Iowa Lutheran Hospital

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  • Interior

    An office room with a large window offering an expansive view, a chair, and artwork on the wall.

  • Outdoors

    A sidewalk next to a parking lot with cars and trees on a sunny day.

  • Living Room

    A comfortable leather recliner situated in a cozy room.

  • Building

    A modern brick building against a clear blue sky.

  • Artwork

    A cozy waiting room with armchairs, a sofa, and decorative artwork on the walls.

  • Bathroom

    A chair with a piece of clothing draped over it, set against curtains and a wooden floor.

  • Lobby

    A hospital lobby with a reception and information desk.

  • Healthcare

    A hospital room showing an IV drip connected to a medical infusion pump.

  • Handrails

    A bathroom equipped with a commode chair, bucket, and cooler.

  • Hospital Bed

    A hospital room with a bed, medical equipment, and furniture.

Iowa Lutheran Hospital

700 East University, Des Moines, IA 50316

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

2.6 from 100 reviews
5 stars
38
4 stars
2
3 stars
2
2 stars
1
1 stars
57

Skilled Nursing Facility

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    Overall Review of Iowa Lutheran Hospital

    Pros

    • pro Nurses were very attentive, respectful and caring.
    • pro All around great hospital and staff.
    • pro The entire staff, from doctors to cleaning personnel, were professional and compassionate.
    • pro The triage nurse was amazing.
    • pro The staff were incredibly helpful, friendly and understanding, and helped connect to the right department.
    • pro The patient was grateful for the kind and competent care received during surgery at Lutheran.

    Cons

    • pro The hospital is filthy and dirty.
    • pro Security is a joke; responders are lazy and slow.
    • pro Patients wait for hours in the ER with little to no medical attention.
    • pro Nurses are rude, dismissive, and condescending, with biased treatment.
    • pro ICU care is negligent and unsafe for patients and families.
    • pro The hospital refuses to transfer patients when asked.
    • pro Billing practices pad charges with unnecessary tests and focus on revenue.
    • pro Mental health care is dehumanizing, with long holds and poor communication.
    • pro Patients are left without basic needs (food, hygiene) during long stays.
    • pro Procedures are performed without proper informed consent.
    • pro The hospital is described as among the worst and not worth visiting.

    Review

    Experiences at this hospital network run a jagged spectrum, from moments of professional care and genuine compassion to days of frustration, fear, and outright disappointment. A number of patients and families describe encounters that range from the highly positive to the deeply troubling, painting a picture of a system that can be life-saving in some moments and deeply unreliable or indifferent in others. Several reviews highlight a core paradox: when the staff are attentive and skilled, the care can be excellent; when the system feels overwhelmed or mismanaged, the experience deteriorates quickly, sometimes with alarming consequences.

    On the negative end, many patients recount excruciating waits in the emergency department and a sense that their concerns were not being heard. One account notes waiting five hours without a physician's visit, concluding outright that "trouble places to come" and that the hospital is "not the hospital you should visit." Others describe sitting in chairs for hours, sometimes waiting for basic attention or a proper diagnosis, with phrases like "I arrived at 5 pm and it was 9" and "they didn't attend me." The frustration is compounded by perceived indifference from staff, including rude or dismissive behavior from a nurse at the front lines and a general sense that communication was lacking or inconsistent. There are also repeated (and often vivid) complaints about the environment: a "filthy" hospital, the impression that floors and rooms feel dirty, and facilities that seem neglected.

    Safety and security concerns figure prominently in several reviews. One parent describes a scenario where a person who "shouldn't be anywhere near my mom" was allowed to move through the hospital unchecked, prompting calls for stronger security and safer patient handling. There are also complaints about transfers being refused or inadequately pursued, leaving families feeling stranded and powerless. Such accounts contribute to a broader impression of vulnerability within the hospital environment, where the people most in need of protection and careful coordination with caregivers can feel exposed or ignored. The overall sentiment, in these cases, is that patient and family safety is not being prioritized consistently.

