Mill Pond in Ankeny, IA
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1201 SE Mill Pond Court, Ankeny, IA 50021
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
At Mill Pond, the pricing structure for living arrangements presents a compelling value when compared to both Polk County and the broader state of Iowa. For a one-bedroom unit, residents can expect to pay $966 per month, which is significantly lower than the county average of $2,528 and the state average of $2,862. Similarly, two-bedroom apartments at Mill Pond are priced at $1,157, again showcasing a stark contrast to the surrounding area's average costs of $3,047 in Polk County and $3,329 statewide. Even for private accommodations, while prices are higher at $4,290 per month at Mill Pond compared to Polk County's $4,819 and Iowa's $4,670 averages, it still maintains a competitive edge in terms of overall affordability within its category. These figures highlight Mill Pond as an attractive option for individuals and families seeking quality housing without exorbitant costs.
| Floor plans | Mill Pond | Polk County | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $966 | $2,528 | $2,863 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,157 | $3,047 | $3,329 |
| Private | $4,290 | $4,819 | $4,670 |
Mill Pond is described as a beloved facility in the Ankeny area. The staff are described as angels on Earth. The staff do everything possible to give residents a reason to face each day with anticipation and hope. The activities program provides excellent music programs and many church services, keeping residents engaged. The staff show incredible kindness and love every day. The independent living area is clean and well kept, with frequent scheduled activities. The facility is beautiful, clean, modern, and well maintained, with amazing caring staff.
They say the pond area needs cleaning and looks as bad as they've ever seen it. They describe the smaller pond to the north as a rat's nest. They found that Mill Pond cannot meet residents' evolving needs, despite its marketing. They believe Mill Pond is not equipped to provide comprehensive care for residents with advancing dementia. They report a glaring lack of transparency about the facility's limitations, leading to the need to find other accommodations. They recount a rude staff interaction and a door buzz-in issue that turned into belligerence. They note the grounds along the walking path become unattractive due to weeds as tall as a person. They strongly advise others not to move their loved ones there.Mill Pond in Ankeny, IA, is best suited for seniors who want a lively, well-staffed campus where daily life centers on engagement, companionship, and practical support. The independent living apartments are clean, the common areas modern and inviting, and the activity calendar typically brims with music programs, church services, and a rotating roster of events. For families, the appeal lies in a community that treats residents with warmth and respect while delivering a broad spectrum of services on one campus. The memory-care option exists, but reviews repeatedly flag it as mismatched with the promises made in marketing, particularly for residents who require substantial long-term dementia care. This distinction matters for planning long-term care trajectories.
Those with loved ones at high risk of progressing dementia or needing intensive, long-term memory care should evaluate alternatives more carefully. The sentiment among families is mixed when memory needs escalate; several reviewers report a gap between advertised capabilities and actual capacity, with some transitions outside Mill Pond required sooner than expected. Transparency about limitations appears uneven, and families are advised to press hard on what is truly possible for evolving needs. Additionally, a few experiences point to inconsistent staff interactions. While kindness abounds, the overall quality hinges on the specific unit and staff assignment, which makes choice more complex for custodial planning.
On the upside, Mill Pond delivers compelling daily life through its staff and programming. Residents praise the warmth and competence of caregivers, often describing them as genuinely caring and attentive. The activity slate - music programs, religious services, Bible studies, and social outings - gives residents meaningful structure and reason to engage each day. The independent living spaces are consistently described as clean and well kept, while the nursing-like footprint on the care side is noted for reliability when needed, including good meals and attentive supervision. The setting itself wins praise for aesthetics and upkeep, with many calling the campus beautiful and welcoming, further supporting a sense of belonging and security in retirement.
Nevertheless, notable drawbacks temper the enthusiasm. The most critical is the mismatch between marketing and capability for advanced dementia care, which can leave families scrambling when deterioration requires a higher level of support. There are mentions of a lack of genuine transparency about what the facility can handle, leading to surprising conversations about transitions. A few operational flaws appear, such as an isolated report of poor communication at the front door and at least one staff member whose tone felt abrasive. Grounds maintenance is uneven, with a walking path area that turns neglected past a windmill, signaling that some upkeep may not align with the overall quality elsewhere on campus.
