Wesley Acres Des Moines
Save3520 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
What level of care are you interested in?

Assisted Living

Memory Care

Independent Living

Skilled Nursing Facility

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)CCRC

Other
Wesley on Grand and its sister campus have inspired a mix of emotions among families and visitors. On one hand, many describe the place as warm, inviting, and beautifully renovated, with bright common areas and a sense of community that makes residents feel at home. Several reviewers highlight Amy Bassett as a standout in the admissions and tour process, noting her attentive listening, thorough explanations, and genuine enthusiasm for the community. The overall atmosphere is frequently described as friendly, with residents described as happy and outgoing, which helps to create a welcoming first impression for prospective residents and their loved ones.
In the realm of rehabilitation and direct care, several accounts paint a consistently positive picture. A reviewer recovering from sepsis and a Multiple Sclerosis exacerbation praised Wesley on Grand for providing detailed and helpful physical and occupational therapy that returned them to their prior level of function. The therapy team, along with nurses, CNAs, and other support staff, are repeatedly credited with compassion and dedication, and one former patient specifically thanked a caregiver who ensured a comfortable room temperature during a hospital stay. These stories of individualized attention and genuine care are echoed by others who describe excellent care during knee replacement rehab and the daily acts of kindness that helped them feel secure and understood during what could be a stressful recovery journey.
Beyond care quality, the amenities and lifestyle options at Wesley on Grand receive frequent applause. Reviewers frequently mention the facility's attractive and well-lit design, tasteful renovations, and a sense that there is more to offer than just a basic senior living environment. The conversation often turns to the added perks: a pool, weight rooms, and even an underwater treadmill, alongside a fine dining restaurant and a lively pub with music on specific evenings. The sense of abundance - ample dining choices, modern interiors, and the option to participate in a wide range of social and wellness activities - contributes to the impression that Wesley is a dynamic place for older adults to live and socialize.
Yet the experience is not without serious cautions. A number of reviewers report systemic concerns that impact safety and medical management. One family describes a troubling sequence involving diabetes care: the absence of a diabetic-specific menu, desserts encouraged even when not ordered, and notably high blood glucose readings (in the 400s and occasionally the 500s) after long-acting insulin had been reduced contrary to an endocrinologist's prescription. They also note an out-of-network pharmacy, which led to substantial out-of-pocket costs. These particular experiences are stark reminders that clinical oversight and adherence to physician instructions are critical for some residents, and they left the family unwilling to consider returning their diabetic loved one to the facility.
Other reviewers amplify concerns about staffing consistency and professional conduct. The facility is described as having multiple changes in leadership, with comments noting several different directors of nursing over a short period, which some readers interpret as instability within the care leadership. There are specific, troubling anecdotes about individual staff members: a nurse described as cold and unprofessional, with claims that she refused to be a nurse for a patient who was near the end of life; another report mentions a nurse named Brittany who was perceived as lacking compassion. Additional comments describe situations where basic needs were not promptly met - no call button accessible, delayed room cleaning, unupdated dry-erase boards, and medications not administered as instructed. These stories underscore the critical importance of consistent, compassionate, and properly supervised care, especially for residents with memory issues or other vulnerabilities.
What emerges across these narratives is a community with undeniable strengths and equally evident fragilities. The positive voices center on the warmth of the living environment, the quality of rehab services, and the engaging, well-equipped campus life that makes Wesley feel like a true community. The negative voices spotlight gaps in medical management, medication coordination, and staffing stability, including episodes that put patient safety at risk and erode trust. For families evaluating whether Wesley on Grand or Wesley Acres is the right fit, the experiences suggest a clear divide: if a resident will thrive under highly attentive therapy and social engagement, the residence can be an excellent match; if there is a heightened need for meticulous medical oversight and consistent staffing, prospective residents and their families may want to ask detailed questions about care standards, emergency protocols, and the current leadership structure before making a commitment.
In sum, Wesley on Grand presents a picture of a bright, activity-rich community that many residents and visitors find welcoming and well equipped. It is a place where compassionate therapists and a dedicated care team can make a meaningful difference in recovery and daily life, and where amenities like the pool, pub, and modern renovations contribute to a vibrant atmosphere. At the same time, concerns voiced by several families about diabetes management, medication practices, and staffing consistency serve as important reminders that ongoing attention to clinical governance, staff training, and responsive, personalized care remains essential. The range of experiences suggests that prospective residents and families should engage in thorough conversations with current staff and leadership to understand how the facility matches their specific health needs and expectations for daily life.
Wesley Acres in Des Moines, IA is an assisted living community that offers a range of housing options including 2-bedroom apartments, 3-bedroom apartments, and studio apartments. They provide various types of care including independent living, memory care for those with dementia or Alzheimer's, and respite care for short-term stays.
The community is proud to offer numerous amenities to enhance the quality of life for its residents. These amenities include a beautician on-site, a beauty salon, cable or satellite TV, community-operated transportation for outings and appointments, a computer center, a dining room with restaurant-style dining, a fitness room to promote physical health, fully furnished accommodations for comfortable living, a gaming room for entertainment, a garden area to enjoy nature, housekeeping services to maintain cleanliness, kitchenettes for convenience, laundry facilities for residents' use, outdoor spaces to relax and socialize in, the option for overnight guests to visit loved ones staying at Wesley Acres, private bathrooms for each unit ensuring privacy and dignity of residents, a small library for reading enthusiasts, a swimming pool for recreational activities during warmer months, telephone access in each apartment unit, transportation and parking facilities available on-site as well as arrangement of non-medical transportation needs such as grocery shopping or social outings. There is also a wellness center that provides various health-related services and programs along with Wi-Fi/high-speed internet access.