    Despite these criticisms, the hospital network is not uniformly overwhelmed, and many patients highlight standout moments of care. Several reviews praise individual staff members - especially nurses - for their attentiveness, respect, and willingness to explain medications and procedures. One patient calls the triage nurse "amazing" and notes that the rest of the staff - doctors, nurses, and even cleaning staff - can be "top knotch," recognizing that when the care team is engaged, the experience can be markedly better. There are heartfelt sentiments of gratitude for positive medical experiences, such as being delivered safely at the hospital or receiving quick, decisive medical attention during a crisis. A few people recount personal stories of gratitude, including being treated with patience and humanity during challenging hospital stays and feeling that medical professionals did everything they could to help.

    Mental health care experiences emerge as a particularly fraught thread in these reviews. Several accounts describe protracted ER stays without clear or satisfactory treatment plans, and the emotional toll of being in crisis for extended periods. One reviewer shares a deeply personal story of attempting to seek help for mental health concerns and feeling that the care team did not engage with their needs in a meaningful way, including a perception of unequal treatment and a lack of compassionate communication. There are mentions of isolation, limited hygiene, and a sense of being treated more like a problem to be managed than a patient with dignity and agency. In the same vein, another reviewer warns others not to seek help for mental health crises at this location, describing a prolonged and dehumanizing ER stay, the absence of proactive therapy, and the financial stress of receiving care that did not meet their medical or emotional needs. These accounts collectively underscore a widespread fear that mental health patients can be underserved or mistreated, particularly when the hospital is busy or the system directs attention toward other conditions.

    Administrative processes and billing concerns also color the overall impression. Several reviewers critique the registration and intake workflow as confusing and inconsistent, with multiple texts and unclear preregistration steps. One reviewer specifically points to a lack of clear entry codes and a complicated check-in process that adds stress before care even begins. Billing and insurance issues surface as a recurring grievance as well; one account alleges that even when care is sought, patients may encounter extensive testing or services that feel unnecessary, coupled with frustration over how some doctors or services are billed relative to what was actually delivered. The sentiment here is that administrative complexity, communication gaps, and corporate-level cost-cutting pressures can undermine the patient experience and overshadow the quality of the clinical care itself.

    Among these mixed judgments, a few reviews stand out for their balanced or appreciative tone, acknowledging both the strengths and the flaws. Some patients recount positive experiences with specific departments or care teams, noting efficient response times, clear explanations, and compassionate bedside manner that made a real difference in a tense moment. There are stories of dedicated social workers and clinicians who go beyond the call of duty to coordinate care, support families, and advocate for patients' needs. In one particularly hopeful note, a patient who required emergency care away from home describes the entire team as "amazing" and expresses gratitude for the swift diagnosis and the kindness shown during a stressful episode. These examples illustrate that when the hospital functions well, it can deliver lifesaving care and genuine human connection.

    In closing, the reviews present a hospital network that embodies both high-caliber, patient-centered care and systemic challenges that can derail even the best intentions. There are accounts of excellent clinical skill, compassionate staff, and moments of effective teamwork that save lives and ease fear. Yet there are also persistent concerns about delayed care in the ER, safety and security lapses, poor management of mental health crises, a sense of neglect or disrespect, and frustrating administrative and financial processes that can worsen a patient's experience. The overall message is clear: the care people receive here can be outstanding, but across the same network, inconsistencies in staffing, security, cleanliness, communication, and mental health handling create a volatile patient experience. For those considering care at this network, the takeaway is to seek out the specific departments with strong reputations, advocate for clear communication, and be prepared for a range of experiences depending on when and where within the system care is sought.

    Features

    Housing

    • 16 resident community capacity 16 resident community capacity

    Types of Care

    • Skilled Nursing Facility 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.

