Stop by and visit us at Bickford of West Des Moines

Sip on your favorite drink on the porch at Bickford of West Des Moines

Snooze in your favorite chair in the living room at Bickford of West Des Moines

Have fun with themed and holiday meals in the private dining room at Bickford of West Des Moines

Enjoy homestyle food with made-from-scratch recipes in our dining room at Bickford of West Des Moines

Intimate enough to entertain your closest family; you can even host your next get together in the bistro at Bickford of West Des Moines

Enjoy a good book in the sitting area at Bickford of West Des Moines

Enjoy the view of the outdoors from the sunroom at Bickford of West Des Moines

With an easy access design, our whirlpool allows you to enjoy a warm bath safely and comfortably at Bickford of West Des Moines

Receive personalized, at-home treatment from our stylist in the salon at Bickford of West Des Moines

Get a new lease on life with a cozy apartment at Bickford of West Des Moines

Residents can enjoy furniture covered in cozy fabrics in the Mary B’s living room at Bickford of West Des Moines

Bickford of West Des Moines

Assisted Living & Montessori Memory Care

4.2

100 reviews

Phone:
515-400-3321

5050 Hawthorne Dr,
West Des Moines, IA 50265

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Your loved one deserves to live the best life possible

Watch your loved one thrive in an environment that feels like home

Navigating the aging journey is difficult.

We understand what’s at stake here: it’s not just someone, it’s your loved one.

Meanwhile, it’s on you to make the difficult decisions.

There's a Higher Path for our seniors

The Senior's Journey

There are two paths that seniors take as they age: the lower path and the higher path

Senior care today is reactive, expensive, and siloed. It’s a sick-care system, not a health-care system (designed to keep seniors healthy). Most of us have accepted this status quo because it feels too big and complex to change. Not us. We’re taking the road less traveled and championing a higher standard of senior care.

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Our family of caregivers will do whatever it takes to care for your loved one

Meet West Des Moines' Leadership Team

Ayla Rachel Repp

Executive Director
Brittany Clarke

Family Advocate
Elizabeth Lyon

Health & Wellness Director

To better understand the love that drives us, watch our Caregiver’s Manifesto

Services at West Des Moines

Assisted Living

Personalized help with the activities of daily life, such as meals, grooming, and medication management.

Montessori Memory Care

A research-backed approach empowering seniors with dementia to live a meaningful life.

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Happenings

If you think there’s not much going on in a senior living community, you’ve never been to Bickford.

Halle Velde

Sep 10, 2026

Nothing beats the smell of fresh-baked muffins! Today we made banana nut muffins, and boy, were they GOOD! Our residents had fun baking together, and of course, the best part was getting to enjoy the delicious results! A little baking, a lot of laughs, and some very happy taste testers! #Activities #ActivitiesMatter #IowaSeniorLiving

Elizabeth Lyon

Sep 9, 2026

At Bickford, we're so proud of Beverly and the hard work she has been putting in with FOX Rehab. Through dedication and determination, Beverly has been working toward becoming stronger, more independent, and pain free so she can continue doing the things she loves. One of the best parts of therapy is that it doesn't just happen during scheduled sessions. During our Baking Club, Beverly is putting those skills into action by whisking, mixing, and staying actively engaged. These meaningful activities help build strength, coordination, and confidence while creating delicious treats and wonderful memories. We love seeing Beverly's progress and are grateful to the FOX Rehab team for helping residents reach their goals through personalized therapy that fits seamlessly into everyday life. Way to go, Beverly! Your hard work is inspiring us all. #HigherPath #BickfordWestDesMoines #FOXRehab #TherapyInAction #ResidentSuccess #BakingClub #StrongerEveryDay

Halle Velde

Sep 9, 2026

Betsy from the library came to visit! We spent our time talking ALL about cars — definitely a topic our residents had plenty to say about! She even sang a few songs for us, because of course we couldn’t let her leave without a little music. She really is the best and always brings such a fun energy with her visits! We love having her come spend time with us. #Activities #ActivitiesMatter #IowaSeniorLiving

Halle Velde

Sep 7, 2026

Happy Labor Day from Bickford of West Des Moines! Today was extra special because we got to celebrate one of our wonderful residents on her 97th birthday — on 9/7! Talk about a birthday date that’s hard to forget! We hope her day was filled with lots of smiles, laughter, and plenty of birthday love. And of course, the gentlemen had their Men’s Club today! We had plenty of laughs, good conversation, and all the usual Men’s Club fun. You never quite know what these guys are going to get into! We love making the most of every day together — celebrating our residents, making memories, and enjoying the little moments that make life special. Happy 97th birthday to our birthday girl, and Happy Labor Day to everyone! #Bickford #WestDesMoines #IowaSeniorLiving #Activities #ActivitiesMatter

Halle Velde

Sep 4, 2026

Farkle Friday! Every Friday morning, we gather around the table for one of our favorite traditions — Farkle with my grandma! There’s always good music playing, lots of laughs, resident collaboration , and jokes flying around the table. And of course, we’re always blaming the Farkle Gods when those dice just don’t want to cooperate! It’s never just about the game — it’s about the friendships, the laughter, the stories, and starting our Friday with a whole lot of fun. You never know who’s going to win, who’s going to Farkle, or who’s going to need to have a serious talk with the Farkle Gods! Friday Farkle is definitely one of my favorite mornings! #Farkle #FridayFun #ActivitiesMatter #IowaSeniorLiving #BickfordofWestDesMoines

