
Compare Memory Care around Des Moines (Metro Area)
The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.
| Wesley Acres | MC ADC AL IL NH SNF | Des Moines (Greenwood) | 80
Facility
80
IA AVG
71
Rank
#105 / 406 | Yes |
72
Facility
72
IA AVG
45
Rank
#89 / 528 | - | - | 91.3% | 21 | 8
Facility
8
IA AVG
7
Rank
#204 / 306 | 3
Facility
3
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#258 / 306 |
| Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center | MC NH AL HC IL RESC SNF | Des Moines (East Village) | 51
Facility
51
IA AVG
71
Rank
#255 / 406 | No |
91
Facility
91
IA AVG
45
Rank
#2 / 528 | - | - | 60.8% | 17 | 6
Facility
6
IA AVG
7
Rank
#171 / 306 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#1 / 306 |
| Vintage Hills of Indianola | MC AL RC | Indianola | 90
Facility
90
IA AVG
71
Rank
#83 / 406 | No |
15
Facility
15
IA AVG
45
Rank
#441 / 528 | - | 16
Facility
16
IA AVG
19
Rank
#160 / 284 | 45.6% | 7 | 3
Facility
3
IA AVG
7
Rank
#89 / 306 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#1 / 306 |
| Edencrest at Pleasant Hill | MC AL IL | Pleasant Hill | 140
Facility
140
IA AVG
71
Rank
#23 / 406 | Yes |
2
Facility
2
IA AVG
45
Rank
#500 / 528 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 2
Facility
2
IA AVG
19
Rank
#258 / 284 | 21.4% | 2 | 1
Facility
1
IA AVG
7
Rank
#31 / 306 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#1 / 306 |
| Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center | MC NH SNF | Des Moines (East Village) | 46
Facility
46
IA AVG
71
Rank
#273 / 406 | No |
91
Facility
91
IA AVG
45
Rank
#2 / 528 | - | 39
Facility
39
IA AVG
19
Rank
#26 / 284 | 87.0% | 16 | 6
Facility
6
IA AVG
7
Rank
#171 / 306 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#1 / 306 |
| Holland Farms | MC AL IL RC | Norwalk | 116
Facility
116
IA AVG
71
Rank
#45 / 406 | Yes |
38
Facility
38
IA AVG
45
Rank
#305 / 528 | Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms | 5
Facility
5
IA AVG
19
Rank
#233 / 284 | 38.8% | 7 | 3
Facility
3
IA AVG
7
Rank
#89 / 306 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#1 / 306 |
| Edencrest at The Legacy | MC AL IL RC | Norwalk | 80
Facility
80
IA AVG
71
Rank
#105 / 406 | Yes |
29
Facility
29
IA AVG
45
Rank
#372 / 528 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 8
Facility
8
IA AVG
19
Rank
#203 / 284 | 35.0% | 8 | 5
Facility
5
IA AVG
7
Rank
#147 / 306 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#1 / 306 |
| Edencrest at The Tuscany | MC AL IL RC | Altoona | 40
Facility
40
IA AVG
71
Rank
#324 / 406 | Yes |
14
Facility
14
IA AVG
45
Rank
#444 / 528 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 5
Facility
5
IA AVG
19
Rank
#233 / 284 | 92.5% | 7 | 4
Facility
4
IA AVG
7
Rank
#122 / 306 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#1 / 306 |
| MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek | MC AL RC | West Des Moines | 93
Facility
93
IA AVG
71
Rank
#79 / 406 | Yes |
58
Facility
58
IA AVG
45
Rank
#168 / 528 | Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed | 7
Facility
7
IA AVG
19
Rank
#214 / 284 | 58.1% | 9 | 6
Facility
6
IA AVG
7
Rank
#171 / 306 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#1 / 306 |
| Life Center | MC AL IL NH SNF | Des Moines (Waveland Park) | 72
Facility
72
IA AVG
71
Rank
#143 / 406 | No |
51
Facility
51
IA AVG
45
Rank
#213 / 528 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Valley View Village | MC AL HOS IL NH RC SNF | Des Moines (Fairmont Park) | 79
Facility
79
IA AVG
71
Rank
#117 / 406 | Yes |
38
Facility
38
IA AVG
45
Rank
#305 / 528 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 54
Facility
54
IA AVG
19
Rank
#3 / 284 | 100.0% | 24 | 7
Facility
7
IA AVG
7
Rank
#187 / 306 | 2
Facility
2
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#241 / 306 |
| Grand Living At Tower Place | MC AL IL | West Des Moines (South 51St Street) | 76
Facility
76
IA AVG
71
Rank
#125 / 406 | Yes |
63
Facility
63
IA AVG
45
Rank
#134 / 528 | Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed | 5
Facility
5
IA AVG
19
Rank
#233 / 284 | 47.4% | 7 | 3
Facility
3
IA AVG
7
Rank
#89 / 306 | 1
Facility
1
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#210 / 306 |
| Edencrest at Beaverdale | MC AL IL RC | Des Moines (Beaverdale) | 160
Facility
160
IA AVG
71
Rank
#16 / 406 | Yes |
76
Facility
76
IA AVG
45
Rank
#70 / 528 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 9
Facility
9
IA AVG
19
Rank
#193 / 284 | 39.4% | 17 | 10
Facility
10
IA AVG
7
Rank
#237 / 306 | 1
Facility
1
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#210 / 306 |
| Calvin Community AL | MC AL IL SNF | Des Moines (Lower Beaver) | 162
Facility
162
IA AVG
71
Rank
#15 / 406 | No |
57
Facility
57
IA AVG
