Other senior care options in Iowa:

Page 15 of Best Memory Care in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 232 memory care communities in IA using IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & 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
232 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:
Avg Walk Score: 47/ 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: 72The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Memory Care around Iowa

Info below is compiled from the IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Green Hills Retirement Community
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Ames (Hamilton Drive)
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 72
Rank #232 / 404
Yes
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 47
Rank #430 / 505
1 Bed / 2 Bed
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 19
Rank #25 / 286
78.6% 11
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 295
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #249 / 295
Sunrise Retirement Community
MC
AL
IL
NH
RC
SNF
Sioux City
74
Facility 74
IA AVG 72
Rank #136 / 404
Yes
22
Facility 22
IA AVG 47
Rank #411 / 505
Studio
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 19
Rank #5 / 286
90.5% 25
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 295
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #285 / 295
Mill Pond
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 72
Rank #213 / 404
Yes
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 47
Rank #438 / 505
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #106 / 286
98.3% 16
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #146 / 295
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #201 / 295
Wesley Acres
MC
ADC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 72
Rank #105 / 404
Yes
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 47
Rank #89 / 505
-- 91.3% 21
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 7
Rank #202 / 295
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #249 / 295
Bethany Home Retirement Center
MC
IL
NH
SNF
Dubuque (Eagle Point District)
66
Facility 66
IA AVG 72
Rank #181 / 404
No
69
Facility 69
IA AVG 47
Rank #103 / 505
1 Bed / 2 Bed--12
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #121 / 295
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #232 / 295
West Ridge Care Center
MC
NH
SNF
Cedar Rapids
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 72
Rank #213 / 404
No
48
Facility 48
IA AVG 47
Rank #241 / 505
-
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 19
Rank #35 / 286
75.0% 15
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #121 / 295
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #249 / 295
Meth Wick Community
MC
AL
IL
NH
RC
SNF
Cedar Rapids (The Meth-Wick Community)
69
Facility 69
IA AVG 72
Rank #167 / 404
No
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 47
Rank #405 / 505
-- 81.4% ---
Friendship Village
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Waterloo
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 72
Rank #143 / 404
Yes
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 47
Rank #202 / 505
2 Bed / 3 Bed
50
Facility 50
IA AVG 19
Rank #9 / 286
91.7% 17
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 295
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #249 / 295
Mount Carmel Bluffs
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Dubuque (South Switch Junction)
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 72
Rank #213 / 404
No
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 47
Rank #499 / 505
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #233 / 286
93.3% 10
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 295
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #232 / 295
Mayflower Home
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Grinnell
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 72
Rank #323 / 404
No
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 47
Rank #39 / 505
-- 77.5% 11
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 295
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 295
Spurgeon Manor
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Dallas Center
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 72
Rank #238 / 404
No
47
Facility 47
IA AVG 47
Rank #246 / 505
-- 89.1% 21
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 7
Rank #202 / 295
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 295
Newton Village INC
MC
AL
HOS
IL
NH
SNF
West Newton
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 72
Rank #156 / 404
Yes
67
Facility 67
IA AVG 47
Rank #112 / 505
-
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 19
Rank #224 / 286
52.9% 3
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 295
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 295
Wilton Retirement Community
MC
AL
NH
SNF
Wilton
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 72
Rank #371 / 404
No
42
Facility 42
IA AVG 47
Rank #284 / 505
-
12
Facility 12
IA AVG 19
Rank #178 / 286
85.3% 14
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #121 / 295
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 295
Traditions Memory Care of Newton
MC
HOS
NH
RC
SNF
Newton
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 72
Rank #272 / 404
No
67
Facility 67
IA AVG 47
Rank #112 / 505
-- 100.0% 12
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #146 / 295
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 295
Sunrise Hill Care Center
MC
AL
IL
NH
Traer
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 72
Rank #125 / 404
No
45
Facility 45
IA AVG 47
Rank #262 / 505
-- 69.7% 18
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 7
Rank #233 / 295
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 295
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Oakwood Care Center

400 Highway 18 West, Clear Lake, Ia 504281108
Overview of Oakwood Care Center

Set along Highway 18 West in Clear Lake, Iowa, Oakwood Care Center functions as an 80-bed church-affiliated nonprofit nursing home. The community covers patient expenses through private pay networks alongside standard Medicare and Medicaid authorizations. With a steady base of 60 residents, the everyday routine balances transitional rehabilitation therapy with longer-term skilled nursing attention, maintaining a stable average length of stay around 134 days.

