It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in West Des Moines, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in West Des Moines, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in West Des Moines, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in West Des Moines, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Independence Day is almost here, so it's time to start planning what fireworks shows, parades and festivals you'll be attending to ring in the Fourth of July.Here is a list of Independence Day and other events organized by date, so you can find a fireworks show tonight near you.Start your Fourth of July weekend early with several major events hostin...
Independence Day is almost here, so it's time to start planning what fireworks shows, parades and festivals you'll be attending to ring in the Fourth of July.
Here is a list of Independence Day and other events organized by date, so you can find a fireworks show tonight near you.
Start your Fourth of July weekend early with several major events hosting fireworks shows on July 3.
The Des Moines Symphony is back, welcoming Iowans to celebrate Independence Day at Yankee Doodle Pops, the largest single-day concert event in Iowa. The evening begins with a performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, sung by the winner of the Symphony’s annual "Oh Say, Can You Sing?" competition, and concludes with a fireworks display over the Des Moines skyline.
The Omaha Storm Chasers are playing the third of a seven-game series against the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park on July 3. The first pitch is right after 7 p.,m. and fireworks will follow the game.
Prairie Meadows is hosting a Fourth of July celebration with horse racing, food, drinks and fireworks at dusk.
Enjoy a vibrant fireworks display from the parking lot of Jack Trice Stadium in Ames and Iowa State University's Reiman Gardens.
There are plenty of fireworks to see on July 4th across central Iowa.
The City of Waukee is hosting a two-day Independence Day Celebration in Centennial Park featuring food vendors, sand volleyball, inflatables, live music and more. On July 4, local skydivers will make a thrilling landing in the park at 8 p.m., setting the stage for a professional fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Perry with activities including a mile-long parade, vendors and activities in the park, live music at the bandshell and a fireworks finale.
Norwalk Hometown Pride's annual celebration kicks off with a parade at 10 a.m. and ends with fireworks at dusk.
The city of West Des Moines is celebrating the Fourth of July with some free nighttime fireworks.
Spend the day at Adventureland riding rollercoasters or swimming in Adventureland Bay before catching a fireworks show over the park at night.
Urbandale's Independence Day celebration includes a 2-mile long parade, carnival rides, vendors, live music and more. A free fireworks display begins at 10 p.m.
The fireworks shows don't stop just because the Fourth of July is over. You've got one more opportunity to see a show in Des Moines.
Goodguy's brings its Heartland Nationals back to the Iowa State Fairgrounds for a 34th year. Saturday, July 5, includes a twilight cruise and the annual Saturday Night Fireworks Extravaganza.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
Ready to celebrate Independence Day?Check out these events and activities happening across the Metro July 3-6, but make sure you check the weather and put on sunscreen before you head out.Thursday, July 3Waukee Independence Day Celebration, 1255 Warrior LaneFind the full schedule here.Visit Wauk...
Ready to celebrate Independence Day?
Check out these events and activities happening across the Metro July 3-6, but make sure you check the weather and put on sunscreen before you head out.
Waukee Independence Day Celebration, 1255 Warrior LaneFind the full schedule here.Visit Waukee's Centennial Park for the annual Fourth of July parade, inflatables, live music, fireworks and more.
Urbandale Fourth of July Celebration, Lions ParkFind the full schedule here.Urbandale is home to one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the area. This longstanding tradition includes a 2-mile-long parade, a premier carnival, an entertainment garden, live music, as well as a variety of other activities. The annual community event is organized by a group of volunteers and is primarily self-funded with help from local business sponsors and fundraising.
All-American Extravaganza, Prairie Meadows Casino3 p.m. ThursdayCost: FreeFind the full schedule here.Visit Prairie Meadows for its free, family-friendly All-American Extravaganza. Enjoy live racing, outdoor live music, food, fireworks and more.
Junction Street Party, Historic Valley Junction5 p.m. ThursdayCost: FreeFind the full schedule here.Revel in the spirit of independence with live music, bites from local food trucks and shop at the Valley Junction Farmers Market.
Independence Day Parade, West Des Moines6:30 p.m. ThursdayCost: FreeThe annual West Des Moines Independence Day parade starts at Valley High School and ends at Wilson Park. See the full parade route here.
