Good Samaritan Society - Indianola

Pros

• The staff was very friendly and attentive.
• The food was good and very nutritional.
• The physical therapy staff was very patient and worked well with residents who have dementia and Parkinson's.
• The rooms were very nice and easy to find.
• The staff was wonderful.
• The facility was pleasant, very clean, and well organized, with additional care offered after discharge.
• The apartments are nice and the facility provides activities and outdoor spaces, including a dog-friendly area.
• Residents have access to on-site medical and physical therapy services, making everything conveniently located.
• Residents are treated like well-loved members of the family.

Cons

• There are patients that walk around asking for help and water.
• Staff is bad. Food is bad.
• The government is shutting this place down at the moment.
• This place is so terrible.
• Not acceptable !! And substandard living conditions.

Review

Good Samaritan Society - Indianola is best suited for families seeking a solid, apartment-style senior living option that blends on-site medical and rehab support with a lively, neighborly atmosphere. It works well for residents who want ready access to nurses, CNAs, and physical therapy without always leaving campus, and for families that value organized programming, clean facilities, and the ability to bring a pet. The community shines for those who prize responsiveness, practical meals, and the sense that care teams are readily available when questions arise.

Those weighing alternatives should note that not every experience mirrors the strongest reviews. A few families raised red flags about care standards, hygiene, and dining quality, suggesting that this community may not be the right fit when a higher bar for personal care or culinary excellence is non-negotiable. One negative account described severe lapses in personal hygiene care and substandard living conditions that prompted a move to another facility. Another reviewer labeled staff and food as weak, warning families to steer clear if consistent, high-quality daily care is the top criterion. While these views are not universal, they underscore the importance of a thorough in-person evaluation and direct conversations with frontline caregivers before committing.

On the positive side, the standout strengths consistently highlighted across reviews are the staff’s warmth and attentiveness, the effectiveness of therapy services, and the overall cleanliness and organization of the environment. Families repeatedly note that nurses, aides, and therapists show genuine care, with particular praise for physical therapy teams that work with residents despite cognitive and mobility challenges. Food is described as nutritious and enjoyable when staff accommodate preferences, and the dining spaces are presented as approachable and easy to navigate. The facility also earns points for practical, home-like features: bright rooms, easy-to-find layouts, and the ability to access medical help right on site, which shortens the path from rehab to recovery.

The strongest offset to the concerns centers on the practical realities of care access and daily living. For residents who need regular medical oversight or rehabilitation, the on-site continuum, medical support, therapy, and the option to stay in a residence with built-in social and activity programs, can significantly shorten transitions and maintain consistency. The presence of apartments with independent living elements, outdoor activity spaces, and a dog-friendly policy adds a meaningful layer of autonomy and companionship that many families value deeply. When staff are patient, communicative, and invested, these advantages can eclipse occasional friction in dining or routine care, making this a compelling choice for those who prioritize reliability of care combined with a robust social environment.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on risk tolerance and care expectations. For families prioritizing a well-staffed, interactive setting with immediate access to rehabilitation and medical services, Good Samaritan Society - Indianola can deliver meaningful benefits, particularly when visits and direct conversations with frontline workers confirm ongoing competence and attentiveness. However, for households that cannot compromise on consistent hygiene standards or dining quality, it is wise to compare with alternatives that may offer stricter staffing protocols or more stringent dietary programs. Prospective residents should conduct structured on-site impressions, spend time on multiple shifts, review sanitation practices, and request candid feedback from current residents and families, to ensure the reality aligns with the strongest positives reported. In the right circumstances, this community offers a practical, compassionate path to ongoing care, with enough flexibility to honor both independence and medical needs.

Physicians

• MercyOne Indianola Imaging (0.3 miles)
• Mercy Clinics (0.5 miles)
• Mercy Clinics (0.6 miles)
• Michael Sutcliffe DO (0.7 miles)
• Jones Family Dental (10.5 miles)
• Norwalk Family Physicians (11 miles)
• South Glenn Walk In Clinic (11.1 miles)

Hospitals

• ANP Foot and Ankle Clinic (0.4 miles)
• Village (1.2 miles)
• Pleasantville Clinic (15.1 miles)
• Knoxville Hospital & Clinics (15.1 miles)
• Blank Children's Hospital NICU (16.5 miles)
• Methodist Hospital North 6 (16.5 miles)
• Methodist Outpatient Surgery (16.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Arby's (0.4 miles)
• Subway (0.5 miles)
• La Casa Restaurant (0.5 miles)
• Pyra (10.3 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (11.9 miles)
• Taco Bell (12.1 miles)
• Johnny's Italian Steakhouse (12.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Midwest Compounding (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Medicap (11.6 miles)
• MercyOne Des Moines Behavioral Health (12 miles)
• Walgreens (13.5 miles)
• Montross Pharmacy (13.8 miles)
• Osco Pharmacy (13.8 miles)

Parks

• Milo City Park (7.7 miles)
• Grant Nature Area (12.6 miles)
• Sayers Park (13.6 miles)
• Water Works Park (13.7 miles)
• Stone Park (14.8 miles)
• Shadle Park (14.8 miles)
• Gray's Lake Park (15.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Marys Church Hall (10.7 miles)
• Pleasantville Baptist Church (15 miles)
• Pleasantville Church of Christ (15 miles)
• Saint Paul's Methodist Church (15.2 miles)

Transportation

• Des Moines International Airport (DSM) (12.9 miles)
• TSA Checkpoint (13 miles)
• Concourse C (13.1 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (13.6 miles)
• Starbucks (13.6 miles)
• Starbucks (15.8 miles)
• Starbucks (16 miles)