In terms of care services offered at Wesley Acres Des Moines are focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. The community provides 24-hour call system availability in case assistance is needed at any time. Additionally there is round-the-clock supervision by trained staff members. Assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing are provided as needed. The staff also assists with transfers to ensure mobility without compromising safety. The community offers specialized meal plans according to diabetes diet recommendations along with meal preparation and service. Medication management services are provided to ensure proper administration of medications. There is a mental wellness program available for residents' emotional well-being and support, along with tailored care for those with mild cognitive impairment. Physical therapy services are also offered to help maintain overall physical health and mobility. The community can accommodate special dietary restrictions if needed. Specialized memory care programming is available for individuals with memory-related conditions such as Alzheimer's.
Residents of Wesley Acres have access to various activities to keep them engaged and entertained. These include community-sponsored activities such as group outings or events, concierge services to assist in planning and organizing activities, educational speakers and lifelong learning opportunities, fitness programs that promote physical health and well-being, planned day trips to explore local attractions, religious services for spiritual support, resident-run activities where seniors can showcase their talents or skills, and scheduled daily activities designed to foster socialization and enjoyment.
The location of Wesley Acres in Des Moines offers convenient access to numerous amenities in the surrounding area. There are 7 cafes nearby offering options for dining out or meeting friends for coffee, 4 parks providing green spaces for relaxation or exercise, 8 pharmacies ensuring easy access to medications, 27 physicians in the vicinity for medical care needs, 42 restaurants offering a wide variety of culinary choices for dining out, and 12 hospitals ensuring prompt medical attention if required.
Overall, Wesley Acres in Des Moines provides a comfortable and supportive environment where seniors can enjoy independent living with the peace of mind that assistance is readily available when needed. With its range of housing options, comprehensive care services, extensive amenities, engaging activities, and convenient location near various amenities - this assisted living community is an excellent choice for older adults seeking comfort and quality care.
Wesley Acres Des Moines offers 1-bedroom apartments, 2-bedroom apartments, 3-bedroom apartments, and Studio apartments.
Wesley Acres Des Moines is located at 3520 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312 in Polk County, Iowa
Wesley Acres Des Moines offers a comprehensive range of features tailored to enhance the quality of life for residents facing dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The 24-hour supervision ensures a safe environment where staff can promptly respond to any needs or emergencies, fostering a sense of security. Assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and transfers, promotes dignity while ensuring that physical needs are met. Meal preparation and service provide nutritious options tailored to individual preferences, which can significantly impact health and well-being. Medication management ensures that residents adhere to their prescribed regimens, minimizing health risks associated with missed doses. The mental wellness program addresses cognitive engagement through tailored activities that stimulate memory and social interaction. Additionally, physical therapy supports mobility and overall health, while specialized memory care programming is designed specifically to cater to the unique challenges faced by individuals with mild cognitive impairment or more advanced stages of dementia, ultimately promoting a higher level of comfort and quality in their daily lives.
Wesley Acres Des Moines on seniors.fyi includes 6 photos including images showing interior, living room, dining, fireplace, decor, windows, wood paneling, table settings, and more.
Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center
Des Moines, IA
24/7 nursing with ADL support and meds management; strong on-site amenities.
Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center reviews
Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center images
Elsie Mason Manor
Des Moines, IA
Very affordable pricing relative to Polk County and Iowa averages, with active on-site programs.
Elsie Mason Manor costs
Elsie Mason Manor reviews
Elsie Mason Manor images
Fairmeadows Village Retirement Community
West Des Moines, IA
Friendly staff and clean, affordable apartments.
Fairmeadows Village Retirement Community costs
Fairmeadows Village Retirement Community reviews
Fairmeadows Village Retirement Community images
Karen Acres Health Care Center
Urbandale, IA
Caring, attentive staff with comfortable private-room accommodations.
Karen Acres Health Care Center reviews
Karen Acres Health Care Center images
Estimating the Expenses of At-Home Dementia Care: A Detailed Exploration
At-home dementia care expenses vary widely based on care levels, location, and caregiver expertise, with monthly costs for home health aides exceeding $4,500 and specialized care potentially surpassing $100,000 annually. While families favor in-home care for its comfort and personalized attention, they must consider financial planning and the challenges of caregiver fatigue.
Comprehensive Insights on the Late Stages of Dementia: What to Expect and How to Provide Care
The article discusses the late stages of dementia, detailing the progression from mild to severe impairment and highlighting key characteristics such as profound cognitive decline and dependency in daily activities. It emphasizes care strategies focused on comfort and dignity, the importance of advance directives, and the emotional support needed for family caregivers facing this challenging journey.
Medications Associated with Dementia Risk: A Comprehensive Overview
The article examines the link between certain medications and increased dementia risk, particularly in older adults, emphasizing that long-term or high-dose use of anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, and other drug classes can exacerbate cognitive impairment. It calls for careful medication evaluation and shared decision-making to mitigate these risks while managing treatment efficacy.