Clinical care routines are structured around a floor team that provides an average of 3 hours and 25 minutes of direct attention per resident daily. Registered nurses deliver 28 minutes of this hands-on schedule, collaborating with licensed practical nurses and nursing aides to direct both indoor recovery sessions and ongoing physical check-ups.

The community features practical features like open dining configurations, cable television, and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building, while the surrounding neighborhood provides a moderate layout where basic retail services are reachable on foot.

State files from the local health department indicate a reliable administrative history, with overall inspection outcomes showing solid compliance with medical safety rules. The facility currently operates at about a two-thirds census baseline, allowing the management to offer flexible room matching and immediate placement openings for incoming admissions.

Prospective residents can get in touch with the admissions manager to check on current room layouts, learn about the physical therapy setups, or schedule a morning to walk through the building.

Contact Oakwood Care Center

Overview of Good Samaritan Society – Holstein

Located in Holstein, Iowa, Good Samaritan Society – Holstein is a 60-bed nursing home owned by Troy Anderson. The facility has an occupancy rate of 82%, and residents stay an average of 262 days. The resident population includes both short-term rehabilitation patients and those receiving longer-term care.

Rehabilitation is at the center of the home’s care programs. The facility offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, along with caregiver support. It’s a setting that serves residents recovering from surgery, injury, or hospitalization who need skilled nursing care and structured therapeutic support.

Daily nursing care averages about 4 hours and 13 minutes per resident. Registered nurses, nursing aides, and licensed practical nurses make up the care team, so hands-on clinical support is part of daily life. Good Samaritan Society accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. This way, families have several ways to arrange coverage for both short-term rehabilitation and ongoing care.

State inspections have focused on care documentation and planning, the implementation of advance directives, oral health practices, nursing oversight, and infection control procedures. The facility continues to work through these areas as part of maintaining safe and coordinated care. They’re important topics families may want to discuss during a visit.

Holstein has a Walk Score of 46. Some nearby services are within walking distance, but most trips require transportation. It’s a quieter small-town setting that may appeal to some families. The facility also works with family members and caregivers throughout a resident’s stay, whether it’s for short-term recovery or longer-term care.

Contact Good Samaritan Society – Holstein

Overview of The Meadows

Make the most of your best years at The Meadows, a welcoming retreat in Manchester, IA, offering assisted living. Featuring specially designed and secure accommodations, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with a compassionate and well-trained team helping with their daily living activities around the clock.

A thoughtfully planned calendar of engaging activities and fun recreational programs is conducted, encouraging residents to interact with their surroundings and live actively. Residents have a delightful dining experience with delicious and well-balanced dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those needing assistance to live comfortably in retirement, especially with its exceptional care and well-maintained amenities.

Contact The Meadows

Overview of Calvin Community Al
Calvin Community Al is a faith-based, not-for-profit retirement community located in Des Moines, Iowa. It offers a complete continuum of care options including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community focuses on providing individualized care in a warm and supportive environment.

Contact Calvin Community AL

Overview of Stirlingshire of Coralville Al

Stirlingshire of Coralville Al is a 112-bed senior living facility at 1140 Kennedy Parkway in Coralville, Iowa. Administered by Amy Kubik-Hasley, the community serves Johnson County under license S0444, valid through April 9, 2027. Current data shows a 48% occupancy rate with 54 residents, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 75.4%. With a Walk Score of 25, the location is car-dependent for most local services.

