Other senior care options in Iowa:

Best Memory Care in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 233 memory care communities in Iowa 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
Jul 2026
We analyzed
233 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:
Avg Walk Score: 45/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Iowa. 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: 71The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Memory Care around Iowa

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

Bethany Home Retirement Center
MC
IL
NH
SNF
Dubuque (Eagle Point District)
66
Facility 66
IA AVG 71
Rank #181 / 406
No
69
Facility 69
IA AVG 45
Rank #103 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed--12
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #122 / 306
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #241 / 306
Sunrise Retirement Community
MC
AL
IL
NH
RC
SNF
Sioux City
74
Facility 74
IA AVG 71
Rank #136 / 406
Yes
22
Facility 22
IA AVG 45
Rank #411 / 528
Studio- 90.5% 25
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 306
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #294 / 306
Green Hills Retirement Community
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Ames (Hamilton Drive)
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 71
Rank #233 / 406
Yes
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 45
Rank #430 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 19
Rank #24 / 284
78.6% 11
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 306
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #258 / 306
Meth Wick Community
MC
AL
IL
NH
RC
SNF
Cedar Rapids (The Meth-Wick Community)
69
Facility 69
IA AVG 71
Rank #167 / 406
No
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 45
Rank #405 / 528
-- 81.4% ---
Mill Pond
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #213 / 406
Yes
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 45
Rank #439 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #109 / 284
98.3% 16
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #147 / 306
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #210 / 306
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
West Ridge Care Center
MC
NH
SNF
Cedar Rapids
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #213 / 406
No
48
Facility 48
IA AVG 45
Rank #241 / 528
-
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 19
Rank #34 / 284
75.0% 15
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #122 / 306
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #258 / 306
Friendship Village
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Waterloo
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 71
Rank #143 / 406
Yes
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 45
Rank #202 / 528
2 Bed / 3 Bed
50
Facility 50
IA AVG 19
Rank #8 / 284
91.7% 17
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 306
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #258 / 306
Mayflower Home
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Grinnell
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #324 / 406
No
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 45
Rank #39 / 528
-- 77.5% 11
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
Mount Carmel Bluffs
MC
NH
IL
Dubuque (South Switch Junction)
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #213 / 406
No
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 45
Rank #500 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #233 / 284
93.3% 10
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 306
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #241 / 306
Spurgeon Manor
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Dallas Center
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 71
Rank #239 / 406
No
47
Facility 47
IA AVG 45
Rank #246 / 528
-- 89.1% 21
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 7
Rank #204 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
Creekside
MC
AL
IL
NH
Grundy Center
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #324 / 406
No
63
Facility 63
IA AVG 45
Rank #134 / 528
---3
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
Newton Village INC
MC
AL
HOS
IL
NH
SNF
West Newton
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 71
Rank #156 / 406
No
67
Facility 67
IA AVG 45
Rank #112 / 528
-
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 19
Rank #224 / 284
52.9% 3
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
Wilton Retirement Community
MC
AL
NH
SNF
Wilton
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 71
Rank #372 / 406
No
42
Facility 42
IA AVG 45
Rank #284 / 528
-
12
Facility 12
IA AVG 19
Rank #180 / 284
85.3% 14
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #122 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
Traditions Memory Care of Newton
MC
HOS
NH
RC
SNF
Newton
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 71
Rank #273 / 406
No
67
Facility 67
IA AVG 45
Rank #112 / 528
-- 100.0% 12
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #147 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
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Overview of Bethany Home Retirement Center

Surrounded by thriving local amenities in Dubuque, IA, Bethany Home Retirement Center is an outstanding community that offers independent living, memory care, and rehabilitation. Featuring purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance are taken care of, providing residents more time to do the things they love.

A variety of recreational activities and engaging programs are conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. With a food service program, residents enjoy delightful and healthy meals that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community also offers wellness services to improve residents’ living experiences. Residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience amidst the community’s vibrant and welcoming environment.

