
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 | 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 | RC | Des Moines | 9 | — | — | — | 3 | — | 1 | — | — |
| Wesley Acres John's Harbor Memory Support AL | MC AL | Des Moines | 19 | — | — | — | 25 | — | 16 | — | — |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Who we are
Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way
We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.
Contact us Today
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.