State oversight from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing highlights recent safety-related compliance challenges. Since 2021, the facility has recorded nine total deficiencies across five inspections, an average of 1.8 per review. While the most recent July 2025 inspection resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero, this follows an October 2024 investigation that substantiated five deficiencies. These 2024 findings included delayed responses to emergency pendants, medication administration errors, and non-functioning safety equipment during fall incidents.

Clinical care at this five-year-old campus includes independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. A March 2024 recertification identified deficiencies regarding inadequate care for a resident hospitalized for a drug overdose and unsanitary medication administration practices. Initial 2021 records also noted foundational gaps, such as staff failing to complete mandatory dependent adult abuse training and orientation on food handling protocols. The community offers curated dining and designed amenities but has struggled with maintaining consistent resident evaluation schedules.

The residential environment is focused on providing a retirement setting with specialized memory care options. Occupancy has fluctuated since opening, rising from nine residents in 2021 to a peak of 63 in early 2024 before settling at the current 54. While no formal fines or license suspensions have been documented, the facility’s short operational history includes substantiated reports of inconsistent shower schedules and incomplete assistance with daily living tasks. Management has implemented corrective actions following the late 2024 safety failures.

Families can contact the Coralville office to discuss current staffing levels and confirm that 2026 safety standards for medication and emergency response are being strictly maintained.

Contact Stirlingshire of Coralville AL

Overview of Visiting Angels in Cedar Rapids

Designed to support older adults living with dementia or other cognitive changes, Visiting Angels in Cedar Rapids is a memory care community in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Its single-story layout creates an accessible environment that is easier to navigate for residents who may experience confusion or difficulty with orientation.

Private and semi-private room options give families flexibility when selecting a living arrangement. The community also provides structured daily activities, a secure setting, and trained staff who specialize in behavioral and cognitive support to meet the unique needs of memory care residents.

The surrounding neighborhood has a walkability score of 46, allowing access to some nearby services on foot, although most errands and visits require a vehicle. Families can schedule an in-person tour to explore the residences, learn about the care approach, review safety features and daily programming, and determine whether the community is the right fit for their loved one’s needs.

Contact Visiting Angels in Cedar Rapids

Overview of Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Considerably one of the trusted senior living communities in the city, Woodlands Creek offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care lifestyle in a warm and welcoming environment for the residents– making them feel right at home. The retirement home strives in promoting an engaging social life for the seniors to create endless possibilities for them as well as develop meaningful relationships that blossom into wonderful memories. Woodlands is the home where people and interests are mattered and cared for.

The resident lifestyle of independent living seniors is focused on maintaing an active lifestyle by offering them a range of scheduled activities. Assisted living levels of care offer a range of services focused on the individualized and personal care needs of its residents: transportation, a geriatric physician, and a 24/7 nursing staff– the same goes for the memory care unit.

Contact Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Overview of Silveridge, an Eventide Community

Silveridge, An Eventide Community, is a 72-bed assisted living facility located at 12 Silveridge Drive in Denison, Iowa. Administered by Kara Webb, the community serves Crawford County as an Eventide-affiliated property under a license active through July 2027. Current data shows a 50% occupancy rate with 36 residents, reflecting steady growth since its initial licensing. The location holds a Walk Score of 33, indicating that errands and outside activities require vehicle transportation.

State oversight from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing highlights a record of perfect regulatory compliance. Throughout its 15-year operational history, the facility has recorded zero regulatory deficiencies. All eight inspections conducted between 2011 and September 2025 resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. Available state records show no history of fines, enforcement actions, or substantiated complaint investigations.

Daily clinical operations include specialized memory care, rehabilitation services, and short-term respite care. Professional support is delivered by licensed nurses and CNAs through a 24-hour staffing model. Clinical reviews consistently note satisfactory program operations and positive tenant feedback regarding personal and health-related services. The facility provides apartment-style living accommodations designed to support residents with cognitive decline or those recovering from illness.

