Independence Village of Waukee

Two years ago I was looking at two other memory care facilities besides Independence Village for my wife. I took the tour & was given information on the monthly fee’s & asked if there was any give on the price which they responded there was not. A few days later I was contacted by Independence Village asking if I made my decision. I told them I decided to go with another facility because they were approximately $2,000 per month cheaper. They said, “if we match their offer would you change your mind & admit your wife with us?” I said, “I would” because it was a closer location for me. Within the next year they increased the costs to where they were when I first looked. I immediately gave them my 30 day notice that I was moving her & the administration said, “if we reduce it close to what you are currently paying would you keep her here?” I agreed. A few months ago Independence gave me notice they were increasing her monthly fee by approximately 30% & again I immediately gave Independence my 30 day notice of moving my wife out. The Executive Director said he would see what he could do to reduce it & I said, “STOP, I’m done with this place.” I moved her to a new facility that is charging me less than I was paying Independence Village without any negotiating. I told my family & friends negotiating the price of care for my wife was similar to negotiating the purchase of a used car.

My mother-in-law lived at Independence Village in Waukee. Although we were all worried about how she would make the transition, she soon made friends, involved herself in a multitude of activities and absolutely loved the staff. She has since passed away, but I have continued to volunteer some time in varied levels of care that they offer. Although I am impressed with the entire facility, I am particularly impressed with the long term skilled care unit. The staff is amazing, very cheerful and positive and genuinely cares for each individual resident. The activity director plans a multitude of activities to keep the residents active and social. She asked me to bring my alpacas to visit with the residents as they were celebrating Farmer’s Day ( which included grilling burgers outside in the garden!). She even found a way to include those residents that couldn’t come outside to participate. In other words, she went overboard to ensure that everyone was included and had a great day! Kudos to Independence Village! 5/5 stars from me! Luanne Sellner

I’ve lived at Independence Village of Waukee for four years now! It is truly an exceptional community! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warmth and kindness from the staff, who go above and beyond to make residents feel at home. The atmosphere is vibrant, welcoming, and full of life, with engaging activities and events that bring joy to everyone. The care and attention given to each resident are remarkable, ensuring their needs are met with compassion and professionalism. The food is delicious, the facilities are beautiful, and the sense of community is unmatched. If you’re looking for a place where your loved one will be treated like family, this is it! Highly recommend!

Independence Village of Waukee is truly a special place! From the first day I arrived, I felt welcomed and valued as part of a warm and caring community. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, making it easy to form friendships and stay engaged in daily activities. The staff here is simply amazing. They are compassionate, attentive, and always go the extra mile to ensure that every resident feels comfortable and cared for. Whether it’s assisting with daily needs, organizing fun events, or just offering a friendly smile, their dedication makes all the difference. The amenities are fantastic! The community is clean, beautifully designed, and offers everything I could ever need. The dining experience is outstanding—the meals are fresh, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared. I also love the variety of activities available, from fitness classes to social gatherings and outings. There’s never a dull moment! What truly makes Independence Village stand out is the sense of belonging. It’s more than just a place to live—it’s a home filled with warmth, laughter, and support. I couldn’t be happier with my choice to live here, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a vibrant, caring senior living community.