
Compare Memory Care around Ames (Metro Area)
The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.
| Windsor Manor Nevada | MC AL | Ames | 70
Facility
70
IA AVG
71
Rank
#156 / 407 | No |
26
Facility
26
IA AVG
45
Rank
#391 / 528 | - | 15
Facility
15
IA AVG
19
Rank
#164 / 282 |
38.6%
Facility
38.6%
IA AVG
66.2%
Rank
#348 / 379 | - | 17 | 6
Facility
6
IA AVG
6.6
Rank
#187 / 348 | 4
Facility
4
IA AVG
0.8
Rank
#320 / 348 |
| Northcrest Community | MC AL IL NC NH | Ames | 64
Facility
64
IA AVG
71
Rank
#191 / 407 | No |
36
Facility
36
IA AVG
45
Rank
#324 / 528 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 5
Facility
5
IA AVG
19
Rank
#232 / 282 |
50.0%
Facility
50.0%
IA AVG
66.2%
Rank
#263 / 379 | - | 2 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
6.6
Rank
#1 / 348 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
0.8
Rank
#1 / 348 |
| Green Hills Retirement Community | MC AL IL NC NH | Ames (Hamilton Drive) | 56
Facility
56
IA AVG
71
Rank
#234 / 407 | Yes |
18
Facility
18
IA AVG
45
Rank
#430 / 528 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 40
Facility
40
IA AVG
19
Rank
#24 / 282 |
78.6%
Facility
78.6%
IA AVG
66.2%
Rank
#130 / 379 | - | 11 | 2
Facility
2
IA AVG
6.6
Rank
#57 / 348 | 3
Facility
3
IA AVG
0.8
Rank
#298 / 348 |
| Northridge Village | MC AL IL NH | Ames (Somerset) | 38
Facility
38
IA AVG
71
Rank
#352 / 407 | Yes |
44
Facility
44
IA AVG
45
Rank
#269 / 528 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 10
Facility
10
IA AVG
19
Rank
#189 / 282 |
94.7%
Facility
94.7%
IA AVG
66.2%
Rank
#28 / 379 | A | 15 | 3
Facility
3
IA AVG
6.6
Rank
#93 / 348 | 2
Facility
2
IA AVG
0.8
Rank
#281 / 348 |
| Independence Village of Ames | MC AL RC | Ames | 30
Facility
30
IA AVG
71
Rank
#390 / 407 | No |
51
Facility
51
IA AVG
45
Rank
#213 / 528 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 25
Facility
25
IA AVG
19
Rank
#87 / 282 |
100.0%
Facility
100.0%
IA AVG
66.2%
Rank
#1 / 379 | A+ | 21 | 11
Facility
11
IA AVG
6.6
Rank
#279 / 348 | 2
Facility
2
IA AVG
0.8
Rank
#281 / 348 |
| The Lindens at Green Hills | MC AL IL NH | Ames (Green Hills) | - | Yes |
18
Facility
18
IA AVG
45
Rank
#430 / 528 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Heartwood House | MC AL | Ames | - | No |
36
Facility
36
IA AVG
45
Rank
#324 / 528 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Northridge Village | MC AL IL NH | Ames | 68
Facility
68
IA AVG
71
Rank
#171 / 407 | No |
5
Facility
5
IA AVG
45
Rank
#488 / 528 | - | 10
Facility
10
IA AVG
19
Rank
#189 / 282 |
63.2%
Facility
63.2%
IA AVG
66.2%
Rank
#211 / 379 | A | 8 | 3
Facility
3
IA AVG
6.6
Rank
#93 / 348 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
0.8
Rank
#1 / 348 |
| Calhoun House | RC | Ames | 8 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | — | — |
| Duluth House | RC | Ames | 8 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | — | — |
| Maggie's Place at Northridge Village | MC AL | Ames | 16 | — | — | — | 6 | — | — | 3 | — | — |
Located in the heart of Nevada, Iowa, Windsor Manor is a charming senior community offering an array of living options. With 30 thoughtfully designed assisted-living apartments, ranging from one to two bedrooms, residents find comfort in their private spaces equipped with convenient kitchenettes. The community takes pride in its exceptional housekeeping and personal laundry services, ensuring residents can enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle. They go the extra mile by providing personalized emergency wireless pendants and round-the-clock assistance, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents.