    Amenities

    • Cable or satellite TV Cable or satellite TVCable or satellite TV is important for seniors because it provides entertainment, news, and companionship, helping to combat loneliness and boredom. It also offers a wide range of programming options tailored to different interests and preferences.
    • Dining room Dining roomDining rooms are important for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, connection, and nutritious meals. They offer opportunities for residents to bond over shared meals, foster a sense of community, and promote healthy eating habits. Dining rooms also ensure that seniors have access to well-balanced meals tailored to their dietary needs and preferences.
    • Fully furnished Fully furnishedFully furnished senior living communities are important for seniors because they provide convenience, comfort, and a hassle-free moving experience. Seniors can easily settle into their new living space without the stress of having to buy and move furniture. This allows them to focus on enjoying their new home and community.
    • Garden GardenGardens are important for seniors as they provide a peaceful and therapeutic environment for relaxation, physical activity, and socialization. Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. Gardens also offer opportunities for seniors to engage in gardening activities, which can improve mobility, flexibility, and cognitive function. Additionally, gardens create a sense of community and connection with others who share a passion for plants and outdoor spaces.
    • Housekeeping services Housekeeping servicesHousekeeping services are important for seniors because they help maintain a clean and safe living environment, promote independence, and reduce the risk of accidents or illnesses. Additionally, having assistance with household chores can alleviate physical strain and allow seniors to focus on other aspects of their well-being.
    • Move-in coordination Move-in coordinationMove-in coordination is important for seniors because it helps ease the transition into their new living environment. It ensures that all logistics, such as packing, organizing movers, and setting up utilities are taken care of, allowing seniors to focus on settling in and adjusting to their new home. Having a smooth move-in process can alleviate stress and anxiety, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for seniors.
    • Outdoor space Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaces are important for seniors as they provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, exposure to natural light and fresh air, and a sense of connection to nature. Having access to outdoor spaces can improve overall well-being and quality of life for older adults living in senior communities.
    • Telephone TelephoneTelephones are important for seniors as they provide a lifeline for communication with loved ones, emergency services, and healthcare providers. They offer a sense of security and independence, enabling seniors to stay connected and access assistance when needed.
    • Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available Wi-Fi/high-speed internet availableWi-Fi/high-speed internet is important for seniors to stay connected with loved ones, access online resources, and participate in virtual activities to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. It also allows them to easily manage healthcare needs, access entertainment, and engage in lifelong learning opportunities.

    Transportation

    • Des Moines International (5 miles away) Des Moines International (5 miles away)

    Care Services

    • 24-hour supervision 24-hour supervision24-hour supervision is important for seniors to ensure their safety, well-being, and access to immediate assistance in case of emergencies or health issues. This constant support provides peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones, allowing them to age in place with dignity and security.
    • Activities of daily living assistance Activities of daily living assistanceActivities of daily living assistance are important for seniors because they provide essential support with tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, and mobility. This assistance helps seniors maintain their independence, dignity, and overall quality of life as they age.
    • Assistance with bathing Assistance with bathingAssistance with bathing is crucial for seniors as it helps maintain personal hygiene, prevents infections, and ensures their overall well-being and comfort. It also provides a sense of dignity and independence for seniors who may struggle with this task on their own.
    • Assistance with dressing Assistance with dressingAssistance with dressing is important for seniors because it helps maintain their independence, promotes personal hygiene, prevents accidents and injuries, and improves overall quality of life. This service ensures that seniors can continue to dress comfortably and confidently, despite any physical limitations they may have.
    • Assistance with transfers Assistance with transfersAssistance with transfers is crucial for seniors as it helps prevent falls and injuries, maintains their independence, and ensures they can safely navigate their living environment. It also provides peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones.
    • Diabetes diet Diabetes dietA diabetes diet is crucial for seniors as it helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce risks of complications, and improve overall health and well-being. By following a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can better control their diabetes and enhance their quality of life.
    • Meal preparation and service Meal preparation and serviceMeal preparation and service are crucial for seniors as they may have limited mobility or energy to cook nutritious meals. Having access to healthy and convenient food options can ensure they are getting the proper nutrition needed to maintain their overall health and well-being.
    • Medication management Medication managementMedication management is crucial for seniors to ensure they are taking the right medications at the correct dosages and times. This helps prevent adverse drug interactions, reduces the risk of medication errors, and promotes overall health and well-being. Proactive management also allows for adjustments as needed based on changing health conditions or new prescriptions.
    • Special dietary restrictions Special dietary restrictionsSpecial dietary restrictions are important for seniors because age-related changes in metabolism and health conditions can make it difficult for their bodies to process certain foods. By following a diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can maintain their overall health and well-being, manage chronic conditions, and reduce the risk of complications such as malnutrition or food interactions with medications.

