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Home Care In West Des Moines, IA

Home Care West Des Moines, IA

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.

 In-Home Care West Des Moines, IA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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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TESTIMONIALS

“Tracey Gray helped me in the biggest way today! She saved my day and I am so thankful for her choice to help me! Thank you! #CertPrint #AlwaysBestCare”

Coreline I.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care and support they provided to my father. Highly recommended to all!”

James T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all the support your caregivers have provided to my mother. She was very pleased with the care she received. I confidently recommend Always Best Care to all.”

Michael H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!”

Melanie S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in West Des Moines, IA?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care West Des Moines, IA

Types of Elderly Care in West Des Moines, IA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care West Des Moines, IA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers West Des Moines, IA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care West Des Moines, IA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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.

 In-Home Care West Des Moines, IA

Benefits of Home Care in West Des Moines, IA

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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.

 Elderly Care West Des Moines, IA

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care West Des Moines, IA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care West Des Moines, IA

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers West Des Moines, IA

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.

Home Care West Des Moines, IA

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.

 In-Home Care West Des Moines, IA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

 Elderly Care West Des Moines, IA

Latest News in West Des Moines, IA

West Des Moines schools names new Valley High School principal

GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTSThe latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.Your Email AddressPrivacy Notice WEST DES MOINES, Iowa —The West Des Moines Community School District is picking an internal candidate to become the next principal at the state's largest high school.Shane Christensen will take over as Valley High School principal on July 1, 2025, th...

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WEST DES MOINES, Iowa —

The West Des Moines Community School District is picking an internal candidate to become the next principal at the state's largest high school.

Shane Christensen will take over as Valley High School principal on July 1, 2025, the district announced Wednesday. Christensen is currently the principal at Indian Hills Junior High and has worked in that role for 19 years.

Christensen replaces David Maxwell, who assumed the position in July 2018. Maxwell is transitioning to a new role within the district as the director of strategic outreach and systems change, according to the district.

“Dr. Christensen is an experienced educator, an innovative strategist, and a respected leader in our district,” Superintendent Matt Adams said in a news release announcing the hire. “His passion for education and the care he shows for his students and staff are unmatched. He is the right person to lead Valley High School.”

Christensen's hire will need to be approved by the West Des Moines school board. The board next meets April 14.

Addressing the chronically absent at West Des Moines Valley High School

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NOTABLE TRANSACTIONS: Office property in West Des Moines sold for $16.6 million

Property in West Moines that includes an office building once described as “big and bold” has a new owner, Dallas County real estate records show.HV Real Estate LLC, managed by West Des Moines-based Telligen, acquired the property at 6000 Westown Parkway for $16.65 million, records show. Telligen provides health management solutions and health care expertise to U.S. government health agencies, state Medicaid agencies and others, according to its website.Officials from ...

Property in West Moines that includes an office building once described as “big and bold” has a new owner, Dallas County real estate records show.

HV Real Estate LLC, managed by West Des Moines-based Telligen, acquired the property at 6000 Westown Parkway for $16.65 million, records show. Telligen provides health management solutions and health care expertise to U.S. government health agencies, state Medicaid agencies and others, according to its website.

Officials from Telligen did not respond to phone messages or emails.

The crescent-shaped building was the first structure built in the West Lakes, a 250-acre office park along Westown Parkway, west of Interstate Highway 35 and north of Interstate 80. The park was jointly developed by Farm Bureau and Iowa Realty Co.

The 120,000-square-foot, three-story office building includes a brick exterior on its northeast side and a glass curtain wall on the southwest. Its entrance – the building’s focal point – includes a distinctive 65-foot-high rotunda with a skylit dome.

“This is a new look to the suburban office building in West Des Moines,” architect William Dikis told the Des Moines Register in 1990. “This is a big and bold building.”

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co., a major tenant in the building, is relocating its headquarters to downtown Des Moines. The company began leasing space at 6000 Westown Parkway in 2019, real estate records show. Also leasing space in the building is Eagle Life Insurance Co.