45
Rank
#176 / 528 | - | 6
Facility
6
IA AVG
19
Rank
#224 / 284 | 21.0% | 4 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
7
Rank
#1 / 306 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#1 / 306 |
| Addington Place of Des Moines | MC AL | Des Moines (Bloomfield/Allen) | 54
Facility
54
IA AVG
71
Rank
#248 / 406 | Yes |
1
Facility
1
IA AVG
45
Rank
#507 / 528 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 14
Facility
14
IA AVG
19
Rank
#170 / 284 | 31.5% | 32 | 19
Facility
19
IA AVG
7
Rank
#289 / 306 | 1
Facility
1
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#210 / 306 |
| Arbor Heights at University | AL | Des Moines | 25 | — | — | — | 26 | — | 18 | — | — |
| Calvin Community Memory Care | MC AL | Des Moines | 21 | — | — | — | 23 | — | 20 | — | — |
| Claremont's Ramsey Village | MC AL | Des Moines | 10 | — | — | — | 27 | — | 11 | — | — |
| McKinley House - RCF | RESC | Des Moines | 9 | — | — | — | 3 | — | 1 | — | — |
| Wesley Acres John's Harbor Memory Support AL | MC AL | Des Moines | 19 | — | — | — | 25 | — | 16 | — | — |
A community that strives in exceedingly making its residents comfortable, the Wesley Acres offers the best balance of urban living and assistance with everyday living. A proud member of the Wesley Senior Living Group, Acres places integrity at the heart of its mission; ensuring that residents can feel inspired in creating a better life with the continuum of care being provided. Wesley Acres is an elegant senior living home that aims to enhance and enrich the lives of its residents.
Wesley offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care. Their engaging activities and programs to name a few are the recreational activities, fitness activities, and entertainment programs available for residents to take part in at the library, media room, or outdoor social areas.
Owned by Mark Allen, Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center is a nursing home in Des Moines, Iowa. The facility accepts Medicare and private pay, giving families flexibility in how they cover skilled nursing care. With an average stay of 119 days, the 51-bed home accommodates short-term post-acute rehab residents and those needing longer-term care. The facility’s current occupancy is 61%, which is a moderate census.
The center has a substantial clinical backbone. Daily nurse staffing averages nearly 6 hours per resident each day. Registered nurses contributed about 1 hour and 15 minutes of that, supported by nursing aides providing 3 hours and 24 minutes. This staffing structure can support the home’s rehabilitation focus. Other services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The facility also offers respite care for families seeking short-term support, and there’s 24-hour nursing oversight to provide continuous clinical presence.
Amenities and activities are designed for engagement and wellness. Residents can access an indoor walking track and fitness center, a heated pool and hot tub, a fully stocked library, a woodworking shop, and a movie theater. The dining room serves meals from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, so there’s a consistent schedule for daily dining.
The surrounding neighborhood’s Walk Score of 91 is very walkable. This can be convenient for visiting family members navigating the area on foot. The facility’s regulatory standing shows a generally compliant operation, with oversight attention on clinical documentation, care planning, and staff training.
A proud member of the Jaybird Senior Living Community, Vintage Hills is an elegant home that is built based on the convenience and comfort of its residents. The services provided and designed in the community call on its residents to expand their vibrant social lives. Management aims to raise the standard for assisted living, memory care, and respite care in Des Moines. Vintage Hills is one of the trusted homes in the city that many families have gone to.
Vintage Hills services are delivered in an exceptional way; offering gracious amenities that make everyday living easier. A full-service salon and barbershop, outdoor common areas, spacious lounge areas, an elegant dining room with delicious meals served, enriching activities, and specialized programs offered.
Take in the beauty of Pleasant Hill, IA, with the astounding senior living community of Edencrest at Pleasant Hill, which provides assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Here, residents are well-cared for, with a kind and highly trained team attending to their needs and aspirations 24/7. Promoting a bright and friendly environment, the community strives to provide a haven where residents are comfortable and well-cared for.