    Dining

    • Diabetes diet Diabetes dietA diabetes diet is crucial for seniors as it helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce risks of complications, and improve overall health and well-being. By following a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can better control their diabetes and enhance their quality of life.
    • Special dietary restrictions Special dietary restrictionsSpecial dietary restrictions are important for seniors because age-related changes in metabolism and health conditions can make it difficult for their bodies to process certain foods. By following a diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can maintain their overall health and well-being, manage chronic conditions, and reduce the risk of complications such as malnutrition or food interactions with medications.

    Activities

    • Community-sponsored activities Community-sponsored activitiesCommunity-sponsored activities are important for seniors as they provide opportunities for social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical activity. These activities can help improve overall well-being, combat loneliness and isolation, and promote a sense of belonging and purpose among older adults.
    • Scheduled daily activities Scheduled daily activitiesScheduled daily activities are important for seniors because they provide structure, socialization, mental stimulation, and physical activity. Engaging in regular activities can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors living in a community setting.

    Description

    The Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, IA offers a vibrant assisted living community with a wide range of amenities and care services. Residents can enjoy their meals in the spacious dining room, which offers a variety of delicious options to accommodate special dietary restrictions. The community is fully furnished, providing residents with comfortable living spaces.

    The beautiful garden and outdoor space provide a tranquil setting for residents to relax and enjoy nature. Housekeeping services ensure that their living spaces are kept clean and tidy. Move-in coordination is also available to make the transition as smooth as possible for new residents.

    Connectivity is important, which is why the community offers telephone and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet access. This allows residents to stay connected with friends and loved ones or browse the web at their convenience.

    Care services provided include assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. The staff also ensures that residents adhere to their diabetes diet if required. Medication management is available to help residents stay on track with their medications.

    To keep residents engaged and entertained, scheduled daily activities are organized within the community. Whether it's socializing with fellow residents or participating in stimulating activities, there's always something happening to keep everyone active and engaged.

    In addition to the amenities within the community, there are plenty of nearby amenities that enhance the quality of life for residents. With three cafes, parks, and pharmacies located nearby, residents have convenient access to various necessities and recreational spots. There are also numerous physicians, restaurants, and hospitals in close proximity to cater to any healthcare needs that may arise.

    Overall, Iowa Lutheran Hospital offers an exceptional assisted living community where residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while receiving quality care and enjoying a range of convenient amenities both on-site and nearby.

    Nearby Places of Interest

    Hospitals

    • Unity Point Health (0 miles)
    • Mercy Medical Center 7 South (0.7 miles)
    • Mercy Hospital Pediatric Unit (0.7 miles)
    • Select Specialty Hospital-Des Moines (0.7 miles)
    • Mercy River Hills Surgery Center (0.8 miles)
    • UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center - Emergency Department (1.5 miles)
    • North 3 - IMMC (1.5 miles)

    Physicians

    • Des Moines Anesthesiologists (0 miles)
    • UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran Hospital Radiology Services (0 miles)
    • DaVita East Des Moines Dialysis (0.1 miles)
    • DMOS Orthopaedic Centers (0.1 miles)
    • Iowa Health Cardiology (0.1 miles)
    • Penn Medical Center (0.1 miles)
    • Ruan Neurology Clinic (0.6 miles)

    Restaurants

    • Heather’s Kitchen (0.7 miles)
    • Zombie Burger + Drink Lab (0.8 miles)
    • Tasty Tacos (0.8 miles)
    • Iowa Taproom (1 miles)
    • Fongs Pizza (1.2 miles)
    • Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company (1.2 miles)
    • Ritas Cantina (1.3 miles)

    Cafes

    • Starbucks (1.3 miles)
    • Starbucks (1.7 miles)
    • Caribou Coffee (2.9 miles)

    Pharmacies

    • CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
    • Walgreens (1.9 miles)
    • Walgreens (2.5 miles)
    • Kayser Hearing Aid & Audiology (2.7 miles)
    • Walgreens (2.8 miles)
    • Dahl's Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
    • Walgreens (3 miles)

    Parks

    • Stone Park (2.3 miles)
    • Gray's Lake Park (3 miles)
    • Sayers Park (4 miles)

    Frequently Asked Questions

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    Nearby Communities

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