to medications. For leisure activities, there are theaters such as B&B Theater And B-Roll and parks like Georgetown Park within a short distance. Overall, this part of Ankeny offers a mix of healthcare services, dining options, recreational opportunities, and places of worship for those considering senior living in the area.

Physicians

• Eye Care Of Iowa Pc - Ankeny (0.3 miles)
• World Of Vision (1.3 miles)
• Southard Nicholas Dr Iowa Clinic Cardiovascular Services Ankeny (1.3 miles)
• Hearing Doctors Of Iowa (1.3 miles)
• Iowa Health Physicians & Clinics (1.8 miles)
• Iowa Orthopedics (1.8 miles)
• Iowa Orthopedic - Kurt A Smith Do (1.8 miles)

Theaters

• B&B Theater And B-Roll (0.4 miles)
• B&B Theatres Ankeny 12 & B-Roll Bowling (1.9 miles)
• Flix Brewhouse Des Moines (7.5 miles)
• Cinemark Altoona And Xd (8 miles)

Restaurants

• Magees Irish Pub & Eat (0.6 miles)
• Whiskey River Ankeny (0.7 miles)
• Yankee Clipper (0.8 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (1.9 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.1 miles)
• Arby's (2.1 miles)
• Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant (2.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Main Street Cafe & Bakery (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (7.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Mercy Pharmacies (1.9 miles)
• Merwin Ltc Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)

Parks

• Georgetown Park (2.3 miles)
• Terra Park (6 miles)
• Lions Park (7.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saylorville Baptist Church (3.1 miles)