Des Moines Senior AdvisorWhat is the Area Agency on Aging for Des Moines?
Aging Resources of Central Iowa, 5838 Grand Avenue, Suite 106, Des Moines (515-255-1310, toll-free 1-800-747-5352), serving Polk, Dallas, Warren, Jasper, Madison, Boone, Marion and Story counties.
Guthrie County is served by Elderbridge Agency on Aging (1-800-243-0678).
Who handles complaints about assisted living or nursing homes in Iowa?
The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, through its online complaint portal or its Health Facilities Division at (515) 381-7272.
Complainants' identities are kept confidential, and DIAL sets how quickly it investigates by the level of risk the complaint describes.
How do I reach Iowa's long-term care ombudsman?
Call the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-866-236-1430; it advocates for residents of nursing facilities, assisted living programs, residential care facilities and elder group homes.
It also helps Medicaid managed care members in long-term care or on HCBS waivers, and its tenant advocates assist assisted living tenants with transfer appeals.
Where do I report abuse of an older adult in Iowa?
For an adult living at home, call Iowa HHS at 1-800-362-2178; for abuse in a facility or program, report to DIAL; call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.
Many professionals are mandatory reporters in Iowa.
Who answers Iowa Medicaid questions?
Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-338-8366, or Iowa HHS at 1-800-972-2017 for applications and general questions.
Aging Resources of Central Iowa can also explain programs and help with next steps.
Is there free help choosing senior living in Des Moines?
Yes. Aging Resources of Central Iowa offers free options counseling, and senior living advisors such as this service help families compare certified options at no charge to the family.
Advisors are paid by communities, so ask how they are paid and expect reasons you can check.
Where can Des Moines families get free Medicare counseling?
From SHIIP, the Iowa Insurance Division's Senior Health Insurance Information Program, whose trained volunteers offer free, unbiased help comparing Medicare plans, including at sites around the metro.
Fall open enrollment, October 15 to December 7, is the busiest time, so book early.
Who helps veterans in the Des Moines area with VA benefits?
Each county has a veterans affairs office, including Polk, Dallas, Warren, Jasper, Madison and Guthrie, whose accredited service officers file VA pension and Aid and Attendance claims at no charge.
The VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines handles medical care and some long-term care services for enrolled veterans.
