In comparing the monthly costs of living at The Shores to those in Polk County and across Iowa, it is evident that The Shores offers a unique pricing structure. For a one-bedroom apartment, residents can expect to pay $2,592, which is slightly higher than the Polk County average of $2,528 but more affordable than the statewide average of $2,862. Two-bedroom units are competitively priced at $3,071 - again just above Polk County's $3,047 but still lower than Iowa's average of $3,329. However, the pricing dynamic shifts significantly for studio apartments; The Shores charges $6,196 per month - substantially higher than both Polk County ($3,533) and state averages ($3,613). This indicates that while The Shores may be appealing for larger living arrangements or one-bedrooms compared to local trends, its studio pricing positions it as a premium option within the market.
Floor plans
The Shores
Polk County
Iowa
1 Bedroom
$2,592
$2,528
$2,863
2 Bedrooms
$3,071
$3,047
$3,329
Studio
$6,196
$3,533
$3,609
Overall Review of The Shores
common27 reviews mention this
Staff responsiveness and compassion stand out
Residents and families repeatedly describe staff as caring, friendly, and quick to respond.
Across the reviews, people describe staff who are kind, responsive, and helpful with day-to-day needs and transitions. Several reviewers specifically call out quick help during situations like emergencies, along with professionalism and compassion. A small number of reviews are less positive about front-desk friendliness and staff turnover, but even those reviews generally still acknowledge parts of the experience that worked.
common18 reviews mention this
Activities help residents stay engaged
The community’s activity calendar is a consistent reason residents feel busy and social.
Many residents and families say there is always something going on, with planned activities and outings that make it easier to stay active. Reviewers mention exercise options, bingo and happy hours, and the sense that residents connect through shared events. The community also offers a lot of variety in planned programming, including religious and educational activities and day trips.
common12 reviews mention this
Meals are a frequent highlight
Residents commonly praise the food quality and menu variety.
Multiple reviews describe the meals as good or great and note variety, including alternate menu options. Families also say the community provides meals that match dietary needs more broadly, and some reviewers mention meal schedules like menus posted in advance. A couple of memory-care related comments mention chewing challenges, and one review overall was critical of food quality.
differentiator5 reviews mention this
Memory care support gets mentioned
Memory-care support is a major focus in multiple reviews.
Several reviews reference memory care specifically, including one family describing a balance of attentiveness and respect with periodic checks during the day. Others mention benefits like stability and improved strength after moving in, while still framing care as daily and supportive rather than only a brief visit. There are also pointed concerns in a few reviews about dementia-care fit, including comments about meals that can be hard to chew for memory-care residents.
common8 reviews mention this
Facility upkeep and apartment comfort
Reviews frequently mention cleanliness, maintenance, and comfortable living spaces.
A number of reviewers describe the building as clean and well maintained, along with bright, comfortable spaces. Residents also mention apartment features like a den and weekly cleaning, and at least one review highlights in-unit washer and dryer access. Some reviews note the community layout can feel more institutional or transitional, and one review raises cleanliness concerns in the dining area.
caveat3 reviews mention this
Pricing feels mismatched for some families
A few reviews criticize pricing and perceived add-on charges.
One family reports a specific extra charge for a unit location and also describes a broad mismatch between expectations and what they experienced. Another review questions whether the facilities felt exceptional for the size of the down payment, while a separate tour-related comment mentions feeling there is a charge for small services. Price comparisons in the listing suggest higher rates in some unit types relative to county and lower or varying amounts versus state benchmarks.
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
220 resident community capacity
Types of Care
Assisted Living
Independent Living
Memory Care
Respite Care
Pets
Cats allowed
Dogs allowed
Amenities
Activities off-site
Activities on-site
Air-conditioning
Bath tubs
Beautician on-site
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Devotional services off-site
Devotional services on-site
Dining room
Fitness room
Full kitchen
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Ground floor units
Handicap accessible
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor common areas
Outdoor space
Private bathrooms
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Telephone
Wellness center
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Transportation
Des Moines International (8 miles away)
Community operated transportation
Transportation arrangement
Transportation arrangement (non-medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
Care Services
12-16 hour nursing
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
High acuity care
Incontinence care
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Mild cognitive impairment
Special dietary restrictions
Specialized memory care programming
Dining
Diabetes diet
Gluten-free
Guest meals
Meals provided
Professional chef
Restaurant style dining
Room service
Special dietary restrictions
Special dining programs
Activities
Art classes
Community-sponsored activities
Concierge services
Cooking classes
Day trips and outings
Devotional activities offsite
Devotional activities on-site
Educational speakers / life long learning
Fitness programs
Happy hour
Live musical performances
Live well programs
Other religious services
Planned day trips
Resident-run activities
Scheduled daily activities
Visiting chaplain or priest
Nearby Places of Interest
This part of Pleasant Hill, Iowa offers a variety of healthcare options including eye care centers, dental offices, orthopedic clinics, pediatric clinics, ENT care, and pharmacies within a short distance. Additionally, there are several dining options ranging from fast food chains to local favorites like Tasty Tacos. For entertainment, the Cinemark Altoona And XD theater is just a few miles away. In terms of medical facilities, Unity Point Health and Mercy Medical Center offer top-notch care for any health needs. The area also features parks for outdoor recreation and cafes like Starbucks for social gatherings. Overall, this part of Pleasant Hill provides convenient access to essential services and amenities that could enhance your quality of life in your senior years.
