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Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston, IA

Bishop Drumm Retirement Center is an assisted living community in Johnston, IA.

Information last verified: April 30, 2026

5837 Winwood Drive, Johnston, IA 50131

For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318

3.9 from 82 reviews

5 stars

46

4 stars

12

3 stars

8

2 stars

1

1 stars

15

Bishop Drumm Retirement Center Costs & Pricing

Bishop Drumm Retirement Center offers competitive pricing for various living arrangements, making it an attractive choice for seniors seeking affordable care options. For a studio apartment, residents pay $2,000 per month, which is significantly lower than the Polk County average of $3,533 and the state average of $3,613. One-bedroom units are priced at $2,400, maintaining affordability compared to the county's $2,528 and the state's $2,862. Two-bedroom accommodations at Bishop Drumm come in at $2,900 monthly - again showcasing a better value when compared to the Polk County average of $3,047 and Iowa's overall average of $3,329. These cost differences highlight Bishop Drumm's commitment to providing quality care without compromising on affordability in a supportive community setting.

Floor plans	Bishop Drumm Retirement Center	Polk County	Iowa
Studio	$2,000	$3,533	$3,609
1 Bedroom	$2,400	$2,528	$2,863
2 Bedrooms	$2,900	$3,047	$3,329

Overall Review of Bishop Drumm Retirement Center

common 24 reviews mention this

Caring staff is a consistent theme

Residents and families frequently describe staff as caring, kind, and attentive.

Across many visits and experiences, reviewers describe staff and leadership as compassionate and responsive, with teams that take the time to treat residents with respect. Several comments specifically mention nurses and aides being patient and helpful, including support during therapy and daily needs. A few negative reviews contrast with that by describing poor communication, unresponsiveness, or indifference from some staff members, which is why experiences can vary.

differentiator 11 reviews mention this

Meals stand out for many residents

Restaurant-style dining is a recurring positive in resident experiences.

Food comes up often, with multiple reviewers describing meals as excellent, fresh, and enjoyable, and others saying dining areas and the dining experience looked inviting on tour. Some families also mention specific diet support themes like meal detail and special dietary attention in day-to-day care. While most comments are favorable about meals, a small number of reviews include concerns tied to care coordination and daily support rather than the food itself.

common 10 reviews mention this

Activities and enrichment keep days full

Reviewers consistently mention scheduled activities and enrichment.

Residents and families describe meaningful life-enrichment programming, including arts and crafts, fitness or chair yoga, religious services, and regular scheduled activities. Some reviewers say activities helped them stay engaged and pass the time during rehab or recovery, and others mention planned trips and live performances. Several reviews also connect activity opportunities with mental and social support, while one tour perspective notes fewer people present at the time of the visit.

differentiator 9 reviews mention this

Skilled rehab and therapy support

Rehab and therapy experiences are frequently described as helpful.

Many reviewers discuss skilled rehabilitation, naming physical and occupational therapy and saying staff challenged them while remaining patient. Some comments describe progress in mobility or strength and appreciation for the therapy team’s attention. A couple of negative reviews focus less on therapy outcomes and more on follow-through, coordination between shifts, and being able to reach help when needed, which affected overall impressions.

caveat 4 reviews mention this

Billing and administration concerns

Some reviewers report serious issues with billing and communication.

A handful of reviews raise concerns about administrative responsiveness and billing—such as trouble getting the promised outcome on insurance coverage, difficulty reaching leadership, and a lack of return communication. Other comments mention how challenging it was to get timely help with medical coordination and daily needs, which families link to poor management follow-through. There are also reports of management later reaching out after concerns were raised, but the initial experiences described were still negative.

caveat 3 reviews mention this

Pricing feels mixed to families

Cost is a recurring point of disagreement among reviewers.

Several families describe the community as expensive or not affordable for their situation, including one comment mentioning a buy-in decision. At the same time, at least one reviewer characterizes the rooms as sufficient and says they seemed affordable, suggesting cost perception depends on which care level and personal budget expectations you compare. Overall, reviews indicate you’ll want to confirm total affordability for the specific level of care you need.