Alongside cozy amenities and pet-friendly spaces, a robust calendar of events and activities is also conducted for residents to make the most out of their days. Delight with delectable and healthy meals for the finest dining experience. Residents create unforgettable moments with the community’s warmth and dedication.
Located on Sunset Drive in Norwalk, Iowa, Holland Farms is a three-story community that has been in operation for five years. It offers 116 private and semi-private apartments and currently serves 45 residents, giving older adults a choice of living arrangements based on their preferences for privacy or shared space.
The surrounding neighborhood has a walkability score of 38, so while a few nearby destinations can be reached on foot, most errands and family visits require a vehicle. The quieter setting may appeal to those who prefer a less urban environment.
State inspections have identified areas for improvement in medication management procedures and service planning documentation. Interested families are encouraged to schedule a tour to discuss these findings with staff and learn more about the safeguards and care practices in place.
Edencrest at the Legacy sits in Norwalk, Iowa, and it covers a lot of ground for one address. Anna Austin administers the property; and it’s got assisted living, independent living, memory care, respite care, all under one roof. That matters if you’re trying to plan for a parent whose needs might shift in a year or two, not just where they are today.
The building itself is two stories and holds 80 beds. It opened 8 years ago, so it’s not brand new but it’s not ancient either. Right now about 28 of those beds are occupied, which works out to 35% occupancy.
Housing comes in studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom layouts, so there’s some flexibility in space. The neighborhood itself isn’t especially walkable. Walk Score puts it at 29, meaning a handful of things might be within walking distance but most trips need a car.
That’s where the on-site transportation service actually earns its keep. If getting around on foot isn’t realistic, having a way to get to appointments without relying on family every time changes the day-to-day math.
Fitness and recreation are available in-house too, and the community accepts pets, which is not nothing if your loved one has a dog or cat they’re not willing to leave behind.
Edencrest at the Legacy is a community built for continuity. Someone could move in needing minimal support and stay through a transition to memory care without switching addresses, with transportation and recreation filling in the gaps a car-dependent neighborhood leaves behind.
Have a peaceful retirement with Edencrest at the Tuscany, an outstanding senior living community in Altoona, IA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. With its commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life, a reliable and highly skilled team cares for their personal needs and other responsibilities 24/7. A resident-centered approach is also utilized for residents to live their lives to the fullest.
Fostering a nurturing and inviting environment, enriching social programs, and fun activities are orchestrated for residents’ happiness and wellness. Here, delectable and nutritious meals are served to meet dietary needs and tastes. Filled with beautiful scenery and tranquil walking trails, residents live a serene lifestyle while receiving the utmost care they deserve.
A proud member of the MorningStar Senior Living Group, MorningStar at Jordan Creek provides exceptional assisted living and memory care services that are all tailored to each individual’s needs. The community prides itself on providing the best services; striving to be the top-ranked assisted living community in Des Mois. An elegant community that is built on its contemporary design and styling, allowing for a more luxurious environment while providing resort-like service. Residents of MorningStar at Jordan Creek can rest assured that they can feel like they’re a home away from home.
The community boasts elegant designs and upscale amenities such as its dining room, brightly-lit lounge areas, spacious apartments, courtyard, and arts and crafts studio. MorningStar promotes a stress-free lifestyle for their residents, which is why they have provided essential services to do so– housekeeping, social and recreational events, and transportation events. Management highly encourages residents to take part in activities and maximize the amenities so as to socialize and promote a warm and welcoming environment.
Offering excellent memory care, long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services, The Life Center is a dependable senior living community in Des Moines, IA that helps residents maintain a sense of individuality and freedom while receiving additional support. The community features a reliable nursing team available 24-hours a day and an extensive rehabilitative program, featuring physical, speech, and occupational therapies that help residents maintain their highest level of functionality.
Residents also delight in an array of convenient services that help them live a maintenance-free lifestyle such as housekeeping, laundry, package delivery services, and more. A registered dietician carefully reviews the residents’ therapeutic diets to ensure they are receiving the proper nutrition and nourishment. With Life Center, residents are guaranteed to lead the lifestyle they deserve surrounded by compassionate support and care.
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 Des Moines, IA
What is the average cost of memory care in Des Moines, IA?
The average monthly cost of memory care in Des Moines, IA is approximately $4,800. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.
What is the price range for memory care in Des Moines, IA?
Memory care in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, IA?
Memory care communities in Des Moines, IA typically operate with a staff-to-resident ratio in the range of 1:5–1:8.
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.
How many memory care communities are listed on this page?
This page features 21 memory care communities in Des Moines, IA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.