Physicians
Whylie Eye Care Centers (0.2 miles)
Konchar Gregory J Dr DDS (0.5 miles)
Eye Care Of Iowa PC - Pleasant Hill (0.6 miles)
Iowa Ortho (1.7 miles)
Mercy East Pediatric Clinic (1.7 miles)
MercyOne Pleasant Hill ENT Care (1.7 miles)
Wolfe Eye Clinic (1.7 miles)
Restaurants
The BUD TENT (1.4 miles)
The Depot (1.7 miles)
Long John Silver's (2.2 miles)
Dairy Zone (2.6 miles)
Wendy's (3 miles)
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (3.1 miles)
Tasty Tacos (3.8 miles)
Pharmacies
Walgreens (2.8 miles)
CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
Target Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
Kayser Hearing Aid & Audiology (2.9 miles)
Lutz Pharmacy (4.2 miles)
Walgreens (4.3 miles)
Osco Pharmacy (4.9 miles)
Theaters
Cinemark Altoona And Xd (4.3 miles)
Hospitals
Unity Point Health (4.4 miles)
Mercy Medical Center 7 South (5.1 miles)
Mercy Hospital Pediatric Unit (5.1 miles)
Select Specialty Hospital-Des Moines (5.1 miles)
Mercy River Hills Surgery Center (5.1 miles)
UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center - Emergency Department (5.7 miles)
In comparing the monthly costs of living at The Shores to those in Polk County and across Iowa, it is evident that The Shores offers a unique pricing structure. For a one-bedroom apartment, residents can expect to pay $2,592, which is slightly higher than the Polk County average of $2,528 but more affordable than the statewide average of $2,862. Two-bedroom units are competitively priced at $3,071 - again just above Polk County's $3,047 but still lower than Iowa's average of $3,329. However, the pricing dynamic shifts significantly for studio apartments; The Shores charges $6,196 per month - substantially higher than both Polk County ($3,533) and state averages ($3,613). This indicates that while The Shores may be appealing for larger living arrangements or one-bedrooms compared to local trends, its studio pricing positions it as a premium option within the market.
The Shores offers a comprehensive range of features designed to support residents with varying stages of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, fostering an environment that enhances their quality of life. With 24-hour supervision, residents are always monitored and supported, reducing anxiety and ensuring immediate assistance when needed. Assistance with activities of daily living--such as bathing, dressing, and transfers--promotes dignity while helping individuals maintain as much independence as possible. Incontinence care ensures comfort and hygiene, while tailored meal preparation addresses nutritional needs essential for overall health. Medication management alleviates the stress associated with complex regimens, providing peace of mind for both residents and families. Additionally, a mental wellness program alongside specialized memory care programming targets cognitive engagement and emotional well-being, promoting mental stimulation even in individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment. These thoughtfully integrated services collectively create a nurturing atmosphere conducive to safety, respect, and personal growth for those facing cognitive challenges.
The Shores on seniors.fyi includes 16 photos including images showing interior, decor, building, landscaping, artwork, dining, bathroom, billiards, and more.
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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.
The article emphasizes the significance of establishing a power of attorney for elderly parents to enable an agent to make decisions on their behalf regarding health and finances, especially during cognitive or physical decline. It outlines various types of power of attorney, the importance of consulting legal professionals, and the responsibilities and challenges faced by agents, while also discussing alternatives and common misconceptions.
Caregiver support groups are crucial for providing emotional and practical assistance to those caring for loved ones, offering resources, coping strategies, and a sense of community through various organizations and platforms. These groups help alleviate isolation and burnout while addressing the unique challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with specific conditions.
The Shores photos
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Interior
Outdoors
Decor
Living Room
Building
Bedroom
Trees
Dining
Landscaping
Kitchen
Lighting
Artwork
Bathroom
Game Room
Interior
Decor
Bedroom
Dining
Living Room
Landscaping
Building
Bathroom and Grab Bars
Trees, Pathway, Grass, and Apartment Complex
Kitchen, Refrigerator, Living Area, and Stove
Lighting and Seating Area
Artwork
Fireplace
Entrance
Patio
Outdoors
Lobby
Billiards and Game Room
Office, Waiting Area, and Reception
Apartment Building, Sidewalk, and Lake
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