The residential environment is maintained with a focus on housekeeping and program consistency. As an Eventide-affiliated community, the facility operates with local senior living expertise and offers a range of social activities within its 72-bed campus. While the property is independently licensed, it provides a larger-scale setting compared to many rural alternatives, allowing for dedicated memory care and rehabilitation programming.

Families seeking a high level of regulatory consistency may find this community’s unblemished 15-year record particularly notable. It is recommended to observe the interactions between the nursing staff and memory care residents during a personal tour to confirm the facility’s individualized approach. Interested individuals can contact the administration to discuss current availability and ensure the community’s established care protocols meet their 2026 requirements.

Contact Silveridge, An Eventide Community, LLC

Cornerstone AL

302 2Nd Street Ne, Mason City, Ia 504013412
Overview of Cornerstone Al

Cornerstone operates a 92-bed nursing wing at 300 2nd Street Northeast in Mason City, Iowa. Managed under the Good Shepherd Geriatric Center network, the facility records a compact daily layout, running at a 33 percent occupancy rate with approximately 30 residents. The front desk coordinates medical billing across traditional out-of-pocket transactions, federal Medicare benefits, and standard state Medicaid channels. Stays at this location average about 188 days, establishing a daily schedule that blends short-term therapy cases with permanent skilled placements.

The building is highly integrated into its local neighborhood, holding a walkability score of 84 out of 100, meaning visiting family members can easily step out to handle everyday errands entirely on foot. Inside the facility, floor crews arrange a schedule that delivers a daily average of 4 hours and 27 minutes of direct hands-on nursing attention to each person. Shift routines mix the time of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides who supply 24-hour treatment tracking alongside temporary respite care stays to assist families through home health transitions.

State safety logs map out historical compliance patterns under standard health and code reviews over the past two decades. Periodic evaluation surveys have focused on standard healthcare documentation workflows, including administrative medication records, nurse delegation logs, and general environmental safety tracking. The most recent complaint investigation by state health authorities closed out with zero regulatory citations, confirming full alignment with standard public health codes.

Prospective residents can get in touch with the admissions office to double-check waiting list details, learn about the temporary respite setups, or schedule a time to walk through the property.

Contact Cornerstone AL

Overview of Bavarian Meadows

Bavarian Meadows is a 44-bed independent and assisted living community located at 632 L14 in Remsen, Iowa. Administered by Kerry Sudtelgte and in operation for 16 years, the facility serves Plymouth County with a license valid through May 2027. The community currently reports a census of 19 residents, representing a 43% occupancy rate, which is below the Iowa state average of 75.4%. Its location carries a Walk Score of 49, making the facility’s scheduled transportation necessary for most local errands.

Over 15 years of monitoring, the campus has averaged 0.5 deficiencies annually, a rate 72% lower than the state benchmark. Most recently, the August 2025 recertification survey resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. While isolated findings in 2013 and 2017 addressed service planning and staff background checks, there have been no documented fines or enforcement actions in the facility’s history.

Clinical care is provided by a 24-hour professional team that manages medication administration and health monitoring. Professional services include personalized assistance with activities of daily living and specialized memory care support for residents with cognitive impairment. The care model emphasizes maintaining resident independence through regular wellness assessments and the presence of on-site nursing staff. Monthly rates for assisted living typically start at approximately $4,474.

The residential environment features private apartment homes with access to shared gardens and outdoor seating areas. Amenities include restaurant-style dining with chef-inspired meals, weekly housekeeping, and laundry services. Social engagement is supported through a calendar of life-enriching activities, such as crafts, games, and music therapy. The community operates with a no-pet policy and includes emergency response systems in all living units.

Prospective representatives seeking a small-scale, established community with a strong regulatory history may find this setting appropriate. Families are encouraged to verify current availability for private suites and confirm the frequency of social outings before making a placement decision.

Contact Bavarian Meadows

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 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 232 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.