Best Memory Care in Iowa

Reviewed by

Last updated

May 2026

We analyzed

504 homes in Iowa

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

Other Senior care options in Iowa:

Assisted Living Nursing Homes Independent Living

Ames Ankeny Burlington Cedar Falls Cedar Rapids Clinton Council Bluffs Davenport Des Moines Harlan Iowa City Marion Sioux City Urbandale West Des Moines

Compare Memory Care around Iowa

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

Click column headers to sort


Grand Living At Tower Place	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. 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.	West Des Moines (South 51St Street)	76 Facility 76 IA AVG 73 Rank #134 / 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 65.7% Rank #287 / 378	7	3 Facility 3 IA AVG 6.3 Rank #96 / 347	1 Facility 1 IA AVG 0.8 Rank #249 / 347
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	93 Facility 93 IA AVG 73 Rank #84 / 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 65.7% Rank #224 / 378	9	6 Facility 6 IA AVG 6.3 Rank #192 / 347	- Facility - IA AVG 0.8 Rank #1 / 347
Ramsey Village Continuing Care	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. 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. 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.	Des Moines (Drake)	78 Facility 78 IA AVG 73 Rank #128 / 407	Yes	38 Facility 38 IA AVG 45 Rank #305 / 528	1 bed / 2 bed	1 Facility 1 IA AVG 19 Rank #267 / 282	85.8% Facility 85.8% IA AVG 65.7% Rank #88 / 378	23	8 Facility 8 IA AVG 6.3 Rank #232 / 347	2 Facility 2 IA AVG 0.8 Rank #280 / 347
Holland Farms	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. 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. 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.	Norwalk	116 Facility 116 IA AVG 73 Rank #49 / 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 65.7% Rank #344 / 378	7	3 Facility 3 IA AVG 6.3 Rank #96 / 347	- Facility - IA AVG 0.8 Rank #1 / 347
Sunset Park Place	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. 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.	Dubuque	101 Facility 101 IA AVG 73 Rank #70 / 407	Yes	36 Facility 36 IA AVG 45 Rank #324 / 528	1 Bed / 2 Bed	24 Facility 24 IA AVG 19 Rank #97 / 282	46.5% Facility 46.5% IA AVG 65.7% Rank #298 / 378	25	14 Facility 14 IA AVG 6.3 Rank #312 / 347	3 Facility 3 IA AVG 0.8 Rank #297 / 347
Ridgecrest Village	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. 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. 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.	Davenport (Northwest Boulevard)	82 Facility 82 IA AVG 73 Rank #110 / 407	Yes	41 Facility 41 IA AVG 45 Rank #287 / 528	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	1 Facility 1 IA AVG 19 Rank #267 / 282	67.1% Facility 67.1% IA AVG 65.7% Rank #191 / 378	20	6 Facility 6 IA AVG 6.3 Rank #192 / 347	3 Facility 3 IA AVG 0.8 Rank #297 / 347
Quartet – A Senior Living Village	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. 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.	Bettendorf	64 Facility 64 IA AVG 73 Rank #198 / 407	Yes	7 Facility 7 IA AVG 45 Rank #482 / 528	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	3 Facility 3 IA AVG 19 Rank #250 / 282	43.8% Facility 43.8% IA AVG 65.7% Rank #310 / 378	5	2 Facility 2 IA AVG 6.3 Rank #60 / 347	- Facility - IA AVG 0.8 Rank #1 / 347
Bickford of West Des Moines	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. 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.	West Des Moines (Hawthorne Drive)	66 Facility 66 IA AVG 73 Rank #189 / 407	Yes	59 Facility 59 IA AVG 45 Rank #160 / 528	Private Rooms	27 Facility 27 IA AVG 19 Rank #61 / 282	53.0% Facility 53.0% IA AVG 65.7% Rank #244 / 378	32	15 Facility 15 IA AVG 6.3 Rank #318 / 347	7 Facility 7 IA AVG 0.8 Rank #342 / 347
Edencrest at Siena Hills	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. 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. 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.	Ankeny	132 Facility 132 IA AVG 73 Rank #29 / 407	Yes	46 Facility 46 IA AVG 45 Rank #255 / 528	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	8 Facility 8 IA AVG 19 Rank #202 / 282	42.4% Facility 42.4% IA AVG 65.7% Rank #322 / 378	13	7 Facility 7 IA AVG 6.3 Rank #211 / 347	1 Facility 1 IA AVG 0.8 Rank #249 / 347