The property is valued at $16.65 million. An informal agreement was reached in early 2025 between the property’s previous owner, Westown Equity LLC, and the Dallas County assessor to value the property at its current valuation. In 2024, the property’s valuation was $18.57 million.

The transaction was recorded May 1.

In other Dallas County transactions:

The Knolls, located in West Des Moines, paid Boji Holdings LLC $1.8 million for property at 2506 142nd St. in Urbandale, records show. The 2-acre parcel includes a one-story, 4,811-square-foot building constructed in 1985. The building is being used as a day care center. The property is valued at $1.7 million. The transaction was recorded April 28.

Daniel and Amankwah Afrifa paid Detour Homes LLC $1 million for property at 3910 N.W. 179th Court in Clive, records show. The property includes a two-story house where construction was recently completed. The transaction was recorded April 30.

Polk County

Boulder Ridge Duplex LLC, located in Ankeny, paid JJR Holdings LLC just over $1 million for property at 4336 and 4340 N.E. 14th St. and 4339, 4401 and 4405 N.E. 14th St. in Ankeny, Polk County real estate records show. The residences are two-story, bi-attached townhouses built in 2023. The transaction was recorded April 29.

JJR Holdings LLC, located in Ankeny, paid Stubbs Development Inc. $1.14 million for townhome properties in Ankeny, records show. The properties are located at 1341 and 1345 N.E. Crossing Oaks Drive, 1337 and 1341 N.E. Crossing Oaks Drive, and 1305 and 1309 N.E. Crossing Oaks Drive. One property includes a two-story bi-attached townhome. The other two properties include one-story bi-attached townhomes. The transaction was recorded May 1.

Sunstone Investments LLC, located in Des Moines, paid TJL Investments LLC $1.65 million for property at 116 and 124 34th Ave. S.W. in Altoona, records show. The nearly 6-acre parcel at 116 34th Ave. S.W. includes a house, garage and warehouse. The property is valued at $546,000. The property at 124 34th Ave. S.W. includes a single-family house built in 1929. The property is valued at $154,700. The transaction was recorded May 1.

Lansink Holdings LLC, located in Johnston, paid Greedy Investments LLC $1.7 million for property at 6220 N.W. Beaver Drive in Johnston, records show. The 1.8-acre parcel includes a 16,600-square-foot, one-story office/warehouse built in 1999. The property is valued at $1.6 million. The transaction was recorded May 2.

LJH Holdings LLC, located in Anacortes, Wash., paid Capitol Center 2 LLC $2.4 million for property at 513 E. Court Ave. in Des Moines, records show. Capitol Center 2 LLC is managed by R&R Realty Group. The nearly 1-acre parcel includes semi-developed land that currently is being used for surface parking. The property is valued at just over $1 million. The transaction was recorded May 2.

Best Internet Providers in West Des Moines, Iowa

What is the best internet provider in West Des Moines?Mediacom is CNET's top pick for the best internet service provider in West Des Moines. With nearly 98% household coverage, ...

What is the best internet provider in West Des Moines?

Mediacom is CNET's top pick for the best internet service provider in West Des Moines. With nearly 98% household coverage, according to the latest data from the Federal Communications Commission, Mediacom has some of the best broadband plans in the city. This cable internet provider earns our top recommendation by delivering speeds from 100Mbps to 1,000Mbps at wallet-friendly prices starting at just $20 monthly for the 250Mbps plan and ranging up to $65 for the gig plan.

For those seeking speed, Google Fiber makes a compelling case with its multi-gigabit plans. Available primarily along Valley Junction and areas near Ashworth Park and Western Hills Greenway, Google Fiber offers symmetrical speeds up to 8,000Mbps in select locations. According to recent Ookla data, West Des Moines boasts a median download speed of 351Mbps, which means fast internet isn't uncommon throughout the city. (Disclaimer: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) The $70 monthly rate for gigabit service isn't the lowest but the value proposition is solid with a cost per Mbps of just 7 cents -- dropping to an even better 2 cents per Mbps for the premium 8 Gig plan at $150 monthly, among the best rates nationwide.

