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Other Senior care options in Des Moines:

Best Memory Care in Des Moines, IA

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Dec 2025

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Iowa Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

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Video Tour: Top-rated Memory Care facilities in Des Moines, Iowa.

Watch this Video to see Des Moines's Top-rated Senior Communities
Avg. Monthly cost: $4,800
National average: $5,600
Monthly cost range: $3,500–$6,000
National average: $3,400 – $8,200
Avg. Staff-to-Resident ratio: 1:5–1:8
National average: 1:6

Compare Memory Care around Des Moines (Metro Area)

The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

Click column headers to sort
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

West Des Moines
93No 58 Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed7 58.1% -96-
Valley View Village
MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79Yes 38 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed54 100.0% -2472
Vintage Hills of Indianola
MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Indianola
90No 15 -16 45.6% A+73-
Independence Village of Pella
MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Pella
14Yes 21 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed23 35.7% A+2387
Arbor Heights at University
AL
Des Moines
2526
Calvin Community Memory Care
MC
AL
Des Moines
2123
Claremont's Ramsey Village
MC
AL
Des Moines
1027
McKinley House - RCF
RC
Des Moines
93
Wesley Acres John's Harbor Memory Support AL
MC
AL
Des Moines
1925
Overview of Valley View Village

Valley View Village 2571 is a high-standard nursing home in Des Moines, IA, that offers a wide range of care options, from independent living to rehabilitation. Promoting a welcoming environment, the community strives to maintain connections for older adults’ happiness and wellness. Delicious dining, recreational activities, and pet-friendly spaces are among the community’s unique features that make it an ideal retirement destination. With its dedication to residents’ welfare, personalized care plans are crafted to meet their healthcare needs and lifestyle preferences.

Hobby groups, fun excursions, and spiritual activities are just some of the activities that residents can join for leisure and wellness. The community also features a variety of amenities, including a library, well-maintained gardens, and walking paths, dedicated to enriching residents’ living experiences. As a community of its own, Valley View Village has all the local amenities needed for residents’ needs and leisure. This retirement community is one of Iowa’s finest choices for senior living, especially for its wide range of care options and extensive amenities.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Dining Services

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Beauty Services

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Transportation Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

Contact Valley View Village

Overview of Morningstar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek

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. 

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 55

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed

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Building Type: Apartment

Contact MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek

Overview of Vintage Hills of Indianola

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.

Contact Vintage Hills of Indianola

Overview of Independence Village of Pella

Situated in Pella, IA, Independence Village of Pella is a reliable senior living community that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. The community features an array of beautifully designed accommodations, ranging from studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, providing a comfortable living space to residents. Care needs are fully met with personalized care plans and professionally trained employees available 24/7 to provide care and assistance.

There’s no shortage of enriching things to do with a vibrant calendar of activities, events, and programs offered by the community. Dining experience is improved with chef-prepared meals that are carefully curated to satisfy unique dietary needs and food preferences. Residents never have to worry about chores with housekeeping, laundry services, and other supportive services provided by a dedicated team. Here, residents have what they need to live a carefree and fulfilling lifestyle.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Independence Village of Pella

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.

Public data 6 weighted categories Updated quarterly
Full methodology

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.

How many licensed memory care communities are there in Des Moines, IA?

According to state licensing records, there are approximately 1+ (Melrose Meadows) licensed memory care communities in Des Moines, 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.