Yankee Doodle Pops, Iowa State Capitol West Terrace8:30 p.m. ThursdayCost: FreeThe Des Moines Symphony's 31st annual Yankee Doodle Pops, Iowa's largest single-day concert event. The family-friendly patriotic concert concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the downtown Des Moines skyline. Find parking information here.
Waukee Independence Day Celebration, 1255 Warrior LaneFind the full schedule here.Visit Waukee's Centennial Park for the annual Fourth of July parade, inflatables, live music, fireworks and more.
Urbandale Fourth of July Celebration, Lions ParkFind the full schedule here.Urbandale is home to one of the largest 4th of July celebrations in the area. This longstanding tradition includes a 2-mile-long parade, a premier carnival, an entertainment garden, live music, as well as a variety of other activities. The annual community event is organized by a group of volunteers and is primarily self-funded with help from local business sponsors and fundraising.
Independence Day and Historic Baseball, Living History Farms9 a.m. to 4 p.m. FridayCost: All activities are included with general admission.Find the full schedule here.Celebrate a historic Independence Day in the town of Walnut Hill. 1876 marks the first centennial of the United States, and Living History Farms’ Independence Day activities truly show what this day meant to those in the 19th century — a day of family fun and games.
Altoona Fourth of July parade, 8th Street, Altoona1o a.m. FridayCost: FreeCelebrate Independence Day with the Altoona Area Historical Society and its annual parade. The parade begins at the Altoona Public Library and ends at Haines Park.
Hometown Pride + Fourth of July Fireworks, Norwalk10 a.m. FridayCost: FreeNorwalk Hometown Pride's annual celebration kicks off with the parade at 10 a.m. The fun continues throughout the day and ends with fireworks at dusk. Find the full parade map here.
Fourth of July Foam Party at Paws & Pints, 6218 Willowmere DriveNoon to 3 p.m. FridayCost: FreeFind more information here.
Rock-It in the Park, Union Park, 2009 Saylor Road, Des MoinesNoon to 6 p.m. FridayCost: FreeFree lunch for the first 500 attendees, kids' activities, games and prizes, outdoor music and more. Find more information here.
Independence Day Celebration at Madison County Winery, 3021 Saint Charles Road, St. Charles5 p.m. FridayCost: FreeLive music by Madison County Line. Picnic-style foods, the national anthem, followed by fireworks.
West Des Moines Community Band Concert, Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, 4100 Mills Civic Parkway7 p.m. FridayCost: FreeEnjoy the West Des Moines Community Band's Fourth of July concert. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and unwind to the tunes of this talented local band.
4th of July night lights at Carlisle High School, 430 School St., Carlisle8 p.m. FridayCost: FreeJoin Carlisle Cars n Coffee for a free car show at Carlisle High School. Find more information here.
Yoga in the Park, 410 West First St., Ankeny8 a.m. SaturdayCost: FreeBring a yoga mat and a friend to enjoy one hour of free outdoor yoga every Saturday morning May 24 through Aug. 30 at Wagner Park.
Stars and Stripes Night with the Des Moines Menace, Valley Stadium7 p.m. SaturdayCost: Tickets start at $15 and must be purchased onlineCelebrate Independence Day weekend with the Des Moines Menace's annual patriotic match against Sunflower State FC. Free entry for military, veterans and first responders with valid ID. The first 500 fans will receive a Menace beach towel.
Music Under the Stars at Laurisden Amphitheater, Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines7 p.m. SundayCost: FreeThe longest-running free summer event in Des Moines is Music Under the Stars, a free professional concert and jazz band performances. Sunday will feature a retro-inspired evening channeling vintage vibes with horn soloist Kristen Ronning and the classic big band stylings of vocalist Max Wellman.
Looking for a fireworks show? We've got you covered. Find our list of central Iowa fireworks shows here.
The Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park has opened for the season. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere, beer, food and live entertainment every Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.
Friday: Sun and clouds mixed with a slight chance of thunderstorms during the afternoon. High around 92 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds SSW at 10-15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Friday night: Partly cloudy skies early. Scattered thunderstorms are developing later at night. Low 74 degrees. Winds SSW at 10-15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Saturday: Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. High 88 degrees. Winds SW at 10-15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Saturday night: Scattered thunderstorms. Low 70 degrees. Winds WSW at 5-10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Sunday: Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 87 degrees. Winds WNW at 5-10 mph.
