Other senior care options in Des Moines:

Best Memory Care in Des Moines, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 20 memory care communities in Des Moines, IA using Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank memory care in IA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jun 2026
We analyzed
20 homes
Other senior care options in Des Moines:
Avg Walk Score: 50/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Des Moines, IA. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 83The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Des Moines, IA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Memory Care around Des Moines (Metro Area)

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

Grand Living At Tower Place
MC
AL
IL
West Des Moines (South 51St Street)
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 71
Rank #125 / 407
Yes
63
Facility 63
IA AVG 45
Rank #134 / 528
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
47.4%
Facility 47.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #292 / 379
7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #93 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Wesley Acres
MC
ADC
AL
IL
NH
Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #105 / 407
No
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 45
Rank #89 / 528
--
91.3%
Facility 91.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #53 / 379
21
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #224 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
MC
AL
RC
West Des Moines
93
Facility 93
IA AVG 71
Rank #79 / 407
No
58
Facility 58
IA AVG 45
Rank #168 / 528
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 19
Rank #211 / 282
58.1%
Facility 58.1%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #228 / 379
9
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #187 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Valley View Village
MC
AL
HC
IL
NH
RC
Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Facility 79
IA AVG 71
Rank #117 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 19
Rank #2 / 282
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #1 / 379
24
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #205 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
Vintage Hills of Indianola
MC
AL
RC
Indianola
90
Facility 90
IA AVG 71
Rank #83 / 407
No
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 45
Rank #441 / 528
-
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 19
Rank #160 / 282
45.6%
Facility 45.6%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #306 / 379
7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #93 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Holland Farms
MC
AL
IL
RC
Norwalk
116
Facility 116
IA AVG 71
Rank #45 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
38.8%
Facility 38.8%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #346 / 379
7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #93 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Edencrest at Pleasant Hill
MC
AL
IL
Pleasant Hill
140
Facility 140
IA AVG 71
Rank #23 / 407
Yes
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 45
Rank #500 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 19
Rank #257 / 282
21.4%
Facility 21.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #377 / 379
2
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Addington Place of Des Moines
MC
AL
Des Moines (Bloomfield/Allen)
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 71
Rank #249 / 407
Yes
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 45
Rank #507 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 19
Rank #170 / 282
31.5%
Facility 31.5%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #362 / 379
32
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #329 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Edencrest at The Legacy
MC
AL
IL
RC
Norwalk
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #105 / 407
Yes
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 45
Rank #372 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #202 / 282
35.0%
Facility 35.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #357 / 379
8
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #158 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Edencrest at Beaverdale
MC
AL
IL
RC
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
160
Facility 160
IA AVG 71
Rank #16 / 407
Yes
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 45
Rank #70 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #202 / 282
39.4%
Facility 39.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #342 / 379
17
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #264 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Edencrest at The Tuscany
MC
AL
IL
RC
Altoona
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #325 / 407
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 45
Rank #444 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
92.5%
Facility 92.5%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #44 / 379
7
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #131 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Edencrest at Riverwoods
MC
AL
IL
RC
Des Moines (Woodside Park)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #105 / 407
Yes
35
Facility 35
IA AVG 45
Rank #332 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
12
Facility 12
IA AVG 19
Rank #179 / 282
40.0%
Facility 40.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #337 / 379
19
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #247 / 348
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #320 / 348
Independence Village of Pella
MC
AL
IL
Pella
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 71
Rank #405 / 407
Yes
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 45
Rank #415 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #107 / 282
35.7%
Facility 35.7%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #354 / 379
23
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #224 / 348
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #343 / 348
Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center
MC
NH
Des Moines (East Village)
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 71
Rank #274 / 407
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 45
Rank #2 / 528
-
39
Facility 39
IA AVG 19
Rank #26 / 282
87.0%
Facility 87.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #83 / 379
16
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #187 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
3801 Grand
MC
AL
IL
Des Moines (East Village)
106
Facility 106
IA AVG 71
Rank #60 / 407
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 45
Rank #2 / 528
-
28
Facility 28
IA AVG 19
Rank #55 / 282
40.6%
Facility 40.6%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #335 / 379
18
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #247 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Arbor Heights at University
AL
Des Moines
252618
Calvin Community Memory Care
MC
AL
Des Moines
212320
Claremont's Ramsey Village
MC
AL
Des Moines
102711
McKinley House - RCF
RC
Des Moines
931
Wesley Acres John's Harbor Memory Support AL
MC
AL
Des Moines
192516
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Overview of Grand Living at Tower Place

