Welcome to Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center
Memory Care
8525 Urbandale Avenue Urbandale, Iowa 50322
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Discover Glen Oaks, A Memory Care Community in Urbandale, IA



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. The area offers even more fun and adventure, with Des Moines only a short driving distance away.
Memory Care Urbandale, IA



Glen Oaks offers Memory Care services for those living with Alzheimer’s’ and other memory loss conditions. Glen Oaks celebrates everything unique about each resident. Our community is a cheerful one where we support residents’ interests, hobbies, and experiences. Our team supports residents to live their lives to the fullest. We carefully select compassionate team members with a passion for delivering high-quality care. All caregivers are professionally trained in working with residents in our community.
Our community functions using the latest advancements for those with memory loss conditions. We believe in tailored care, supporting and building independence, and growing new friendships. Residents live their lives their way and have all the amenities to support a vibrant life. Activities are adaptable to resident’s needs. Not everyone is on the same path, and we care for residents with that thought in mind. Residents receive 24-hour, on-site care from trained and qualified caregivers who always put the health and well-being of residents as the highest priority.
Our Award-Winning SPARK® Program


The friendly and compassionate staff at Glen Oaks is proud to offer our Memory Care residents our award-winning SPARK® program. Imagine a program specially designed for seniors that not only strives to help them reach their full potential but also provides an opportunity to spend their days with a sense of joyful purpose. Frontier Senior Living’s award-winning SPARK® program is exactly that!
SPARK® is a research-based program inspired by the teachings and research of Maria Montessori and Dr. Cameron Camp, which focuses on giving residents meaningful ways to feel needed and be productive. We use tailor-fit assessment tools to evaluate each resident’s capabilities and strengths, so the program can best meet their specific needs.
The Four Pillars of the Frontier SPARK® Program
The effectiveness and success of our SPARK® program for Alzheimer’s and Memory Care Residents is based on 4 foundational pillars.
- Social: We ensure that each resident has a role in the community that allows them to interact with others.
- Skills Focused: Our Montessori Assessment Tool uncovers remaining skills often missed by traditional evaluations.
- Procedural Memory: Skills can be learned and even improved through repetitive “procedural learning,” which allows residents to perform routine activities with less concerted effort.
- Progression & Goal Setting: Residents who work on projects or learn new things over a period of time with a set goal in mind feel more engaged and successful.
Inspiring contribution, productivity and engagement from all of our residents is our mission. Residents are encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities based on their personal interests and abilities. We celebrate our seniors as the unique individuals that they are by providing them with both meaningful experiences and proven therapeutic techniques to help them retain their cognitive capabilities to the fullest extent possible.
If you would like to learn more about how your loved one can fill their days with meaning and purpose through our award-winning SPARK® program, we would love to speak with you more about it. You are cordially invited to visit our beautiful properties, take a tour, and meet our friendly and compassionate staff of caregivers.
Health & Wellness Services



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 to create individual care plans. 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 hired for their professional skills and compassionate and warm personalities.
Accommodations & Amenities



This community offers residents beautiful living accommodations and five-star 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, foxes, and geese roaming around the property, with many beautiful outdoor views.
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.
At Glen Oaks, all residents enjoy a diverse range of amenities designed to increase their sense of well-being, comfort, and fun! Take advantage of the housekeeping and linen services, cable and Wi-Fi, beauty salon, barbershop, library, spa services, and clubs.
One of the most popular features of our community is the food and celebrations. Our Chef creates diverse menus that are sure to please every palate. We cater to religious diets and special diet orders. Our residents love Happy Hour Fridays, BBQs, and holiday celebrations. Some of our popular amenities include:
- Gourmet Dining
- Scheduled Transportation
- Social Lounges
- Spa Services
- Housekeeping & Laundry Services
Explore our extensive list of amenities and experience a life that revolves around your happiness!
Top Reasons Families Choose Glen Oaks



At Glen Oaks, we offer the best in senior living, where luxury meets exceptional care, and the joy of living is celebrated daily. Learn about reasons why families choose us:
- Community is specifically designed and focused on various levels of cognitive impairment.
- Licensed nurses are on staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and all staff are trained in dementia and Alzheimer’s behaviors and care.
- Medication assistance and management.
- Help with bathing dressing, as well as on-site spa and salon.
- Book clubs, baking classes, cocktail classes, family movie nights, and holiday celebrations.
- Sunroom and patio
- Exciting on and off-site events, classes, and outings.
- Award-winning Spark Program with engaging, Montessori-inspired activities.
- Variety of floorplans and room types to meet different needs and budgets.
- Five Star Quality Care!
If you want to learn more about Glen Oak’s many services and amenities, we invite you to contact us to set up a tour and speak with our friendly staff.
Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center



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. The area offers even more fun and adventure, with Des Moines only a short driving distance away.



Glen Oaks offers Memory Care services for those living with Alzheimer’s’ and other memory loss conditions. Glen Oaks celebrates everything unique about each resident. Our community is a cheerful one where we support residents’ interests, hobbies, and experiences. Our team supports residents to live their lives to the fullest. We carefully select compassionate team members with a passion for delivering high-quality care. All caregivers are professionally trained in working with residents in our community.
Our community functions using the latest advancements for those with memory loss conditions. We believe in tailored care, supporting and building independence, and growing new friendships. Residents live their lives their way and have all the amenities to support a vibrant life. Activities are adaptable to resident’s needs. Not everyone is on the same path, and we care for residents with that thought in mind. Residents receive 24-hour, on-site care from trained and qualified caregivers who always put the health and well-being of residents as the highest priority.