Sunday night: Cloudy with a few showers. Low 69 degrees. Winds NE at 5-10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Have a weekend event or favorite place to grab a bite on the weekend? Share it with us by emailing [email protected].
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa —It's no secret that Iowa has a Radon problem.70% of homes in our state test for levels above federal safety standards. The gas can have deadly consequences as it's the second leading cause of lung cancer, which is the deadliest form of the disease in Iowa.Mitigating the naturally occurring gas can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.But a city in central Iowa is picking up the tab for dozens of its residents.Marty Ingersoll's family has owned their West ...
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa —
It's no secret that Iowa has a Radon problem.
70% of homes in our state test for levels above federal safety standards. The gas can have deadly consequences as it's the second leading cause of lung cancer, which is the deadliest form of the disease in Iowa.
Mitigating the naturally occurring gas can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
But a city in central Iowa is picking up the tab for dozens of its residents.
Marty Ingersoll's family has owned their West Des Moines home since 1972. But just recently, Marty and his wife Ruthie eliminated a danger that has been lurking in the basement the entire time.
"I had no clue," Ruthie Ingersoll tells KCCI.
But now, the Ingersolls can eliminate the threat of radon in their home, thanks to a brand-new mitigation system that cost them nothing to install.
"Came across the page that said West Des Moines Housing Radon Mitigation Program, and said I better check into this," Marty recalls.
The city covers 100% of the homeowners' cost to test for and mitigate Radon up to $5,000.
"It was like one of those too good to be true things," Marty says with a chuckle.
But West Des Moines' housing and community development manager says it's the real deal.
"We offer it as a grant, because we want to help people and help their homes and make them safer," Christine Gordon says.
Gordon says federal funds from the Community Development Block Grant allows them to put nearly $200,000 towards this specific program, which the city itself created.
"I have not known of another community that's doing that. I hope more communities do it, but I just thought that there was a need. And so, let's look at doing something and be very specific to Radon, address it," Gordon tells KCCI.
Gordon says two of the biggest factors to qualify: You must live in West Des Moines city limits. And you can't make more than 80% of the area median income adjusted for household size.
J.B. Shearer, also known as the Radon Man, is one of a handful of certified mitigation specialists the city provided the Ingersolls to choose from after they were approved for the program to test and then mitigate if the levels were higher than the EPA's limit of 4 picocuries per liter.
"This one is a little harder than average," Shearer tells KCCI, because of the 20-foot crawl space they had to run piping through.
The system he installed has the Ingersolls' home testing at 2.2 pCi/L, down from the seven it was before
"Every house is fixable," Shearer says.
Providing priceless peace of mind, for a price the Ingersolls couldn't beat.
The city of West Des Moines tells KCCI there are still plenty of funds left in the program. Click on this link to find out more, including how to apply.
If you want to know what resources exist in the city or county you live in to help test and mitigate for radon in your home, click here for information from the Iowa Cancer Consortium.
Off Hours, your free weekly newsletter from the Des Moines Register, showcases all things fun you can do in central Iowa.Urbandale 4th of July Celebration: Cheers to 70 YearsJuly 3-4:...
Off Hours, your free weekly newsletter from the Des Moines Register, showcases all things fun you can do in central Iowa.
July 3-4: Head to Lions Park at 72nd Street and Aurora Avenue in Urbandale, for a two-mile long parade at 10 a.m. on July 4, a carnival from 4 to 11 p.m. on July 3 and from noon to 11 p.m. on July 4, entertainment garden, live music, bingo, a cribbage tournament, fun runs before the parade, and more. For a full list of events and times, visit urbandale4thofjuly.org.
July 3: Grab the lawn chairs for the West Des Moines parade that starts at Valley West Drive and Ashworth Road, winds along Vine Street to Ninth Street, and ends at Wilson Park on Elm Street. The free parade starts at 6:30 p.m.