Halle Velde

Sep 3, 2026

Ladies Club was FULL today! Today we made the cutest pipe cleaner flowers, but honestly, the flowers weren’t even the best part. We had our biggest turnout yet at Ladies Club, with new faces joining us, residents making new friends, and everyone sitting around the table laughing, chatting, creating, and just enjoying being together. These are the moments that make activities so special. It’s not always about what we’re making—it’s about the friendships, the conversations, and creating a place where everyone feels like they belong. So happy to see our Ladies Club growing and becoming something our residents genuinely look forward to! More flowers, more friends, more memories. #Bickford #WestDesMoines #Activities #ActivitiesMatter #IowaSeniorLiving

Halle Velde

Sep 1, 2026

A Special Thank You! We want to send a HUGE thank you to the West Des Moines Public Library and the Des Moines Quilt Guild for thinking of our residents and sharing your beautiful work with us! The Des Moines Quilt Guild generously created and donated beautiful quilts, pillowcases, and busy blankets, which the West Des Moines Public Library then donated to our residents. Our residents truly enjoy looking at all the beautiful details and admiring the time, creativity, and love that went into each and every piece. It’s so special to be able to see the craftsmanship up close and know that these were made specifically to bring joy to others. Thank you both for your kindness and generosity! We are so grateful for our wonderful community partners! @WestDesMoinesPublicLibrary @DesMoinesQuiltGuild #BickfordOfWestDesMoines #IowaSeniorLiving #ActivitiesMatter #CommunityPartners #ThankYou

Halle Velde

Aug 28, 2026

Friday Resident-Led Exercise! We had a GREAT turnout for our resident-led exercises today! So many of our residents joined in, got moving, and encouraged one another along the way. There’s nothing better than seeing our residents take the lead, stay active, and have fun together! We’re so proud of everyone who participated today. Way to go, everyone! Keep moving! #ResidentLed #Exercise #ActiveAging #ActivitiesMatter #IowaSeniorLiving #BickfordOfWestDesMoines

Halle Velde

Aug 27, 2026

A Taste of Italy! Today we took a little trip to Italy right here at Bickford! Our residents enjoyed some fun Italian trivia, played Italy-themed bingo, and got creative making their very own mosaics. Everyone’s mosaics turned out so good, and it was so much fun seeing everyone get creative and enjoy the process! We had lots of laughs, friendly competition, and a wonderful afternoon together. What a fun day exploring the sights, sounds, and creativity of Italy! #Bickford #WestDesMoines #Activities #ActivitiesMatter #IowaSeniorLiving

Halle Velde

Aug 26, 2026

We had an absolute blast at our state park picnic today! We enjoyed good food, beautiful scenery, and lots of laughs with our residents. We even took some time to go bird watching and see what we could spot! It was the perfect day to get outside, enjoy nature, and make some wonderful memories together. We’re already looking forward to our next adventure! #BickfordSeniorLiving #IowaSeniorLiving #ActivitiesMatter #SeniorLiving #MakingMemories

Real Residents
Real Reviews

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We value transparency. We get feedback every month. Here’s what’s really going on at Bickford of West Des Moines.

4.2

overall score based on 100 reviews

Aug 1, 2026

Would like to see some way that the residents didn't have to sit for such long periods at the dining tables, waiting for their food at mealtimes.
Aug 1, 2026

Staff is generally efficient & pleasant in assisting residents. Activities consistently scheduled keep residents engaged & occupied. Develop social interaction & enjoy laughter amongst one another. Good line up of activities & music entertainment. Personal grooming could improve...comb my mother's hair before leaving the apartment...(name removed) continue to step up & provide quality care for my mother. (name removed) as well ????????
Jul 1, 2026

My mother is happier, healthier since moving to Bickford. As her son, this makes me happy. She is obviously be taken better care of. The administration staff keeps us informed and we as a family get to see all the activities she has opportunity to be involved in through the FP post and Administration emails. Thanks for making mom's life better.
Jul 1, 2026

Would be a 5 but some housekeeping issues on dirty bedding, sheets.
May 1, 2026

Staff is generally connected & concerned for residents. (name removed) does a fantastic job keeping residents engaged in activities. (name removed) consistently assists residents & ensures quality care. (name removed) has kept family members updated w/weekly emails & photos. Care givers need improvement on Sundays, checking on residents needs & ensure some attend church service @ 11 am. On 4/26 no one came for my mom, I happened to be visiting so I took her. (name removed) w/St Francis noted the care givers as well don't bring residents to service consistently. (names removed) do a superb job w/my mother, (name removed) . Weekend meals are lackluster, per my mother. Pork especially, is very dry to taste. Thank you!
May 1, 2026

I have really appreciated nurse (name removed) and the staff as Mom/(name removed) deals with more pain in her back and hips, and an adjustment to changes in prescription for it. She is less confident in her balance and her dementia is progressing. Thanks for all that you do to remind her of daily opportunities for activities. She still enjoys participating when she's up to it.
Apr 1, 2026

Sometimes on Sundays, it seems as if you are understaffed. There have been a couple of times I was there and my mom pressed her watch button for help.... either nobody came at all, or they took a very long time to get to her. Also, this past Sunday, I tried to call the office and got no answer until I called the third time. Most of the time everyone is wonderful to her, even though she can be pretty grumpy and I cooperative at times. Thank you for all you do!
Apr 1, 2026

I've started the process of working with insurance to get Mom's hearing aid replaced. I'll keep Bickford in the loop.