How we summarize

Counts show how many written reviews mention each theme; a review can touch several themes, and only frequently mentioned themes become a section.

Features

Housing

120 resident community capacity
1-bedroom apartments
2-bedroom apartments
Studio apartments

Types of Care

Assisted Living
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Independent Living
Respite Care
Skilled Nursing Facility

Amenities

Activities off-site
Activities on-site
Air-conditioning
Beautician on-site
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Devotional services on-site
Dining room
Financial aid
Financing advice
Fitness room
Full kitchen
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
General store
Home sale assistance
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Kitchenette
Laundry
Move-in coordination
Outdoor common areas
Outdoor space
Party space
Private bathrooms
Respite or short term stays offered
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
TV room
Telephone
VA Benefits Consultation
Wellness center
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available

Transportation

Des Moines International (10 miles away)
Community operated transportation
Transportation & parking
Transportation arrangement
Transportation arrangement (non-medical)

Care Services

24-hour call system
24-hour supervision
Activities of daily living assistance
Ambulatory care
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Diabetic care
Incontinence care
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Physical therapy
Special dietary restrictions
Walking wheelchair assistance

Dining

Diabetes diet
Meals provided
Special dietary restrictions

Activities

Activities off-site
Activities on-site
Arts and crafts
Community-sponsored activities
Concierge services
Devotional activities on-site
Educational speakers / life long learning
Fitness programs
Games
Gardening club
Live musical performances
Planned day trips
Religious services
Resident-run activities
Scheduled daily activities
Wii bowling
Yoga / chair yoga

Languages Spoken

English

Videos

Nearby Places of Interest

This part of Johnston, Iowa offers a variety of amenities within close proximity, making it a convenient and accessible area for senior living. There are several dining options nearby, ranging from ice cream shops to health-conscious food establishments. Pharmacies are also easily accessible for any medical needs. The parks in the area provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation, while nearby physicians' offices offer healthcare services. For entertainment, there are theaters and cafes within a short drive. Additionally, places of worship and hospitals are located within a reasonable distance. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking to reside in Johnston, Iowa.

Restaurants

Van Dee's Ice Cream Shoppe (0.1 miles)
El Mariachi (0.3 miles)
Bandit Burrito (0.9 miles)
McDonald's (1.5 miles)
Health House Food (2.1 miles)
Taste of New York (2.1 miles)
Jersey Mike's (2.4 miles)

Pharmacies

Walgreens (0.3 miles)
Walgreens (2.6 miles)
CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
Walgreens (2.9 miles)
Walgreens (2.9 miles)
Medicap Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
CVS Pharmacy (3.7 miles)

Parks

Terra Park (0.7 miles)
Lions Park (2.5 miles)

Physicians

Johnston Family Physicians (2 miles)
Iowa Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center (2.2 miles)
Mercy Urbandale Medical Clinic (2.4 miles)
Vision Eye Clinic (2.6 miles)
Eyemart Optical Outlet - North Des Moines (2.7 miles)
Christian Eye Clinic (2.9 miles)
Iowa Skin Clinic M M Baig MD (3.1 miles)

Theaters

Flix Brewhouse Des Moines (2.6 miles)
B&B Theater And B-Roll (5.2 miles)
B&B Theatres Ankeny 12 & B-Roll Bowling (5.7 miles)

Cafes

Starbucks (2.7 miles)
Panera Bread (4 miles)
Main Street Cafe & Bakery (4.4 miles)
Starbucks (4.6 miles)
Starbucks (5.1 miles)
Starbucks (5.6 miles)
Caribou Coffee (6.1 miles)

Places of Worship

Saylorville Baptist Church (3.7 miles)
Covenant Presbyterian Church (6.2 miles)

Hospitals

Mercy Franklin Center (4.1 miles)
Spay Clinics (5.2 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston, IA?

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