July 3: This annual tradition brings the Des Moines Symphony to the lawn of the Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, for Yankee Doodle Pops. The free concert starts at 6:30 p.m. with music from the Turner Center Jazz Orchestra and the Des Moines Symphony Academy Youth Jazz Orchestra. At 8:30 p.m., the winner of the Des Moines Symphony’s annual “Oh Say, Can You Sing?” competition opens the show with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Vocalist Matthew Johnson performs with the orchestra, which will also play the “1812 Overture” and “Stars & Stripes Forever.” Fireworks follow. Vendors selling food will also be on hand.
July 4: Get tickets to see “The Flying Dutchman,” the opera from Richard Wagner that takes the audience through the story of The Dutchman, who is condemned to wander the waves until he can find a bride to break his curse. Senta lives in a Norwegian fishing village and is obsessed with his legend. Can she break the curse? The Des Moines Metro Opera, 513 N. D St., Indianola, puts on this production led by Maestro David Neely and starring bass-baritone Ryan McKinny. Tickets for the 6 p.m. show start at $20.
July 4-6: More than 5,000 of the Midwest’s hot rods, trucks, muscle cars, and classics drive into the Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, for three days of the Goodguys 34th Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals. The event features the Classic Performance Products AutoCross racing series featuring the Optima Batteries “Duel in Des Moines” shootout, a swap meet, Cars 4 Sale Corral, a vendor midway, and live music. Tickets start at $27 per day and $10 for kids ages 7-12. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 4, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 5 with a fireworks show, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 6. Get full details at good-guys.com.
July 6: Listen to vintage vibes of horn soloist Kristen Ronning and the classic big band sounds of Max Wellman during the final concert of the 2025 Music Under the Stars season. The free show at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, starts at 7 p.m.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at [email protected].
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa —Central Iowans are free to fill up their kiddie pools and turn on their sprinklers this Fourth of July weekend, despite a local ban on lawn watering.In a press conference Tuesday at Wixted & Co., Central Iowa Water Works Executive Director Tami Madsen and Des Moines Water Works CEO and General Manager Ted Corrigan gave people the go-ahead to splash around in the backyards over the holiday.“This w...
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa —
Central Iowans are free to fill up their kiddie pools and turn on their sprinklers this Fourth of July weekend, despite a local ban on lawn watering.
In a press conference Tuesday at Wixted & Co., Central Iowa Water Works Executive Director Tami Madsen and Des Moines Water Works CEO and General Manager Ted Corrigan gave people the go-ahead to splash around in the backyards over the holiday.
“This week is going to be hot and dry,” Madsen said. “As we enter into the Fourth of July weekend, we want you to go play with your kids and your water.”
It's been nearly 3 weeks since officials banned lawn watering for the 600,000 residential and commercial customers the regional water authority serves. Lawn watering can use 30 to 40 million gallons per day – as opposed to splash pads and flower and vegetable garden watering, which use significantly less.
“We need to continue restricting water use to ensure we can treat sufficient water to meet demand for users,” Madsen said.
Demand is down about 30 percent, according to officials, because of continued adherence to the lawn watering ban. Water is still safe for drinking, cooking and other household uses.
Nitrate levels as of Tuesday, July 1, are 15.93 mg/l in the Raccoon River and 12.28 mg/l in the Des Moines River. Monday's readings were 15.19 mg/l and 12.07 mg/l, respectively. A week ago, they were 14.17 mg/l and 13.90 mg/l.
Drinking water continues to meet the EPA standard for nitrate levels – 10 mg per liter or less – with nitrate levels of 7.51 mg/l in treated water from the Fleur Drive plant and 7.25 from the McMullen plant.
WATCH: What happens to nitrates after they are removed from drinking water in Central Iowa?
WATCH: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds defends state's water quality amid lawn watering ban
CIWW officials say they will not revoke the lawn watering ban until source water nitrate levels fall below 10 mg/l. Even then, they say CIWW will follow a “phased lifting” plan.
“We’re going to need to see a sustained, consistent downward trend in those nitrate levels in the river,” Madsen said. “Our teams do monitor up river as it moves down.”
CIWW says it has not had any communication with the Department of Agriculture regarding nitrate levels.
WATCH: Iowa Department of Agriculture addresses water quality concerns
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