Contact Bethany Home Retirement Center

Overview of Sunrise Retirement Community

Welcome to Sunrise Retirement Community, a distinguished assisted living community nestled in Sioux City, Iowa. Sunrise takes great pride in its resident-centered care philosophy, focusing on individual needs and promoting the “freedom of choice” for the beloved residents. The community’s approach aims to create an inviting and less institutionalized environment, allowing residents to experience increased independence, privacy, and flexibility in their daily lives. At Sunrise, the team tailors services to cater to each resident’s unique preferences and requirements, ensuring they receive the best possible care that suits them best.

As part of Sunrise Retirement Community’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the residents, the community has embraced the Eden approach, fostering meaningful connections with children, pets, and green spaces, further enriching their daily experiences. The funding sources for Sunrise include Medicare, Medicaid, third-party arrangements, and private payment options, ensuring that compassionate care is provided while addressing residents’ financial considerations. At Sunrise Retirement Community, the staff deeply cares for the residents, establishes meaningful connections every day, leads with boldness, and serves faithfully, creating a nurturing and fulfilling environment for all. 

Contact Sunrise Retirement Community

Overview of Green Hills Retirement Community

Green Hills Retirement Community offers a vibrant lifestyle designed to support those in their golden years. This sprawling 33-acre property, nestled near Iowa State University, provides an exquisite living experience for individuals aged 55 and above. The community boasts beautifully appointed living spaces, ranging from apartments to townhomes, ensuring residents have a variety of comfortable options to choose from.Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Green Hills offers a plethora of wellness opportunities, engaging activities, and delightful restaurant-style dining experiences, creating a fulfilling environment for its residents.

They provide specialized memory care services, catering to individuals with dementia, alongside independent living options. The community is characterized by a compassionate atmosphere, where residents can enjoy their lives to the fullest. Moreover, Green Hills features a Medicare five-star rated health care center, offering both short-term and long-term services, including comprehensive rehabilitation programs. With all these amenities and services under one roof, Green Hills Retirement Community truly becomes a premier choice for residential assisted living.

Contact Green Hills Retirement Community

Overview of Meth Wick Community

Meth Wick Community is a place where life is brimming with vivid and authentic experiences. This not-for-profit community offers a range of senior living options including independent living, Independence Plus, assisted living, memory care, and nursing care. The 68-acre wooded campus has been providing care since 1961. This home also places an emphasis on wellness, offering classes to help residents maintain their physical, mental, and emotional health. 

They house bariatric specialty suits to provide additional support for those who need it. Transportation services make it easy to get around, and the 14,000 square foot social hub is the perfect place to gather with friends and neighbors. The social hub features a library, fitness room, doctor’s office, and more. Residents can even join book clubs and bus trips and stay connected with donors and the community’s needs through the Legacy newsletter. Moreover, the facility is equipped with a Wick Endowment Fund to assist residents who have exhausted their resources. They strongly prioritize security and comfort, providing both total independence and total care in one place.

Contact Meth Wick Community

Mill Pond

1201 Se Mill Pond Ct, Ankeny, IA 50021
Overview of Mill Pond

Situated in Ankeny, Iowa, Mill Pond provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services within a single mid-rise, smoke-free community. Owned by PHS Management, LLC and administered by Jesica Culp, it has supported older adults for more than 20 years. Housing options include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, and the community accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay residents.

The 60-bed setting typically maintains high occupancy and serves both short-term rehabilitation patients and long-term residents. Many Medicare residents stay for a limited recovery period before returning home. Independent living and assisted living apartments feature open layouts, full kitchens, individual climate controls, and pet-friendly accommodations.

Residents have access to daily assistance, housekeeping, laundry, social services, pastoral care, transportation, and organized recreational and fitness opportunities. Dining includes multiple meal selections, while a Presbyterian heritage continues to influence the culture and values of the community. Nursing support is available around the clock, with registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides providing an average of 4 hours and 54 minutes of care per resident each day.

