Other senior care options in Iowa:

Best Memory Care in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 231 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
Jun 2026
We analyzed
231 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.

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
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
Ramsey Village Continuing Care
MC
AL
IL
NH
RC
Des Moines (Drake)
78
Facility 78
IA AVG 71
Rank #119 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
1 bed / 2 bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 19
Rank #268 / 282
85.8%
Facility 85.8%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #91 / 379
23
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #224 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 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
Sunset Park Place
MC
AL
RC
Dubuque
101
Facility 101
IA AVG 71
Rank #66 / 407
Yes
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 45
Rank #324 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 19
Rank #98 / 282
46.5%
Facility 46.5%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #302 / 379
25
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #308 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Ridgecrest Village
MC
AL
IL
NH
Davenport (Northwest Boulevard)
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 71
Rank #100 / 407
Yes
41
Facility 41
IA AVG 45
Rank #287 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 19
Rank #268 / 282
67.1%
Facility 67.1%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #196 / 379
20
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #187 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
The Summit of Coralville
MC
AL
IL
RC
Coralville
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 71
Rank #191 / 407
Yes
20
Facility 20
IA AVG 45
Rank #421 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #211 / 282
53.1%
Facility 53.1%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #247 / 379
8
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #158 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Quartet – A Senior Living Village
MC
AL
Bettendorf
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 71
Rank #191 / 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 66.2%
Rank #313 / 379
5
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #57 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Northcrest Community
MC
AL
IL
NC
NH
Ames
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 71
Rank #191 / 407
No
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 45
Rank #324 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
50.0%
Facility 50.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #263 / 379
2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #1 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Bickford of West Des Moines
MC
AL
West Des Moines (Hawthorne Drive)
66
Facility 66
IA AVG 71
Rank #182 / 407
Yes
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 45
Rank #160 / 528
Private Rooms
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 19
Rank #62 / 282
53.0%
Facility 53.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #249 / 379
32
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #316 / 348
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #343 / 348
Edencrest at Siena Hills
MC
AL
IL
RC
Ankeny
132
Facility 132
IA AVG 71
Rank #28 / 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 66.2%
Rank #325 / 379
13
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #205 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Mill Pond
MC
AL
IL
NH
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #214 / 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 66.2%
Rank #14 / 379
16
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #158 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
The Heritage at Fox Run
MC
AL
HC
IL
Council Bluffs
132
Facility 132
IA AVG 71
Rank #28 / 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 66.2%
Rank #260 / 379
15
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #158 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
The Views of Marion
MC
AL
NH
Marion
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #214 / 407
No
37
Facility 37
IA AVG 45
Rank #315 / 528
Private Rooms
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 19
Rank #211 / 282
48.3%
Facility 48.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #282 / 379
4
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
Overview of Lakeside Village

Set within the area of Panora, IA, Lakeside Village is an idyllic senior living community, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community guarantees their much needed independence with the benefit of added care and assistance with their daily living activities. In addition to a personal emergency call system, a round the clock team is available to attend to residents’ needs, concerns, and emergencies, giving them peace of mind and comfort.

Free from the hassles of maintaining their living spaces, residents can fully devote their time to enrichment and enjoyment with an array of activities to engage in. Restaurant style meals are also provided each day to give residents the nutrients and energy they need to stay active. An array of beautiful amenities are offered as well to make residents stay within the community more pleasing and enjoyable.

Contact Lakeside Village

Edencrest at Timberline

14001 Douglas Pkwy, Urbandale, Ia 50323, Usa
Overview of Edencrest at Timberline

Step into a nurturing environment with Edencrest at Timberline, a blissful senior living community in Urbandale, IA, designed to help residents achieve their highest potential. Offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care, the community makes sure its residents successfully age in place. Residents thrive and feel secure in their well-designed accommodations with access to gorgeous outdoor spaces and indoor conveniences.

Dedicated to its residents’ holistic wellness, the community provides various wellness programs and fitness classes. Access to a range of therapy services is available through Fox Rehabilitation, helping residents maintain their overall functions. Fresh, healthy meals are served daily alongside housekeeping and laundry services for a chore-free retirement experience.

Contact Edencrest at Timberline

Overview of Keystone Senior Suites

Make the most of your best years at Keystone Senior Suites, a distinguished community in Keystone, IA, offering assisted living. Residents can keep their peace of mind with a compassionate and well-trained team that provides top-notch care tailored to their daily living activities and personal needs around the clock. With housekeeping and laundry services, residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

Dedicated to enhancing residents’ living experience, a thoughtfully curated calendar of enriching activities and stimulating programs is conducted. Mealtimes are something to look forward to, with delicious and healthy dining options served to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is a good option for those needing assistance to live comfortably in retirement, especially with its quality services and well-maintained amenities.