Enjoy an ultimately worry-free lifestyle with the esteemed senior living community of Grand Living at West Des Moines that provides independent, assisted living, and memory care services. Committed to improving seniors’ quality of life, the community boasts its wide array of services and amenities. The community is fashioned with formal and casual dining options with chef-prepared meals daily. With its dedicated and friendly team, residents can receive the utmost care and support they deserve.

Enjoy a 200-seat theater showcasing an array of entertainment options and events including music. Spend quality time with friends within its several community spaces including a grand library, lounge, and an activities room. Relax and meditate in several of its outdoor recreation areas. In Grand Living, every day is made more filled with purpose through utmost care and commitment.

Contact Grand Living At Tower Place

Overview of Wesley Acres

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.

Contact Wesley Acres

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.

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. 

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 Holland Farms

Backed by more than three decades of gold-standard service, Holland Farms Senior Living is one of Agemark Senior Living’s heralded communities, located in Norwalk, Iowa. Surrounded by beautiful views of the Echo Valley Country Club and Des Moines skyline, Holland Farms provides a peaceful and scenic environment for memory care, independent and assisted senior living.

Featuring an impressive range of top-class amenities, spend your golden years in the comfort of cozy, fully-equipped living quarters, savor a delectable meal at elegantly designed dining rooms or take a relaxing stroll along the lush walking trails. Immerse yourself in the library, mingle with the community in dedicated areas for special events, movie screenings, and classes, or pamper yourself with an in-house salon for hair care, manicures, and pedicures. Enjoy all these and more, without worrying about daily activities or medical assistance thanks to an expert staff that’s always there to lend a warm, helping hand. Live life to the fullest, safest, and in the utmost comfort, at Holland Farms.

Contact Holland Farms

Edencrest at Pleasant Hill

6151 Martha L. Miller Dr, Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327, Usa
Overview of Edencrest at Pleasant Hill

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.

Contact Edencrest at Pleasant Hill

Overview of Addington Place of Des Moines

Treat yourself to a luxurious retirement with the prestigious senior living community of Addington Place of Des Moines in South East 27th Street, Des Moines, IA, offering assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Featuring cozy and sophisticated studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences, the community ensures seniors enjoy a comfortable and secure retirement. Moreover, 24-hour care and assistance allow seniors to flourish and live to their potential.

With mind-stimulating programs and enriching activities, Addington Place of Des Moines ensures residents enhance their cognition and live an active lifestyle. Delight in healthy and delicious meals that satisfy cravings and dietary needs. Addington Place of Des Moines is a pet-friendly community that strives to create a safe place for seniors to spend their golden years doing the things they love.

Contact Addington Place of Des Moines

Edencrest at The Legacy

2901 Cedar St, Norwalk, Ia 50211, Usa
Overview of Edencrest at the Legacy

Welcoming residents and guests in its scenic facade, Edencrest at the Legacy is a distinct senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care. A care team consisting of kind and well-trained professionals readily helps residents with their daily living activities and personal needs to ensure their comfort. Residents flourish and enjoy a fun-filled life with accessible amenities and compassionate care all around.

Mingle with friends and gain meaningful experiences with a full slate of exciting events and wellness programs, focusing on residents’ aspirations and strengths. Meals are important to keep residents healthy, hence, delicious home-cooked meals are served to foster familiarity and meet dietary needs. The community strives to create a haven for residents to make every moment of their best years memorable.

Contact Edencrest at The Legacy

Edencrest at The Tuscany

1600 8Th St Se, Altoona, Ia 50009, Usa
Overview of Edencrest at the Tuscany

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.

Contact Edencrest at The Tuscany

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.