Fort Des Moines Senior Housing in Des Moines, IA

Pros

• The facility is nice.
• The place is awesome and offers flexible options for being busy or private.
• The common areas are always spotless.
• The neighbors are super.
• The community is secure and close to everything needed.
• The facility is beautiful.
• Seniors are well looked after.

Cons

• Terrible place for seniors to live.
• The owner Tom is not a nice person.
• He bullied the reviewer’s mother the entire time she lived there.
• He is a bully.
• He kicked the reviewer’s mother out because he claimed she took a roll of toilet paper.
• He still kicked her out.

Review

Fort Des Moines Senior Housing in Des Moines, IA is best suited for independent seniors who want a clean, attractive setting with convenient access to shops, services, and social activities. The facility earns points for well-maintained common spaces and a campus feel that signals safety and order. It accommodates a range of lifestyles, from residents who stay actively engaged to those who prefer quiet, private living. For the practical caregiver, the straightforward layout and predictable routines reduce the guesswork that often comes with senior housing. In essence, the community serves as a solid home base for someone who prioritizes livability, routine, and nearby amenities.

That said, some prospects should consider other options. The most concerning feedback centers on management style: one reviewer describes the owner as a bully who evicted a mother over a roll of toilet paper, despite an offer to reimburse. That kind of interpersonal dynamic is a red flag for anyone seeking a supportive, respectful environment. Families that require consistent warmth from leadership, transparent policies, and fair handling of everyday issues will want to explore communities with more resident-centered cultures and clearer dispute processes. Those who value a steady, nonconfrontational atmosphere over the prestige of a facility will want alternatives.

On the upside, the positives are tangible and recurring. Reviewers repeatedly praise the facility’s appearance and cleanliness, noting spotless common areas and a general sense of order. The resident community is described as friendly and engaging, with neighbors who are easy to connect with. The space feels secure and convenient, with easy access to surrounding services and abundant options for activity or quiet time. The ability to choose between a busier schedule or private downtime is highlighted as a standout feature, allowing families to tailor daily life to the resident’s pace and preferences.

However, the strongest caveat rests on management behavior and the potential for harsh consequences. The eviction anecdote is not an isolated concern and underscores a risk that a resident could be nudged out for minor, even unwitnessed incidents. The existence of a 1-star perception alongside four favorable opinions suggests that experience may hinge heavily on personal contact with leadership and whom one speaks with during a visit. For risk-averse families or residents with fragile health or finances, such a volatile dynamic can materially tilt the balance away from selection.

Still, the positives can offset the downsides if the right conditions align. Clean facilities, neighborly interaction, and a sense of security make the daily experience appealing and predictable, especially for someone who prizes independence and social options. If staff responsiveness, transparent policies, and a credible grievance mechanism are evident during visits, the risk of harsh outcomes diminishes and the location’s advantages become more compelling. For highly social residents who want a built-in network and a schedule that supports activity, the value proposition is strong enough to justify inquiry, provided management demonstrates consistency and fairness.

Advice for families is to schedule a thorough tour with multiple residents, ask pointed questions about eviction policies, and request recent examples of how conflicts were resolved. Review the lease language on behavior, penalties, and notice, and verify what support is available if health changes require more assistance. Consider a trial period or a longer observation phase, during which interactions with staff and leadership can be evaluated. Fort Des Moines Senior Housing can be an excellent fit for those who want a bright, convenient, and social living environment, but its suitability hinges on encountering management that is fair, predictable, and genuinely resident-centered.

This part of Des Moines, Iowa, is a bustling area with convenient access to a variety of healthcare services, including physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals. The numerous dining options in the vicinity offer a range of choices for meals out, from fast food favorites like Taco Bell and Burger King to sit-down restaurants like Johnny's Italian Steakhouse. The proximity to parks such as Sayers Park and Water Works Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying nature. Additionally, the nearby Des Moines International Airport offers easy travel options for visiting family or going on vacations. Overall, this area provides a balance of essential services and amenities that may be appealing to seniors looking for a vibrant community with access to healthcare resources.

Physicians

• Deanna Boesen, MD (0.5 miles)
• Mercy Clinics (0.5 miles)
• Radiant Complexions Dermatology Clinics (1.1 miles)
• Eyemart Optical Outlet - South Des Moines (1.2 miles)
• South Glenn Walk In Clinic (1.4 miles)
• Oral Surgeons PC (1.7 miles)
• Primary Health Care - BEC Medical (2.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• MercyOne Des Moines Behavioral Health (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Osco Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Medicap (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (0.9 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.1 miles)
• IHOP (1.4 miles)
• Johnny's Italian Steakhouse (1.6 miles)
• Jim's Coney Island (1.7 miles)
• Burger King (1.9 miles)
• Sam's Fine Food & Eggrolls (2 miles)

Parks

• Sayers Park (1.7 miles)
• Water Works Park (2 miles)
• Stone Park (2.9 miles)
• Gray's Lake Park (3.2 miles)

Transportation

• Des Moines International Airport (DSM) (1.7 miles)
• TSA Checkpoint (1.8 miles)
• Concourse C (1.8 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (4.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Blank Children's Hospital NICU (4.4 miles)
• Methodist Hospital North 6 (4.4 miles)
• Methodist Outpatient Surgery (4.4 miles)
• UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center - Emergency Department (4.5 miles)
• North 3 - IMMC (4.5 miles)
• Mercy River Hills Surgery Center (4.9 miles)
• Select Specialty Hospital-Des Moines (5 miles)