Mill Pond	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. 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. 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.	Ankeny	60 Facility 60 IA AVG 73 Rank #220 / 407	Yes	16 Facility 16 IA AVG 45 Rank #439 / 528	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	23 Facility 23 IA AVG 19 Rank #107 / 282	98.3% Facility 98.3% IA AVG 65.7% Rank #12 / 378	16	5 Facility 5 IA AVG 6.3 Rank #164 / 347	1 Facility 1 IA AVG 0.8 Rank #249 / 347
The Heritage at Fox Run	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. HC Home Care Professional care delivered in the person's own home — from companionship and errands to skilled nursing and therapy. Allows seniors to age in place. Medicare covers skilled home health when medically necessary. 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. 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.	Council Bluffs	132 Facility 132 IA AVG 73 Rank #29 / 407	Yes	14 Facility 14 IA AVG 45 Rank #444 / 528	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	25 Facility 25 IA AVG 19 Rank #87 / 282	50.8% Facility 50.8% IA AVG 65.7% Rank #255 / 378	15	5 Facility 5 IA AVG 6.3 Rank #164 / 347	2 Facility 2 IA AVG 0.8 Rank #280 / 347
Green Hills Retirement Community	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. 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. 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.	Ames (Hamilton Drive)	56 Facility 56 IA AVG 73 Rank #240 / 407	Yes	18 Facility 18 IA AVG 45 Rank #430 / 528	1 Bed / 2 Bed	40 Facility 40 IA AVG 19 Rank #24 / 282	78.6% Facility 78.6% IA AVG 65.7% Rank #128 / 378	11	2 Facility 2 IA AVG 6.3 Rank #60 / 347	3 Facility 3 IA AVG 0.8 Rank #297 / 347
Meadowview of Davenport	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. 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. 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.	Davenport	56 Facility 56 IA AVG 73 Rank #240 / 407	No	61 Facility 61 IA AVG 45 Rank #145 / 528	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	3 Facility 3 IA AVG 19 Rank #250 / 282	-	1	- Facility - IA AVG 6.3 Rank #1 / 347	- Facility - IA AVG 0.8 Rank #1 / 347
Edencrest at Pleasant Hill	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. 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. 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.	Pleasant Hill	140 Facility 140 IA AVG 73 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 65.7% Rank #377 / 378	2	1 Facility 1 IA AVG 6.3 Rank #33 / 347	- Facility - IA AVG 0.8 Rank #1 / 347
Edencrest at Green Meadows	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. 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. 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.	Johnston (Corporate Drive)	128 Facility 128 IA AVG 73 Rank #33 / 407	Yes	20 Facility 20 IA AVG 45 Rank #421 / 528	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	10 Facility 10 IA AVG 19 Rank #189 / 282	39.8% Facility 39.8% IA AVG 65.7% Rank #339 / 378	14	11 Facility 11 IA AVG 6.3 Rank #286 / 347	- Facility - IA AVG 0.8 Rank #1 / 347

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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

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

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

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

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

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

Includes
Occupancy Rate
Bed Options

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

Memory Care in Ames, IA

Memory Care in Ankeny, IA

Memory Care in Burlington, IA

Memory Care in Cedar Falls, IA

Memory Care in Cedar Rapids, IA

Memory Care in Clinton, IA

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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 2 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.

Best Memory Care in Iowa

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Compare Memory Care around Iowa

Heritage House

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Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Contact Woodlands Creek Senior Living