In addition to its comprehensive services, Windsor Manor boasts a secure memory care area comprising 10 studio apartments, specially designed for individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Families appreciate the peace of mind offered by this secure environment. With scheduled transportation and easy access to highways, the community ensures convenient visits for families. What truly sets Windsor Manor apart is its commitment to offering reasonable assisted living costs, making it an affordable choice for seniors to embrace life to the fullest.
Create unforgettable moments at Northcrest Community, an outstanding community in Ames, IA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With thoughtfully furnished and spacious accommodations, residents can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. Residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with plenty of convenient apartment features.
Unique shops and recreational spaces surround the area, ensuring residents can easily access unending leisure and wellness opportunities. With a fully equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to live independently in retirement, especially with its vibrant and inviting environment.
Green Hills Retirement Community offers a vibrant lifestyle designed to support those in their golden years. This sprawling 33-acre property, nestled near Iowa State University, provides an exquisite living experience for individuals aged 55 and above. The community boasts beautifully appointed living spaces, ranging from apartments to townhomes, ensuring residents have a variety of comfortable options to choose from.Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Green Hills offers a plethora of wellness opportunities, engaging activities, and delightful restaurant-style dining experiences, creating a fulfilling environment for its residents.
They provide specialized memory care services, catering to individuals with dementia, alongside independent living options. The community is characterized by a compassionate atmosphere, where residents can enjoy their lives to the fullest. Moreover, Green Hills features a Medicare five-star rated health care center, offering both short-term and long-term services, including comprehensive rehabilitation programs. With all these amenities and services under one roof, Green Hills Retirement Community truly becomes a premier choice for residential assisted living.
Northridge Village is a 68-bed continuing care community at 3300 George Washington Carver Avenue in Ames, Iowa. Managed by Pivotal Healthcare and led by Executive Director Kayla Zellmer, the facility offers a spectrum of care from independent living to a 38-bed skilled nursing unit. Current occupancy for the nursing component is reported at 63%, while the broader campus provides specialized memory care at “Maggie’s Place”. The property is conveniently located in Story County near local medical facilities and retail centers.
Oversight records from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing indicate a history of severe regulatory findings and resident harm. While the nursing unit achieved a citations-per-inspection rate of zero in January 2026, contributing to a high overall CMS rating, the facility has faced over $80,000 in fines for past failures. These violations include three resident deaths between 2021 and 2024 attributed to unaddressed infections, improper transfer protocols, and deactivated safety equipment. In February 2024, the community was fined $6,000 after a resident died following a fall where her emergency pendant had been mistakenly disabled.
Bedside care is currently managed by a staff that provides 4 hours and 27 minutes of nursing time per resident daily, a figure that exceeds the Iowa average. Despite this statistical strength, state investigators previously documented insufficient nursing coverage, noting instances where call-light responses were delayed by up to 34 minutes. Professional services include both long-term medical support and short-term rehabilitation, though past 2-star health inspection ratings suggest foundational gaps in care planning and infection control. Management has historically contested these findings, asserting that evidence of compliance was often overlooked during surveys.
The communal environment features a wellness center, spa, and fitness programs designed for diverse activity levels. Shared social features include on-site church services, card clubs, and movie nights intended to foster resident engagement. However, internal professional reviews from 2026 highlight ongoing concerns regarding management stability and periods of high staff turnover. The facility remains pet-friendly and continues to offer scheduled transportation for off-site appointments and community trips.
This campus fits seniors who want a full range of care levels and many on-site activities. Before deciding, families should ask about the fix for the 2024 emergency equipment failure and request recent records of how fast staff respond to call lights.
