MyLivingChoice

Mill-Pond

1201 SE Mill Pond Court

4.1(22 ratings)· Ankeny average: 4.3

Mill-Pond, photo 11 / 5

Quick Facts

Medicare rating
5 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
Non profit, Corporation
Certified beds
60
Operator
Faith-based nonprofit, Presbyterian Homes & Services
Pet policy
Pet-friendly, residents can walk pets on grounds
Care continuum caveat
One family reported memory care couldn't accommodate advancing dementia

What Families Think

Families generally describe Mill Pond as clean, well-maintained, and staffed by caring, attentive people, with residents enjoying activities and good food. However, a few reviewers raise serious concerns about memory care limitations and one incident of rude staff behavior, so it's worth asking specific questions about long-term dementia support before moving in.

The Good

  • Staff described as caring, kind, and knowledgeable
  • Facility kept clean and well-maintained
  • Variety of daily activities and social events
  • Good food quality noted by reviewers
  • Smooth transition experience for assisted living residents

The Bad

  • One report that memory care couldn't meet advancing dementia needs long-term
  • One report of rude, belligerent staff member at entry
  • One reviewer noted overgrown walking paths despite otherwise nice grounds

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Mill-Pond is a senior living community in Ankeny, Iowa offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Outdoor Patio and Fitness Center. Families rate it 4.1 out of 5 across 21 reviews.

About Mill-Pond

Mill Pond is a Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS) senior living community located in Ankeny, Iowa, a short drive from Des Moines. It offers maintenance-free apartment living in what is described as the heart of a thriving rural community.

Residents can take priority access to care and health services as their needs evolve, backed by PHS's experience providing care since 1955, giving residents and families peace of mind about long-term support.

The community features expansive grounds including walking paths, gardens, a stocked pond for catch-and-release fishing, and a patio area. Amenities also include a private theater for movie screenings, a private fitness center, and instructor-led wellness classes to help residents stay strong and independent.

Social life at Mill Pond includes card games and various social events, along with everyday opportunities to relax in the comfort of one's own apartment. The community is pet-friendly, allowing residents to stroll the grounds with their pets.

As a faith-based nonprofit organization, Presbyterian Homes & Services emphasizes Christian ministry in its approach to care, while welcoming residents of all faiths and valuing diversity within the community.

Types of Care at Mill-Pond

Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Emergency Call System
  • Private Bathroom
  • Private Rooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Meals & Dining

  • Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
  • Restaurant style Dining Room

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Chapel / Religious Services
  • Fitness Center
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry Service
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Nurse (RN)
  • Outdoor Patio
  • Pet Friendly
  • Salon / Barber
  • Security
  • Walking Paths

Activities

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Birthday / Holiday Parties
  • Religious Services
  • Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)

Need help deciding?

Tell us what you're looking for and we'll match you with communities that fit. Free, and you choose who contacts you.

Help Me Choose

Reviews of Mill-Pond

4.1overall · 22 ratings combined

4.1★ on Google (21) · 5★ on Yelp (1) · Yelp page ↗

Janine Roode

Aug 2025

via Google

There are many good reviews about Mill Pond and it is clear that it is a beloved facility in the Ankeny area. We also heard and read the great reviews, which is why we chose Mill Pond without hesitation. We were so grateful they had a spot for our mom. This was just over three years ago. I wish I knew then what I know now. My goal is not discredit the hard working people who cared for our mother. They are angels on Earth. I do wish to warn other families so that they can make an informed decision. We placed our mother in the care of Mill Pond's memory unit based on reading materials and conversations with staff. We were told that Mill Pond can meet the needs of residents as they evolve. Unfortunately, we have learned the hard way that this is not the reality. Mill Pond is not equipped to provide comprehensive care for residents with advancing dementia, even though their marketing materials and staff conversations strongly suggest otherwise. There was a glaring lack of transparency about their limitations, and it was a shock when we then were told that we would have to find other accommodations for our mother. The response when I expressed my surprise was along the lines of, "Oh yes, we know it's a surprise when we have to make these calls." So I can only assume that this has happened to other families. I am not sure why other families do not speak out. We will not be keeping quiet about this experience. Families deserve clarity and truth when making decisions about care for a loved one. If your loved one has dementia and you’re considering Mill Pond, please ask the hard questions—and don’t assume they are prepared to support long-term memory care needs. We certainly wish we had.

Dan Brown

Aug 2025

via Google

They have beautiful grounds until you walk past the windmill. After that on the walking path it is hideous with weeds as tall as you are. I like to walk and after I saw that I scratched this place off my list.

Wanda Hoven

Jun 2025

via Google

Recently moved my mom into Mill Pond and she's been very happy there. They have a lot of great activities and the staff are all very helpful. They keep everything very well maintained and clean. Very happy with the decision to move her to this facility.

Johnathan Scott

May 2024

via Google

Terrible. Staff member was incredible rude. Had to buzz in three times and every time the lady with a middle eastern accent said the door was open when it wasn't. Became incredible belligerent when I explained what was happening. Fix this attitude someone needs to talk to her.

Request information

Ask about availability, pricing, or a tour. Your details go only to Mill-Pond, never sold or shared.

Government Inspection History

3 inspection visits in the last three years, 15 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Mar 19, 2026Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard4 citations
  • Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 24, 2026

  • Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 1, 2026

  • Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 1, 2026

  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 1, 2026

Mar 6, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard4 citations
  • Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 19, 2025

  • Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 19, 2025

  • Provide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 26, 2025

  • Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 26, 2025

Apr 15, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard7 citations
  • Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected May 12, 2024

  • Conduct testing and exercise requirements.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Apr 19, 2024

  • Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 1, 2024

  • Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 1, 2024

  • Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 1, 2024

  • Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 1, 2024

  • Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 1, 2024

Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does Mill-Pond offer?

Mill-Pond offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

How much does Mill-Pond cost?

Mill-Pond has not published its pricing. For context, communities in Ankeny that publish rates start around $3,800 per month at the median. Final costs depend on care needs and apartment selection, so contact the community for a quote.

Is Mill-Pond pet friendly?

Yes. Mill-Pond lists pet-friendly accommodations among its amenities. Ask about any size or breed policies when you visit.

Where is Mill-Pond located?

Mill-Pond is located at 1201 SE Mill Pond Court in Ankeny, Iowa.

What do families say about Mill-Pond?

Families generally describe Mill Pond as clean, well-maintained, and staffed by caring, attentive people, with residents enjoying activities and good food. However, a few reviewers raise serious concerns about memory care limitations and one incident of rude staff behavior, so it's worth asking specific questions about long-term dementia support before moving in.

How did Mill-Pond do on recent health and safety inspections?

Mill-Pond had 3 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 15 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.

How can families visit Mill-Pond?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Mill-Pond and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

Work at Mill-Pond? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.

Nearby Communities

Other senior living options within 25 miles of Ankeny.

Prefer to stay home?

Home care agencies serving Ankeny bring help to the house: daily living, companionship, and respite for family caregivers.

All home care agencies in Ankeny