These pros and cons tilt most decisively in favor of Mill Pond for families prioritizing daily fulfillment, compassionate staff, and a vibrant social environment - provided memory-care needs are moderate and clearly understood upfront. The strength of caregiving culture, coupled with robust programming and a strong independent-living experience, often translates into meaningful quality of life and sustained engagement. If the loved one's dementia risk is low to moderate and a clear, documented plan exists for when care level needs rise, Mill Pond can be a very solid home. If memory-care escalation is likely or absolute transparency about capabilities is essential, this campus requires careful scrutiny and explicit assurances before commitment.
Bottom line: Mill Pond offers a warm, active community with a reputation for caring staff, strong programming, and careful attention to residents' daily routines. It is a particularly strong fit for seniors who expect ample engagement and who anticipate staying mainly in independent living with the security of dependable support services on call. Those whose loved ones are likely to require advanced memory care or who prize absolute transparency about care limitations may want to investigate alternatives where long-term dementia care is a stated strength. For families needing a practical, candid assessment, Mill Pond is a compelling option worth a serious evaluation, with the caveat that memory-care needs must be clearly scoped from the outset.
Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
Independent LivingIndependent living communities are important for seniors because they offer a safe and supportive environment where older adults can live independently while still having access to amenities and services that enhance their quality of life. These communities provide social opportunities, recreational activities, and assistance with daily tasks, promoting overall well-being and allowing seniors to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Skilled Nursing FacilitySkilled Nursing Facilities are crucial for seniors as they provide round-the-clock medical care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with daily activities. These facilities ensure that seniors receive the specialized care they need to maintain their health and well-being as they age.
Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
PrivatePrivacy is important for seniors as it allows them to maintain their independence, dignity, and sense of control over their own lives. It also gives them the space and freedom to relax, reflect, and engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. Creating private spaces within senior living facilities is crucial for promoting overall well-being and quality of life.
Des Moines International (14 miles away)
Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.
Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities. Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life. Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.Mill Pond in Ankeny, IA is a vibrant assisted living community that offers a range of care services to cater to the unique needs of seniors. With its prime location and beautiful surroundings, residents can enjoy independent living with the peace of mind knowing that skilled nursing care is readily available if needed.
At Mill Pond, residents have access to various amenities designed to enhance their quality of life. The indoor common areas provide comfortable spaces for socializing and engaging in recreational activities. Additionally, devotional services off-site are offered to support residents' spiritual well-being.
The dedicated staff at Mill Pond provides specialized diabetic care for those who require it, ensuring personalized attention and assistance for managing this condition effectively.
Residents can participate in devotional activities offsite, further nourishing their spiritual needs and fostering a sense of community connection.
The community's convenient location makes it easy for residents to access various establishments nearby. There are several cafes, restaurants, pharmacies, physicians' offices, and even theaters in close proximity. This allows residents to easily fulfill their daily needs while offering ample opportunities for recreational outings with family and friends.
Overall, Mill Pond in Ankeny, IA offers a nurturing environment where seniors can thrive with the assistance they need while enjoying the independence they desire.
This part of Ankeny, Iowa offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to senior living. With several pharmacies located within a mile radius, accessing medication and health care services is convenient. There are also numerous restaurants nearby, including Mexican cuisine at Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant and Cazador Mexican Restaurant. For medical needs, there are reputable physicians and orthopedic clinics such as Iowa Orthopedics and Capital Orthopaedics in close proximity. Additionally, there are cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread for socializing or relaxing with a coffee. For recreation, residents can enjoy movies at the nearby B&B Theatres Ankeny 12 & B-Roll Bowling or visit parks like Georgetown Park for outdoor activities. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking to live comfortably with access to essential services and entertainment options.
At Mill Pond, the pricing structure for living arrangements presents a compelling value when compared to both Polk County and the broader state of Iowa. For a one-bedroom unit, residents can expect to pay $966 per month, which is significantly lower than the county average of $2,528 and the state average of $2,862. Similarly, two-bedroom apartments at Mill Pond are priced at $1,157, again showcasing a stark contrast to the surrounding area's average costs of $3,047 in Polk County and $3,329 statewide. Even for private accommodations, while prices are higher at $4,290 per month at Mill Pond compared to Polk County's $4,819 and Iowa's $4,670 averages, it still maintains a competitive edge in terms of overall affordability within its category. These figures highlight Mill Pond as an attractive option for individuals and families seeking quality housing without exorbitant costs.
Mill Pond is located at 1201 SE Mill Pond Court, Ankeny, IA 50021 in Polk County, Iowa
Mill Pond on seniors.fyi includes 7 photos including images showing windows, interior, bedroom, building, architecture, dining, landscaping, outdoors, and more.
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