The friendly and compassionate staff at Glen Oaks is proud to offer our Memory Care residents our award-winning SPARK® program. Imagine a program specially designed for seniors that not only strives to help them reach their full potential but also provides an opportunity to spend their days with a sense of joyful purpose. Frontier Senior Living’s award-winning SPARK® program is exactly that!
SPARK® is a research-based program inspired by the teachings and research of Maria Montessori and Dr. Cameron Camp, which focuses on giving residents meaningful ways to feel needed and be productive. We use tailor-fit assessment tools to evaluate each resident’s capabilities and strengths, so the program can best meet their specific needs.
The Four Pillars of the Frontier SPARK® Program
The effectiveness and success of our SPARK® program for Alzheimer’s and Memory Care Residents is based on 4 foundational pillars.
- Social: We ensure that each resident has a role in the community that allows them to interact with others.
- Skills Focused: Our Montessori Assessment Tool uncovers remaining skills often missed by traditional evaluations.
- Procedural Memory: Skills can be learned and even improved through repetitive “procedural learning,” which allows residents to perform routine activities with less concerted effort.
- Progression & Goal Setting: Residents who work on projects or learn new things over a period of time with a set goal in mind feel more engaged and successful.
Inspiring contribution, productivity and engagement from all of our residents is our mission. Residents are encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities based on their personal interests and abilities. We celebrate our seniors as the unique individuals that they are by providing them with both meaningful experiences and proven therapeutic techniques to help them retain their cognitive capabilities to the fullest extent possible.
If you would like to learn more about how your loved one can fill their days with meaning and purpose through our award-winning SPARK® program, we would love to speak with you more about it. You are cordially invited to visit our beautiful properties, take a tour, and meet our friendly and compassionate staff of caregivers.



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 to create individual care plans. 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 hired for their professional skills and compassionate and warm personalities.



This community offers residents beautiful living accommodations and five-star 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, foxes, and geese roaming around the property, with many beautiful outdoor views.
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.
At Glen Oaks, all residents enjoy a diverse range of amenities designed to increase their sense of well-being, comfort, and fun! Take advantage of the housekeeping and linen services, cable and Wi-Fi, beauty salon, barbershop, library, spa services, and clubs.
One of the most popular features of our community is the food and celebrations. Our Chef creates diverse menus that are sure to please every palate. We cater to religious diets and special diet orders. Our residents love Happy Hour Fridays, BBQs, and holiday celebrations. Some of our popular amenities include:
- Gourmet Dining
- Scheduled Transportation
- Social Lounges
- Spa Services
- Housekeeping & Laundry Services
Explore our extensive list of amenities and experience a life that revolves around your happiness!



At Glen Oaks, we offer the best in senior living, where luxury meets exceptional care, and the joy of living is celebrated daily. Learn about reasons why families choose us:
- Community is specifically designed and focused on various levels of cognitive impairment.
- Licensed nurses are on staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and all staff are trained in dementia and Alzheimer’s behaviors and care.
- Medication assistance and management.
- Help with bathing dressing, as well as on-site spa and salon.
- Book clubs, baking classes, cocktail classes, family movie nights, and holiday celebrations.
- Sunroom and patio
- Exciting on and off-site events, classes, and outings.
- Award-winning Spark Program with engaging, Montessori-inspired activities.
- Variety of floorplans and room types to meet different needs and budgets.
- Five Star Quality Care!
If you want to learn more about Glen Oak’s many services and amenities, we invite you to contact us to set up a tour and speak with our friendly staff.
Photo Gallery
Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center
Awards & Recognition
Frontier’s Award-Winning SPARK™ Program
Imagine a program specially designed for seniors that not only strives to help them reach their full potential, but also provides an opportunity to spend their days with a sense of joyful purpose. 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.
Everyday Thriving: A SPARK Lifestyle Inspired by Montessori Methods
Our award-winning, purpose-driven program for seniors. Inspired by Montessori Methods, SPARK™ focuses on engagement, social lifestyle and inclusion within the community at large.
Learn More
- 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

The effectiveness and success of our SPARK™ program for Assisted Living and Memory Care residents is based on these 4 foundational pillars:
SOCIAL ROLES
Everyone has a desire to be useful, so we ensure that each resident has a role in the community. Working the front desk or serving neighbors are examples of meaningful tasks that empower and connect residents.
SKILLS FOCUSED
Our Montessori Assessment Tool, created by the Center for Applied Research in Dementia, uncovers remaining skills often missed by traditional assessments. We can than strengthen and build on those identified skills.
PROCEDURAL MEMORY
Skills can be learned or improved through “procedural learning.” This repetition then allows routine activities to be performed with less need for concerted concentration.
PROGRESSION AND GOAL SETTING
By working on projects or learning topics over a longer period of time, always progressing toward a goal, residents become fully engaged and feel more successful.
Testimonials & Reviews
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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