Contact Keystone Senior Suites

Overview of Mercy Hospital

Nestled in Iowa City, Mercy Hospital exudes a sense of grace as it navigates the intricate landscape of the aging process. With a keen understanding of seniors’ needs, the hospital provides an array of services that go beyond the ordinary. From offering specialized nursing home care to addressing a diverse range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and more, Mercy Hospital is a trusted haven for seniors seeking comprehensive and attentive medical support.

As an institution attuned to the highest nursing home requirements, Mercy Hospital offers a holistic approach to seniors’ well-being. From osteoporosis to osteoarthritis, their comprehensive services encompass a spectrum of conditions that come with aging. The hospital’s commitment to monitoring and addressing potential complications showcases its dedication to delivering care that goes above and beyond. Backed by a team of compassionate and skilled professionals, Mercy Hospital ensures seniors receive the tailored support they deserve during their golden years.

Contact Mercy Hospital

Overview of Iowa Veterans Home

Experience the charm and warmth of Iowa Veterans Home in Johnston, IA, a high-quality community where vibrant living is paired with exceptional care. Providing assisted living and skilled nursing options, this community ensures that each resident receives personalized support tailored to their individual needs. Residents can enjoy comfortable, well-designed apartments that blend style with coziness. Conveniently located near shopping and dining, the community offers a perfect balance of peace and accessibility.

Iowa Veterans Home features a variety of enriching amenities, including indoor common areas for social gatherings. Residents can take part in numerous activities that align with their interests and promote a strong sense of community. Here, each day crafted with joy, comfort, and a dedication to exceptional living.

Contact Iowa Veterans Home

Overview of Heartwood House

Heartwood House is a cherished haven for seniors in Ames, Iowa. This beloved community provides round-the-clock support to seniors, ensuring their well-being 24 hours a day. Specializing in memory care, Heartwood House offers a range of services including diabetic care, medication management, wheelchair-accessible showers, and respite care. The facility boasts both indoor and outdoor common areas, all meticulously secured for residents’ safety. Convenient resident parking is available, enhancing accessibility.

Beyond its comprehensive care services, Heartwood House is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere. Seniors here enjoy a plethora of engaging activities, ensuring their days are filled with joy and companionship. It’s a tastefully designed community where residents find comfort, camaraderie, and a fulfilling lifestyle. Heartwood House is especially well-regarded for its Alzheimer’s care, providing residents with a warm, inviting, and secure environment, making it an ideal choice for those seeking top-tier memory care living.

Contact Heartwood House

Overview of Touchstone Living Center

Introducing Touchstone Living Center, a prominent senior living provider located in Sioux City, Iowa. They offer an array of nursing home services for their valued residents.

Discover a compassionate and supportive community where seniors can thrive and receive the care they deserve.

Contact Touchstone Living Center

Overview of The Views of Cedar Rapids | Meadowview Memory Care

A memory care community on F Avenue NW in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is The Views of Cedar Rapids | Meadowview Memory Care. Its neighborhood has a Walk Score of 47, so a few nearby services and errands are walkable, but most outings and appointments require a car. The location has reasonable access to local medical services and shopping without needing a long drive from central Cedar Rapids.

Such memory care communities are designed for people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other memory-related conditions. Unlike general assisted living, memory care highlights the unique challenges present in progressive cognitive changes, confusion, disorientation, and difficulty with daily tasks. A dedicated memory care setting typically offers secured environments where residents can move about safely, staff trained in dementia-specific methods, and daily programming built around familiar activities and gentle engagement instead of stimulation or demand. The daily feel in memory care communities is usually routinary and calm. Helping residents feel more secure, meals, activities, and personal care follow schedules. Many memory care communities supply therapeutic activities like reminiscence programs, art, music, and gardening that connect to long-term memory and can boost mood and engagement. Good memory care also means family involvement is encouraged, and staff know how to talk to those with memory changes.

Families scouting memory care options in Cedar Rapids must plan to visit the facility in person. An on-site tour allows you to see the physical environment, meet the staff, and observe residents-caregiver interactions. Ask about certain details like staffing ratios, dementia care training, meal preparation, activities programming, and how the community handles behavioral changes that sometimes come with memory loss. These talks will help you know if the community’s approach matches your family’s values and your loved one’s needs.

Contact The Views of Cedar Rapids | MeadowView Memory Care

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

Overview of Friendship Haven

Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge, IA, is a non-profit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that offers independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. With a nurturing, home-like environment, the community ensures older adults can live comfortably during their stay. Light housekeeping, nutritious meals, and medication management are among the excellent services provided to improve residents’ living experiences. Residents also receive the utmost attention and care to recover and return to their routines with ease through personalized care plans.

Strength exercises, social events, and various recreational activities ensure residents can make friends and have fun. Safe trails, accessible common areas, and a garden also provide residents with more opportunities for recreation and wellness. Located near the Fort Museum and Frontier Village and bus stops along Kenyon Road, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. This CCRC has a wide range of care options and a clean setting, making it a great choice for senior living in Iowa.

Contact Friendship Haven

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 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 231 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.