Fountain West Health Center in West Des Moines, IA
Save1501 Office Park Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Fountain West Health Center offers competitive pricing across various room types when compared to both Polk County and the broader state of Iowa. For semi-private rooms, the facility's monthly rate of $2,400 stands significantly lower than the average costs in Polk County ($3,924) and Iowa as a whole ($3,885). Similarly, studio accommodations are priced at $2,759, which again is more affordable than the county and state averages of $3,533 and $3,613 respectively. However, for one-bedroom options, Fountain West's pricing at $4,216 exceeds both the county ($2,528) and state ($2,862) averages. In terms of private rooms, rates range from $6,734 to $7,161 - substantially higher than Polk County's average of $4,819 and Iowa's average of $4,670. Overall, Fountain West Health Center provides an appealing financial alternative for semi-private and studio living while presenting a costlier option for one-bedroom and private arrangements in comparison to local norms.
| Floor plans | Fountain West Health Center | Polk County | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Private | $2,400 | $3,924 | $3,885 |
| Studio | $2,759 | $3,533 | $3,609 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,216 | $2,528 | $2,863 |
| Private | $6,734 to $7,161 | $4,819 | $4,670 |
What level of care are you interested in?
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Independent Living
Skilled Nursing Facility
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)CCRC
Other
The staff are amazing and caring. The therapy team is great and works hard to help patients return home. The nursing department is fantastic and consistently goes above and beyond for residents. There is continuity of care with the same friendly faces daily. The rooms are spacious, especially in the skilled rehab area. The activity department is busy and encourages all residents to participate. The staff feel like family to residents and their families. The facility is easy to locate.
The facility had 64 violations and was fined over $100,000 in 2023. It was described that a resident with dementia could walk right out the front door and suffer life-ending injuries. They had no idea a resident was missing. The staff should be ashamed of themselves and should lose all their credentials and go work at Walmart. The food is terrible and dietary restrictions are ignored, including repeated pork offerings. The place has bugs from rats to roaches to bed bugs, and maintenance is lazy. They are very, very short staffed, leading to neglect and an increase in injuries. Management has zero accountability and cares only about the bottom dollar.Fountain West Health Center in West Des Moines is best suited for families seeking a warm, person-centered environment with a strong rehabilitative focus and a stable, hands-on caregiving team. The community shines when the priority is real-time, compassionate attention from nurses, aides, and therapists who show up consistently and treat residents like family. It is particularly well-mitted for loved ones who will benefit from a robust skilled-nursing and therapy pathway after a hospital stay, and for families who value continuity of care and relationships rooted in familiarity. Those who require rigorous safety oversight, an immaculate safety and hygiene record, or a highly predictable governance environment may want to consider alternatives.
On the strengths side, the staff at Fountain West receives frequent kudos for kindness, dedication, and engagement. Families report a therapy program that is energetic and outcomes-focused, with therapists who work hard to move residents toward returning home when possible. The nursing team is lauded for going above and beyond, and the absence of agency or contract nurses is cited as a key factor in consistent communication and dependable routines. The environment - especially on the skilled unit - offers spacious rooms and ongoing renovations, contributing to a sense of dignity and comfort. Activity programming remains active, with a clear emphasis on participation and social connection, which matters deeply for mental well-being.
However, serious concerns emerge in the record and resident experiences. The facility has faced multiple administrative and safety alarms, including a history of violations and substantial fines, which casts a long shadow over operations. Numerous reviews describe dangerous lapses such as residents wandering away, delayed responses to urgent needs, and perceived neglect around basic care. Staff turnover and chronic understaffing are repeatedly cited as factors that compromise safety and increase risk of injuries. Practical problems - delayed supply orders, billing or utility issues, and inconsistent facility upkeep - further erode confidence that operations are reliably sound. Hygiene and odor complaints, plus reports of pest issues, reinforce the sense that maintenance and care standards are uneven.
These contrasting realities force a clear balancing act: the same people who deliver genuinely compassionate, skilled care also operate in an environment where safety governance and resource stability appear fragile. The pros - caring, stable staff and a capable rehab team - do offset some daily care needs, especially for residents who thrive on personal attention and structured therapy. Yet the magnitude of safety risks and governance concerns cannot be dismissed. For families, the practical takeaway is that Fountain West can be a strong fit when the emphasis is on rehab outcomes and a family-like atmosphere, but it requires vigilance and a willingness to monitor ongoing safety and quality closely.
Guidance for decision-making should center on care goals and risk tolerance. If a loved one needs meaningful rehab, meaningful social engagement, and interactions with familiar staff, Fountain West may satisfy those priorities - provided visits confirm consistent, caring bedside attention across shifts, and the plan includes explicit safety and escalation steps. Conversely, those prioritizing an uncompromised safety record, leak-free operations, and highly predictable governance should actively compare alternatives with stronger, demonstrable compliance histories. Prospective families are urged to review the latest state survey results, tour during different shifts, and speak candidly with current residents and their families about how concerns are addressed in real time.
In the end, the right choice hinges on aligning a loved one's care trajectory with a facility that can deliver compassionate, effective rehab while also maintaining sturdy safety controls and reliable operations. Fountain West offers undeniable warmth and a capable therapy pathway, but it carries notable red flags that demand thorough due diligence. If stability, impeccable safety, and consistent governance are non-negotiable, alternatives deserve serious consideration; if warmth, personal attention, and rehab momentum are the top criteria, this center warrants a rigorous, on-site validation of its current staffing, safety practices, and management responsiveness before committing.
Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
Skilled Nursing FacilitySkilled Nursing Facilities are crucial for seniors as they provide round-the-clock medical care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with daily activities. These facilities ensure that seniors receive the specialized care they need to maintain their health and well-being as they age.
Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
PrivatePrivacy is important for seniors as it allows them to maintain their independence, dignity, and sense of control over their own lives. It also gives them the space and freedom to relax, reflect, and engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. Creating private spaces within senior living facilities is crucial for promoting overall well-being and quality of life.
Des Moines International (5 miles away)
Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.
Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities. Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life. Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.Fountain West Health Center is a renowned assisted living community located in the vibrant city of West Des Moines, IA. With a focus on providing skilled nursing care, our facility is equipped to cater to the unique needs of our residents.
At Fountain West Health Center, we understand the importance of spiritual well-being, which is why we offer devotional services off-site to nurture the spiritual growth of our residents. Our indoor common areas provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for socializing and engaging in various activities, allowing residents to forge meaningful connections with their peers.
We prioritize privacy and personal space for each resident by offering private accommodations. This ensures that individuals can retreat into their own tranquil sanctuary whenever they desire.
Our dedicated staff members are trained in diabetic care, enabling us to provide specialized assistance to those who require it. We ensure that all residents with diabetes receive appropriate support and guidance to effectively manage their condition.
Engaging in fulfilling activities is an integral part of our approach at Fountain West Health Center. We facilitate devotional activities offsite, encouraging residents to explore their faith and participate in gatherings outside our community.
In addition to our comprehensive care services, Fountain West Health Center benefits from being surrounded by excellent amenities and conveniences. With six cafes nearby, residents have plenty of dining options for socializing or enjoying a meal with loved ones. Two parks in close proximity offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, numerous pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals are conveniently located near our facility.
At Fountain West Health Center, we strive to create a nurturing environment where residents can thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually while enjoying the comforts of home within a supportive community.
This part of West Des Moines, Iowa offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities for senior living. There are multiple cafes such as Starbucks and Panera Bread within close proximity for socializing with friends or enjoying a cup of coffee. Nearby physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals provide easy access to healthcare services. Additionally, there are various restaurants like Jethro’s BBQ n’ Bacon Bacon and Olive Garden for dining out, as well as parks like Kawanis Park for leisurely walks. The presence of places of worship and theaters like Flix Brewhouse Des Moines add to the community's cultural richness. Overall, this area provides a balanced mix of essential services and recreational options that cater to the needs and interests of seniors looking to settle in West Des Moines.
Fountain West Health Center offers competitive pricing across various room types when compared to both Polk County and the broader state of Iowa. For semi-private rooms, the facility's monthly rate of $2,400 stands significantly lower than the average costs in Polk County ($3,924) and Iowa as a whole ($3,885). Similarly, studio accommodations are priced at $2,759, which again is more affordable than the county and state averages of $3,533 and $3,613 respectively. However, for one-bedroom options, Fountain West's pricing at $4,216 exceeds both the county ($2,528) and state ($2,862) averages. In terms of private rooms, rates range from $6,734 to $7,161 - substantially higher than Polk County's average of $4,819 and Iowa's average of $4,670. Overall, Fountain West Health Center provides an appealing financial alternative for semi-private and studio living while presenting a costlier option for one-bedroom and private arrangements in comparison to local norms.
Fountain West Health Center is located at 1501 Office Park Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265 in Polk County, Iowa
Fountain West Health Center on seniors.fyi includes 6 photos including images showing bedroom, interior, windows, building, architecture, outdoor, kitchen, rehabilitation, and more.
Heritage Court
West Des Moines, IA
Caring staff and engaging activities
Home Instead Senior Care
West Des Moines, IA
Vibrant lifestyle with easy access to cafes, parks, dining, and healthcare.
The Lodge Of Ashworth
West Des Moines, IA
Friendly, clean community with spacious, well-kept apartments and on-site activities.
Crestview Terrace
West Des Moines, IA
Very affordable rents compared to Polk County and Iowa averages.
Nursefinders
West Des Moines, IA
Very convenient access to numerous nearby services (cafes, pharmacies, doctors, restaurants, parks).
Hospice of Central Iowa
West Des Moines, IA
Great nearby amenities and healthcare access.
Fairmeadows Village Retirement Community
West Des Moines, IA
Friendly staff and clean, affordable apartments.
Karen Acres Health Care Center
Urbandale, IA
Caring, attentive staff with comfortable private-room accommodations.
Bickford of West Des Moines
West Des Moines, IA
Home-like atmosphere with attentive staff and a varied activities program.
Transitioning from assisted living to memory care is driven by an individual's cognitive decline and specific needs, requiring careful evaluation of indicators like increased confusion and wandering. The process involves consulting medical professionals, researching suitable communities, considering financial and legal aspects, and ensuring effective communication for personalized care plans.
Assisted Living and Memory Care: Understanding Their Core Differences
Assisted living provides moderate support for seniors seeking independence, while memory care offers specialized support for individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments through structured routines and trained staff. Key differences include care approaches, environment security measures, staff training levels, activity types, and cost considerations.
Beyond the Bingo Hall: 50+ Enriching Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living
Assisted living communities offer diverse activities beyond traditional games to enhance seniors' physical health, cognitive well-being, emotional enrichment, and social connections, including fitness classes, creative expression, and intergenerational interactions. These enriching programs foster community bonds and support residents' independence and happiness.
Interior
Building
Bedroom
Windows
Bathroom
When to Transition from Assisted Living to Memory Care: Key Indicators, Steps, and Finding the Right Community