Welcome to Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center
Memory Care
8525 Urbandale Avenue Urbandale, Iowa 50322
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About Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center
Levels of Care: Memory Care
Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center is a premier Memory Care community in Urbandale, Iowa that serves the families of Urbandale, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Waukee, Clive, Windsor Heights, and Ankeny.
There is plenty to do in Urbandale, with such attractions as Living History Farms, Buccaneer Arena, Merle Hay Mall, Blank Park Zoo, and the Paragon Prairie Tower. With Des Moines only a short driving distance away, the area offers something for everyone!
Whether your loved one requires some help with the activities of daily living (ADLs) or is living with the effects of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, our dedicated staff takes great pride in delivering high-quality care that is compassionate, safe, and resident-centered. Our services are designed to meet our residents’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We offer enriching activities, exciting social programs, wellness classes, restaurant-quality meals, and more.
Before residents move to our community, customized assessments are completed so individual care plans can be created. These care plans are updated regularly and as needed. Our community is staffed by highly trained RNs, NHA/MC, AL ED, CNAs, and a CDM who are hired not only for their professional skills but also for their compassionate and warm personalities.
Memory Care Community in Urbandale, IA
Built in 2001 and just remodeled, we offer beautiful living accommodations and luxurious dining experiences. Resident apartments are spacious with natural lighting, and private suites have a view of the interior courtyard while shared suites have a view of the natural wooded area surrounding Glen Oaks. We have deer, fox, and geese roaming around the property with lots of beautiful outdoor views to enjoy.
Additionally, public areas are well-lit and spacious with a home-like ambiance. We have two extra-large dining rooms with plenty of space to move about. There are two sitting rooms/library, an activity room, and sunrooms/sitting areas at the end of each hall.
One of the most popular features of our community is the food. Our highly experienced chef creates diverse menus that are sure to please every palate. True to our Midwestern roots, traditional Holiday meals and pot roasts with mashed potatoes are resident favorites. Our private dining room is warm, cozy, and inviting for everyone to enjoy. We even have many fun “food-themed” events like our Christmas in July Luau. Residents made fruit kabobs, frosted cookies, and made finger sandwiches. They had a great time socializing and “cooking” for their party. Elvis performed and the residents sang along, danced, and had a wonderful experience.
Frontier’s Award-Winning SPARK™ Program
The friendly and compassionate staff at Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center is proud to offer our Memory Care residents the award-winning SPARK™ program.
SPARK was inspired by the teachings and research of Maria Montessori and Dr. Cameron Camp and provides meaningful and life-enhancing experiences for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Our unique program engages our residents with proven rehabilitative strategies that strive to heighten interaction, optimize cognitive skills as well as promote a sense of purpose and accomplishment. We use tailor-fit assessment tools to evaluate each resident’s capabilities and strengths, so the program can best meet their specific needs. Residents are encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities based on their personal interests and abilities.
From arts and crafts to baking and cooking classes, bingo, card writing, group exercise, coloring day, holiday celebrations, and dress-up day, SPARK has something for everyone to enjoy!
Other activities include happy hours, crazy hat day, ice cream socials, pet therapy, resident birthday parties, tea parties, National Food Day celebrations, veterans’ ceremonies, and music performances.
We have also been involved in baking and delivering homemade dog treats for the Animal Rescue League (ARL) in partnership with a local elementary school.
Amenities at Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center
Our Memory Care residents enjoy a wide range of amenities at our luxurious property, including:
- Exceptional Accommodations – Our community features spacious living quarters, a beautiful dining room, as well as attractive and inviting common areas.
- 5-Star Cuisine – Chef-prepared meals, including traditional Holiday dinners and Midwestern favorites like pot roast and mashed potatoes, and foods around special events.
- Social Outings – Residents enjoy our many stimulating activities, happy hours, puzzle nights, cooking classes, Book Club, ice cream socials, movie nights, musical performances, visits from therapy dogs, and so much more.
- Spa Services – Residents can have manicures/pedicures done at our community.
- Recognition of Residents’ Birthdays – We are dedicated to celebrating our residents’ birthdays and creating a fun environment for everyone.
- Spiritual Services – Our community offers regular masses to residents.
- Clubs & Resident Council – Residents enjoy the Men’s Club, Women’s Group, Resident Council, as well as other specific interest committees.
Choosing the Right Memory Care Community in the Urbandale, Iowa Area
Finding the right Memory Care community for your loved one is vitally important. Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center offers the very best services in the area.
If you would like to learn more about the many services and amenities that our community offers, we invite you to visit our property, take a tour and speak with our caring and friendly staff.
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Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center
Awards & Recognition
Frontier's Award-Winning SPARK Program
Montessori Inspired
SPARK places ultimate focus on supporting our residents' ideas, choices, and independence. We empower residents to create a community that speaks to them. Our staff foster the natural spark within each individual by encouraging new idea and helping to make these ideas reality.
Learn MoreThe SPARK Difference
- Based on science and research
- Based on rehabilitation techniques
- Keeps seniors socially engaged in a meaningful way
- Aims at increasing engagement and skills as we age
- Uses proprietary assessment tools that go beyond traditional methods
Levels of Care
Memory Care
Our community specializes in Memory Care for residents with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia-related illness.
Through our award-winning SPARK program, your loved one will receive round-the-clock care that encourages a happy, fulfilling lifestyle.
Amenities & Events

Beauty salon
Cable
Dining options
Housekeeping & linen services
Laundry
Library
Religious services
Telephone
Transportation to Doctor's appointments
Wi-Fi
Studio bedroom
Shared Room

Arts and Crafts
Baking Classes
Bingo
Coloring Day
Cooking Classes
Clubs and Resident Councils
Group Exercise Classes
Happy Hours
Holiday Celebrations
Ice Cream Outing/Social
Manicures and Pedicures
Mass Services
Men's Club
Musical Performances
National Food Day Celebrations
Pet Therapy
Recognition of Residents' Birthdays
Root Beer Float Party
Tea Parties
Veteran's Ceremonies
Women's Group
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The Preserve of Roseville
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