Prairie Hills of Des Moines

Pros

• The staff at Prairie Hills consistently demonstrate friendliness and a willingness to help, making residents and families feel welcomed and valued.
• Residents enjoy a variety of activities that enhance their quality of life, fostering social engagement and community spirit.
• Many families appreciate the beautiful property and pleasant neighborhood, noting the inviting atmosphere of the facility.
• The management team is described as competent and caring, with a commitment to providing excellent care for residents.
• Families feel reassured knowing their loved ones are in a compassionate environment where they receive thorough and conscientious care.
• Employees express high job satisfaction, highlighting teamwork and a supportive workplace culture that prioritizes resident well-being.
• Numerous families report positive experiences during special celebrations, emphasizing the community’s commitment to creating meaningful moments for residents and their families.

Cons

• It is not a good time to place loved ones in a home due to short staffing, leading to dissatisfaction with care.
• The community did not inform the family about an incident where the resident was taken to the hospital, resulting in poor communication.
• There was a leaking toilet that went unaddressed, causing inconvenience and mess for residents.
• Medical appointments were frequently canceled because the community failed to transport residents as needed.
• Staff members appeared inexperienced in handling complaints and issues raised by families.
• Several personal belongings of residents have gone missing on multiple occasions.
• Some activities listed on the calendar were not consistently available, leading to disappointment among residents and families.
• The food quality has been inconsistent due to frequent turnover in kitchen staff.

Review

A Comprehensive Overview of Prairie Hills of Des Moines: Experiences and Insights

The journey toward finding the perfect assisted living facility can be emotionally challenging, filled with hopes and apprehensions. One such community that has garnered a vast array of experiences is Prairie Hills of Des Moines. From positive interactions with staff members to significant concerns regarding care and communication, families have shared their thoughts on what it’s like to have loved ones placed in this facility.

Many families noted the friendly demeanor of the staff at Prairie Hills, appreciating how they readily introduce themselves and actively engage in answering questions about care and community activities. The welcoming atmosphere created by the staff leaves residents feeling connected, fostering a sense of belonging among them. For some residents, this bond grows deep; one review highlighted that a resident was able to enjoy their time due to friendships made within the community and various engaging activities offered. Recognizing this compassionate approach from caregivers is pivotal for many families considering long-term care options.

Despite these positive aspects, serious concerns were raised regarding staffing issues at Prairie Hills. Some reviewers voiced frustrations about shortages that seemed to negatively impact resident care. Reports indicated instances where critical communication lapses occurred; one individual described an alarming situation when their loved one was taken to the hospital without prior notification from the facility—an oversight that left family members distressed when they received news from the hospital rather than from staff at Prairie Hills. Furthermore, there were complaints about how sometimes staff struggled with effectively motivating residents for necessary doctor appointments or addressing urgent health matters.

Facilities management also faced scrutiny concerning maintenance issues within the building itself. A few reviews mentioned episodes involving leaking toilets without appropriate warning signs indicating wet floors, resulting in preventable accidents for residents who might not have realized they were stepping into a hazard. Such instances contribute to an overall perception that while efforts may exist to provide quality care, there remain areas needing attention—especially in communication between staff and family members when it comes to health-related updates.

On a more positive note, several reviewers highlighted Prairie Hills as a beautiful property situated in a serene environment conducive for seniors enjoying outdoor spaces—a desirable feature for those seeking comfort amid nature’s calming presence. Couples appreciated spacious two-bedroom apartments available in memory care units alongside well-organized amenities promoting healthy engagement through scheduled activities. Despite some inconsistencies noted regarding whether all planned events took place as advertised, many found joy in participating in weekly gatherings or special celebrations organized by staff—like birthday parties designed thoughtfully around residents' social needs.

Overall impressions seem mixed but sway positively toward recommending Prairie Hills based on observed heartfelt dedication shown by employees who treat both residents and their families like extended kin rather than clients alone. Many expressions of gratitude surfaced regarding support during difficult times; families noted how much peace brought them knowing those cared for enjoyed attention beyond their expectations through caring interactions with devoted teams working tirelessly behind-the-scenes every day.

In conclusion, experiences at Prairie Hills are multi-faceted: They encapsulate high-quality companionship nurtured within relationships forged between employees and residents juxtaposed against systemic issues stemming from current staffing challenges affecting personal communications vital for ensuring holistic well-being amongst elderly individuals residing there. Prospective families weighing options may find solace reading testimonials showcasing passionate sentiments expressed towards services while recognizing areas deserving improvement reflected upon collectively throughout diverse perspectives gathered thus far highlighting resilience amid trials faced within communal settings today.

This part of Des Moines, Iowa offers a range of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With multiple healthcare facilities including dermatology clinics, walk-in clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals nearby, residents can easily access medical care when needed. Additionally, there are a variety of dining options such as Taco Bell, IHOP, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen for convenient meal choices. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are several parks within a short distance where one can relax and enjoy nature. Transportation is also readily available with the Des Moines International Airport nearby. Overall, this area provides a mix of healthcare services, dining options, recreational opportunities, and convenient transportation making it an attractive option for senior living.

Physicians

• Radiant Complexions Dermatology Clinics (1.6 miles)
• Eyemart Optical Outlet - South Des Moines (1.7 miles)
• South Glenn Walk In Clinic (1.7 miles)
• Primary Health Care - BEC Medical (2.8 miles)
• Deanna Boesen, MD (3.2 miles)
• Mercy Clinics (3.2 miles)
• Oral Surgeons PC (4.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (1.6 miles)
• IHOP (1.7 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (1.7 miles)
• B & B Grocery Meat & Deli (3.4 miles)
• Jim's Coney Island (3.4 miles)
• Baratta's (3.5 miles)
• Sam's Fine Food & Eggrolls (3.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Osco Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• MercyOne Des Moines Behavioral Health (3.2 miles)
• Walgreens (4.2 miles)
• Walgreens (5.4 miles)

Parks

• Stone Park (3.4 miles)
• Sayers Park (3.7 miles)
• Water Works Park (4.3 miles)
• Gray's Lake Park (4.9 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)

Transportation

• Des Moines International Airport (DSM) (4.3 miles)
• TSA Checkpoint (4.4 miles)
• Concourse C (4.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Methodist Hospital North 6 (5.3 miles)
• Blank Children's Hospital NICU (5.4 miles)
• UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center - Emergency Department (5.4 miles)
• Unity Point Health (5.4 miles)
• North 3 - IMMC (5.4 miles)
• Methodist Outpatient Surgery (5.4 miles)
• Mercy River Hills Surgery Center (5.4 miles)