If you need the cheapest plans that aren't from Mediacom, you can consider US Cellular's fixed wireless service delivering 300Mbps downloads for $60 monthly, though be prepared for additional fees and installation charges. T-Mobile and Verizon are also viable alternatives if you're outside the coverage area of the aforementioned providers. You get comparable pricing and potential discounts when bundled with qualifying mobile plans.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

How to find internet deals and promotions in West Des Moines

The best internet deals and top promotions in West Des Moines depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.

West Des Moines internet providers, such as Mediacom and T-Mobile Home Internet, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, however, including CenturyLink and Google Fiber, run the same standard pricing year-round.

For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

What's a good internet speed?

Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.

For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in West Des Moines

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from FCC.gov.

But it doesn’t end there. We use the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:

While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.

To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.

West Des Moines internet provider FAQs

West Des Moines changing stray pet ordinance

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa —Changes to West Des Moines' Trap-Neuter-Release program were approved during a first reading Monday.The changes include redefining a "community cat" as a cat with no known owner found through the TNR program. Right now, the ordinance says a "community cat" is a feral, unsocialized cat.Community cats found would be vaccinated and microchipped. The city's animal control officers would keep pets that have been identified as house pets for 14 days and spay or ...

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa —

Changes to West Des Moines' Trap-Neuter-Release program were approved during a first reading Monday.

The changes include redefining a "community cat" as a cat with no known owner found through the TNR program. Right now, the ordinance says a "community cat" is a feral, unsocialized cat.

Community cats found would be vaccinated and microchipped. The city's animal control officers would keep pets that have been identified as house pets for 14 days and spay or neuter them during that time. If a cat is not claimed, it will be released back where it was found.

Until 2023, Furry Friends Refuge handled animal control for the city of West Des Moines. The executive director, who says she helped draft the original ordinance, raised concerns about the harm that these changes could bring to pets who just got loose and are not claimed.

"Adoptable pets don't belong to be put back on the streets," Furry Friends Refuge Executive Director Britt Gagne said. "If we're spending half a million dollars on animal control, the outcome shouldn't be that we just put the pets back where the city officers ended up picking them up from. They can be hit by cars; they are not used to being outside."

Gary Rank, interim public services director for the city of West Des Moines, says the city will hold tame cats for up to 14 days to attempt to adopt them out.

The ordinance needs to pass two more readings to go into effect. The council agreed to continue working on the ordinance before the final reading.

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Black Cat Ice Cream opens second location in central Iowa

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa —Black Cat Ice Cream opened its second location in West Des Moines on 5th Street in Valley Junction this week. The first location is on Cottage Grove Avenue in Des Moines.The biggest difference in this new spot is more space to enjoy the sweet treats.Black Cat is known for its unique ice cream flavors. Owner Alex Carter says there are 300 rotating flavors, and each location showcases 10 daily.Another familiar sight is a wall full of black cat pictures. Carter asked peop...

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa —

Black Cat Ice Cream opened its second location in West Des Moines on 5th Street in Valley Junction this week. The first location is on Cottage Grove Avenue in Des Moines.

The biggest difference in this new spot is more space to enjoy the sweet treats.

Black Cat is known for its unique ice cream flavors. Owner Alex Carter says there are 300 rotating flavors, and each location showcases 10 daily.

Another familiar sight is a wall full of black cat pictures. Carter asked people to bring in framed pictures of their black cat and now, hundreds are on the wall. He says the shop is named in memory of his friend, Boo Bear.

"When I decided I wanted to open my own ice cream shop, I was trying to think of a name. and at the time, I had this big black cat that didn't care about anything I ever ate unless it was ice cream. He would know if I opened a pint of ice cream. He would fly up in my face, so I was trying to think of a name like he was literally sitting right there. I'm like let's just call it Black Cat," Carter explained.

The shop is open daily except Monday. Summer hours will start in May.

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