What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does Iowa Medicaid cover assisted living?

Iowa Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for assisted living, but most states (including Iowa) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living combines private or semi-private apartments with help on activities of daily living (meals, bathing, dressing, medication management) and a social calendar — for residents who need some support but do not need 24/7 medical care.

How many assisted living facilities are listed on this page?

This page features 2 assisted living facilities in Polk County, IA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right assisted living facility in Polk County, IA?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Polk County, IA, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting assisted living facilities in Polk County, IA?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.

Best Assisted Living in Polk County, IA: 2 Communities (2026)


Edencrest at Siena Hills	AL IL MC RC	Ankeny	132 Facility 132 IA AVG 73 Rank #25 / 289	Yes	46 Facility 46 IA AVG 45 Rank #141 / 302	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	8 Facility 8 IA AVG 18 Rank #157 / 232	42.4% Facility 42.4% IA AVG 61.5% Rank #209 / 259	9	7 Facility 7 IA AVG 7 Rank #174 / 265	1 Facility 1 IA AVG 0.9 Rank #180 / 265
Edencrest at Green Meadows	AL IL MC RC	Johnston	128 Facility 128 IA AVG 73 Rank #29 / 289	Yes	20 Facility 20 IA AVG 45 Rank #244 / 302	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	10 Facility 10 IA AVG 18 Rank #145 / 232	45.3% Facility 45.3% IA AVG 61.5% Rank #223 / 259	6	11 Facility 11 IA AVG 7 Rank #225 / 265	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 0.9 Rank #1 / 265

Edencrest at Siena Hills

Ankeny

132

Yes

Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

42.4%

Edencrest at Green Meadows

Johnston

128

Yes

Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

45.3%

Overview of Edencrest at Siena Hills

Make every moment of your best years count with Edencrest at Siena Hills, a trusted senior living community in Ankeny, IA, offering assisted living and memory care. Featuring different levels of care and personalized care plans, residents receive the utmost care and support for their unique needs and aspirations. An experienced and highly trained team also helps residents 24/7 to ensure they thrive and live to their potential.

Emergency call systems, fun wellness programs, and accessible amenities are provided all over the community for residents’ convenience. Delectable and nutritious meals meet residents’ dietary needs and tastes for a satisfactory dining experience. With pet-friendly spaces and serene walking trails, residents spend their leisure happily.

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Overview of Edencrest at Green Meadows

Located on Corporate Drive in Johnston, Iowa, Edencrest at Green Meadows is an assisted living community with 128 beds. The community operates in a two-story building. It offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. With about 10 years in operation, it provides a mid-sized senior living option in the Johnston area.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 20, making it car-dependent. Most daily errands require a vehicle. The setting may appeal to residents and families who prefer a quieter, suburban environment. Nearby services are mainly reached by car.

The community currently has 51 residents, with a moderate occupancy. Families considering Edencrest at Green Meadows should visit the community in person to view the available floor plans, learn about daily programs, and understand which services and amenities are included.

How we rank these assisted living communities

Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials. Rank badges compare each community against other assisted living communities in the same state — never against a different care type.