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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Edencrest at Beaverdale

3410 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Overview of Edencrest at Beaverdale

Lead a meaningful life with the idyllic senior living community of Edencrest at Beaverdale in Des Moines, IA, providing assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs are well-cared for through different levels of care provided to meet their unique needs. With its commitment to understanding residents, the community crafts personalized care plans for their comfort.

Residents receive the utmost care and support with a care team attending to them 24/7, ensuring they enjoy every moment of their best years. With fun recreation and wellness programs, residents experience fun-filled days. The community promotes a pet-friendly and welcoming environment, making it ideal for those aiming to optimize their independence.

Contact Edencrest at Beaverdale

Overview of Life Center

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.

Contact Life Center

Edencrest at Riverwoods

2210 E Park Ave, Des Moines, Ia 50320, Usa
Overview of Edencrest at Riverwoods

Ideally set in the tranquil neighborhood of East Park Avenue, Des Moines, IA, is the reliable senior living community of Edencrest at Riverwoods that provides assisted living and memory care. Experience the highest quality of care and support with a compassionate and responsible team caring for residents’ needs and preferences around the clock. Featuring different levels of care for individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs, the community promotes a vibrant and welcoming environment where residents thrive.

Elevate your retirement with fun recreation and wellness programs, highlighting your interests and strengths. Delightful and healthy meals are also provided to foster comfort and meet dietary needs. With beautiful courtyards and pet-friendly spaces, residents enjoy a peaceful and happy retirement.

Contact Edencrest at Riverwoods

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.

Contact Independence Village of Pella

Contact Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center

3801 Grand

3801 Grand Ave, Des Moines, Ia 503122800
Overview of 3801 Grand

3801 Grand is a 106-bed senior living facility at 3801 Grand Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa. Administered by Angie Wadle, the community serves Polk County under license S0003, which is active through May 31, 2026. The facility reports a current occupancy rate of 41%, with 43 of 106 beds filled, falling below the Iowa state average of 75.4%. Located in the East Village neighborhood, the site holds a Walk Score of 91, making it a walker’s paradise where daily errands can be completed on foot.

Data from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing highlights a record of consistent regulatory strength and notable improvement. Since 2004, the facility has accumulated 22 deficiencies over 18 inspections, yielding an annual average of one violation, a figure 17% lower than the state benchmark. The most recent evaluation in October 2025 resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. This performance is part of a sustained period of compliance, with four consecutive clean inspections recorded between 2022 and 2025.

Daily clinical operations at this 28-year-old campus cover a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. While current reviews indicate high quality, a 2016 investigation led to a $3,000 civil penalty after a resident exited through an unalarmed courtyard gate. More recent minor findings from 2018 and 2021 involved inconsistent insulin administration protocols and incomplete employee background checks. Professional care is currently provided without add-on fees, featuring chef-prepared dining and specialized nutrition support.

The campus environment focuses on integrated wellness programming and social engagement across various levels of care. Shared amenities include Wi-Fi access and communal spaces specifically designed to accommodate memory care residents. Although early 2000s records noted gaps in service plan documentation and wound care delegation, the community has since earned a Best Assisted Living designation from U.S. News & World Report. According to state records, the administration has comprehensively addressed previous life safety and medication oversight concerns.

Interested individuals should consider the community’s long-term history of operational excellence and its low deficiency rate. It is recommended to verify the current functionality of all security systems and to discuss staffing stability during a personal tour. Families may contact the Des Moines office to inquire about care transitions and to ensure the facility’s clinical protocols align with their specific 2026 wellness goals.

Contact 3801 Grand

Overview of Trinity Center at Luther Park

Operating under the Gardens at Luther Park organization, Trinity Center at Luther Park is a 120-bed nursing home that provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled care for residents aged 55 and older. The building maintains a high local volume with a 91% occupancy rate and manages an extended 239-day average length of stay. Financial coverage handles a standard mix of Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay sources. The campus is built in an exceptionally walkable downtown neighborhood, making local errands and shops easily accessible on foot.

Daily care lines supply an average of 4 hours and 34 minutes of direct nursing time per resident each day, with a combination of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides covering the floor alongside on-site physical therapists. On the compliance side, public monitoring files from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing indicate that state inspectors have noted recurring administrative issues centered on care documentation, food handling protocols, and basic infection control.

Beyond the medical operations, daily life on the campus is organized around faith-based Christian values, spiritual support programs, regular activities, and local volunteer networks.

Prospective representatives researching faith-based senior care options or multi-level nursing setups can review these state health filings to assess the property’s operational history. The public records outline a busy, highly occupied facility backed by solid daily direct care hours and a walkable location, balanced against some recurring regulatory points regarding kitchen and documentation maintenance.

Contact Trinity Center at Luther Park

Overview of Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center

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.

Contact Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center

Overview of Copper Shores Village

Copper Shores Village is part of the Immanuel senior living network in Des Moines, Iowa. The community is open to residents 55 and older and spans independent living, assisted living, and memory care under one roof.

Immanuel operates outside the federal CMS framework, which means no Medicare or Medicaid certification. Private pay is the payment model here, consistent with how most faith-affiliated independent and assisted living communities in Iowa are structured. The Immanuel brand is organized around a lifelong learning and wellness orientation, with a faith-based community identity built into the model. Programming includes recreational activities and socialization; 24-hour care is available.

The Walk Score of 42 puts this in the “some errands walkable, most require a car” range, which is fairly typical for Des Moines residential neighborhoods outside the core.

Copper Shores Village is a faith-oriented, multi-level care community in Des Moines for adults 55 and older, built around wellness and engagement programming and operating on a private-pay basis as part of the Immanuel network.

Contact Copper Shores Village

Overview of Scottish Rite Park

Scottish Rite Park is an independent living community nestled in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa. For over 50 years, this nonprofit community has thrived, offering a warm and sociable atmosphere that welcomes all who enter. Scottish Rite Park provides comprehensive healthcare services that cater to varying needs. With offerings that include memory care, long-term skilled nursing, and rehabilitative care, residents can rest assured that their well-being is in capable hands. Spanning an expansive 10 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Scottish Rite Park boasts meticulously designed spaces and a myriad of opportunities for residents to connect and thrive.
Each amenity has been thoughtfully curated to cater to diverse interests and ensure that residents have ample opportunities for leisure and entertainment. From a state-of-the-art fitness center to a cozy movie theater, a penthouse for special gatherings, a delightful restaurant, and an art gallery showcasing captivating works, there is no shortage of options for residents to indulge for exciting small group activities. For a nursing home, this place exceeds expectations. Its team works hard to give residents the highest quality of life possible in their golden years.

Contact Scottish Rite Park

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.