Regulatory reviews conducted by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing have examined areas such as resident rights, care planning, medication records, and food safety practices. Recent complaint investigations found Mill Pond in substantial compliance, and no federal penalties have been reported in recent years.

Contact Mill Pond

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 West Ridge Care Center

West Ridge Care Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, provides exceptional long-term care and top-notch short-term rehabilitation services that truly make a difference in the lives of older adults. With their skilled care and goal-oriented treatment programs, they strive to create a safe and fulfilling environment where residents can thrive. Their nursing home facilities are designed to reflect a warm and welcoming home-like atmosphere, with beautifully appointed residence rooms, inviting dining areas, and comfortable gathering spaces where meaningful connections can be formed.

They understand the importance of nursing home activities in promoting engagement and overall well-being. From arts and crafts to group outings and interactive games, there’s always something exciting happening. West Ridge Care Center also recognizes the importance of meeting nursing home requirements to ensure the highest standards of care. They offer occupational, physical, and speech therapy to promote optimal recovery and independence. Their social services team is always there to provide support and assistance, while the dietary services team ensures that every meal is delicious, nutritious, and tailored to individual needs. In collaboration with local hospice programs, they work closely to provide compassionate end-of-life care when needed, ensuring that every resident’s journey is respected and supported.

Contact West Ridge Care Center

Overview of Friendship Village

Conveniently located near MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center in Waterloo, IA, Friendship Village is an astounding community that offers independent living, assisted living, and long-term care. The community also features beautifully furnished and spacious floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with the community helping with housekeeping and chores.

Fun recreational activities and enriching programs are conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Residents also enjoy a delightful dining experience with delicious and well-balanced meals to meet their dietary needs and preferences. Pets are welcome to stay to ease residents’ loneliness. The community is ideal for those seeking independence in retirement, especially with its vibrant and welcoming environment.

Contact Friendship Village

Overview of Mayflower Home

The Mayflower Home operates a 40-bed skilled nursing wing at its Broad Street campus in Grinnell, Iowa, under the management of administrator Kellie McGriff. This community accommodates residents aged 55 and older, coordinating patient accounts through private pay, Medicare, and Medicaid. Stays here average roughly 331 days, indicating a residential population where long-term care plans are integrated with temporary post-hospital rehabilitation.

Daily care routines are supported by an on-floor nursing team providing an average of 5 hours and 2 minutes of direct attention per resident. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides distribute this 24-hour schedule to manage wound protocols, medication delivery, and active physical therapies. Residents have access to recreational programs organized by the internal residents’ association, while the surrounding Grinnell neighborhood scores a high 82 out of 100 for walkability, allowing visiting families to manage most local trips on foot.

Past inspections by state regulators identified some necessary updates in care documentation and quality procedures, which the administration resolved; the most recent complaint investigation confirmed the home remains in substantial compliance. Current occupancy levels hover around 78 percent, giving the management room to accommodate incoming admissions.

Families can reach out to the admissions office to check on current bed availability, request details on the residents’ association events, or set up a time to view the campus.

Contact Mayflower Home

Overview of Mount Carmel Bluffs

Enjoy the best of your golden years at Mount Carmel Bluffs, an outstanding community in Dubuque, IA, offering independent living. The community also offers enriched living, memory care, and long-term care to meet residents’ healthcare needs. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with housekeeping and other maintenance services.

Plenty of local shops and recreational spaces surround the area, providing residents with unending leisure and wellness opportunities. Residents can also prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences with a fully furnished kitchen in each unit. The community’s extensive amenities and exceptional services create the ideal setting for the finest retirement experience.

Contact Mount Carmel Bluffs

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
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Memory Care in Iowa

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 233 memory care communities in Iowa. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right memory care community in Iowa?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Iowa, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting memory care communities in Iowa?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.