Independence Village of Ames, under the esteemed StoryPoint Group, redefines senior living where residents are empowered to lead life on their terms. With unwavering dedication to assisted living and memory care, they create a warm familial atmosphere. This close-knit community, nestled in Ames, Iowa, boasts 24-hour oversight and specialized programming. Their offerings include assisted living with memory care services, along with personalized respite care.
The community prides itself on fostering new friendships and cherished memories through engaging daily activities. Additionally, residents enjoy delightful chef-prepared meals, ensuring a dining experience that feels just like home. Independence Village is meticulously designed for comfort, with a keen attention to detail and professionalism in their interactions with both families and seniors. Their exceptional assisted living qualifications make them a preferred choice for seniors seeking a vibrant and supportive community tailored to their needs.
At The Lindens at Green Hills, the vision is to provide premier Assisted Living in Ames, Iowa, ensuring residents can continue doing what they love with just the right amount of support. With a specially trained care team, they prioritize individual choice and assist with daily activities like bathing, grooming, and medication management.
Their mission revolves around offering comprehensive services and amenities that empower residents to maintain their lifestyles, fostering dignified independence and comfort.
Heartwood House is a cherished haven for seniors in Ames, Iowa. This beloved community provides round-the-clock support to seniors, ensuring their well-being 24 hours a day. Specializing in memory care, Heartwood House offers a range of services including diabetic care, medication management, wheelchair-accessible showers, and respite care. The facility boasts both indoor and outdoor common areas, all meticulously secured for residents’ safety. Convenient resident parking is available, enhancing accessibility.
Beyond its comprehensive care services, Heartwood House is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere. Seniors here enjoy a plethora of engaging activities, ensuring their days are filled with joy and companionship. It’s a tastefully designed community where residents find comfort, camaraderie, and a fulfilling lifestyle. Heartwood House is especially well-regarded for its Alzheimer’s care, providing residents with a warm, inviting, and secure environment, making it an ideal choice for those seeking top-tier memory care living.
Northridge Village is a senior living community located in Ames, Iowa. It offers a comprehensive range of senior living options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehab, and long-term care. The community focuses on providing personalized care and a close-knit environment for its residents.
Ranking Methodology
How we rank these memory care 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.
Weighting overview
- 35%Resident Experience
- 25%Regulatory
- 15%Visual Media
- 10%Website
- 10%Stability
- 5%Environment
01
Resident & Family Experience 35%
The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.
- Includes
- Review Sentiment
- Review Volume
02
Regulatory & Safety Record 25%
State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.
- Includes
- State Inspections
- Citations/Inspection
- % Inspections w/ Citations
- Complaint Visits
- Accreditations
- BBB Rating
03
Visual Media & Transparency 15%
Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.
- Includes
- Video Tours
- Virtual Walkthroughs
- Photo Quantity
- Photo Quality
04
Website & Operator Transparency 10%
Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.
- Includes
- Website Content
- Mobile Usability
- Staff Info Available
- Owner Info Available
05
Community Stability 10%
Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.
- Includes
- Occupancy Rate
- Bed Options
06
Environment & Pricing 5%
Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.
- Includes
- Walk Score
- Pricing Transparency
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Frequently Asked Questions about Memory Care in Ames, IA
What is the average cost of memory care in Ames, IA?
The average monthly cost of memory care in Ames, IA is approximately $4,800. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.
What is the price range for memory care in Ames, IA?
Memory care in Ames, IA typically ranges from $3,500–$6,000 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.
What is the typical staff-to-resident ratio at memory care communities in Ames, IA?
Memory care communities in Ames, IA typically operate with a staff-to-resident ratio in the range of 1:5–1:8.
How many licensed memory care communities are there in Ames, IA?
According to state licensing records, there are approximately 1+ (The Fountains at Bettendorf) licensed memory care communities in Ames, IA.
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.
Does Iowa Medicaid cover memory care?
Iowa Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for memory care, 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 memory care?
Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, with secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and routines built to reduce confusion and wandering.











