Karen Acres Health Care Center

Karen Acres Health Care Center sits in Urbandale, Iowa, and has served the Des Moines community since 1992. The place is family-owned and run, with some staff working there for over 20 years, and people often mention that staff are helpful, joyful, and kind, which gives the place a friendly feel most days. They have a licensed skilled nursing facility and offer both short-term and long-term care, so someone who needs 24-hour nursing or personal help can find that here, with nurses or LPNs in the building around the clock for peace of mind. Residents get grooming, feeding, and mobility help, plus medication management, and the center creates a care plan just for each person. They've got hospice care right there on-site, respite care with a minimum stay of seven days, and options for those with Alzheimer's or dementia, with memory care services in a safe section of the building to reduce confusion and prevent wandering, though these sometimes cost more than basic care. The center offers rehabilitation for surgery or injuries, general surgery services, and physical rehab programs, so people working to recover can get therapy. For those who are active and mostly independent, the senior apartments have simple settings, designed to be accessible without much fuss, and the independent living wing lets people live as they like, with social activities if they want them. Karen Acres has regular meals planned and prepared by trained chefs or meal planners, with at least one to two meals served every day, plus housekeeping and laundry services. There are shared care homes with live-in caregivers for anyone who needs extra daily help, and home care services that use trained aides for companionship and non-medical care outside the facility. Residents get to do different activities aimed to keep them engaged physically, mentally, and emotionally. The small nursing home environment means it's easy to know fellow residents and staff, and the place has picked up some recognition in the community, such as the Best of Senior Living awards. Karen Acres Health Care Center is part of several professional organizations like Iowa Health Care Association and remains licensed for Medicare and Medicaid. They're also active in advocacy, education programs, and provide support for other providers, including MDS help and group purchasing options. The team at Karen Acres makes sure each person gets a care plan tailored to them and they have a dedicated care finder for locating the right service or support.