Other senior care options in Iowa:

Page 17 of 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 MeadowView Memory Care Village

MeadowView Memory Care Village, located within The Views of Cedar Rapids in Cedar Rapids, IA, is an assisted living community with specialty in memory care services. Their community facility is specifically designed to help individuals with memory related challenges, thrive and stay as independent as possible despite their memory loss. As part of their care services, their residents are provided 24/7 supervision and care, as well as assistance with daily living activities as needed.
Additionally, MeadowView offers a beautiful array of amenities that provides additional comfort for the residents. Their atrium provides a small town setting that offers normal day experiences but in a secure environment. This includes a trip to the post office, or cooling at the ice cream parlor.

Contact MeadowView Memory Care Village

Overview of Solon Assisted Living Village

Solon Assisted Living Village is a 36-bed retirement community at 623 E. 5th Street in Solon, Iowa. Administered by Melissa Reed, the facility serves Johnson County and operates as part of a campus that has served the local area since 1973. Current occupancy is reported at 47%, with 17 of 36 beds filled. The location is moderately walkable, holding a Walk Score of 54.

Recent oversight from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing highlights a return to high compliance standards. Over the last 16 years, the facility has recorded an annual average of 0.9 deficiencies, which is 47% better than the state average. Most recently, the March 2025 recertification resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. This performance marks a notable correction from 2022, when a survey identified nine deficiencies involving medication administration and resident privacy.

Daily clinical services utilize a multi-level care model that includes independent condos, assisted living, and skilled nursing. While current evaluations are clean, a December 2023 complaint investigation substantiated a violation of tenant rights regarding unauthorized restrictions on visitor access. Professional support is provided by licensed nurses and CNAs, who facilitate transitions between care levels as resident needs change. The campus also provides outpatient therapy and long-term nursing care.

The residential environment is community-owned and provides a setting for seniors to age in place without a corporate parent entity. Shared features include nutrition support, wellness programs, and social activities tailored to a small-town retirement setting. Although the facility has faced a declining occupancy trend in recent years, its long-term operational history in Solon provides a stable foundation for the continuing care model.

Prospective representatives should note the facility’s success in achieving zero deficiencies in its most recent 2025 state review. It is recommended to discuss current visitor policies and medication oversight protocols with the administrator to ensure that previous documentation gaps remain resolved. Interested individuals can contact the administrative office to verify current staffing ratios and to confirm that the community’s personalized care standards meet their 2026 residential goals.

Contact Solon Assisted Living Village

Overview of The Kensington in Fort Madison

Nestled in the vibrant community of Fort Madison, IA, The Kensington in Fort Madison is an esteemed senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care services. A wide array of spacious and cozy accommodations ranging from studio to deluxe studio, one-bedroom, large one-bedroom, deluxe suite, and deluxe one-bedroom are available for its residents. The community is committed to providing a warm an supportive atmosphere for its residents to live a more fulfilling life. In terms of memory care, the community thoughtfully created a memory care neighborhood called Primrose Path catering to the needs of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Known for its top-notch amenities and services, residents can enjoy 3 delectable and healthy home-cooked meals, housekeeping and laundry services, and complimentary health care services. Meet new companions in recreational trips and scenic tours with transportation provided. Further self-care efforts by going to an on-site salon. Equipped with the right tools and people, seniors are guaranteed a wonderful retirement with The Kensington in Fort Madison.

Contact The Kensington in Fort Madison

Bickford of Iowa City

3500 Lower West Branch Rd, Iowa City, IA 52245
Overview of Bickford of Iowa City

Bickford of Iowa City offers compassionate assisted living services in Iowa City. With a genuine dedication to seniors, their authentic approach shines through in every aspect of care. The community comes alive with a variety of engaging activities, creating an atmosphere that promotes both happiness and well-being. Moreover, their commitment to nursing home quality measures ensures that residents receive the highest standard of care, enhancing their overall experience.

Their homestyle menu offers not only nourishing meals but also a sense of familiarity and comfort. Alongside pet-friendly policies, the community embraces memory care benefits that cater to specific needs. From medication management to dementia programming and registered nurse care coordination, each aspect of care is handled with grace and compassion, creating an environment where residents thrive with dignity and respect.

Contact Bickford of Iowa City

Overview of Meadowview of Davenport

Meadowview of Davenport is a 106-unit continuing care retirement community at 5330 Belle Avenue in Davenport, Iowa. Managed by Cassia and led by Executive Director Sarah Coy, the facility serves the Quad Cities region across a seven-acre campus. The property offers a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Its integrated design allows residents to transition between these care levels without the need for relocation.

A January 2024 inspection identified deficiencies concerning delayed functional and cognitive assessments for new tenants. Although the facility is a newer addition to the local market, these initial findings yielded a citations-per-inspection rate of zero for more serious categories, such as physical abuse or environmental safety.

Clinical care at this campus follows an aging-in-place philosophy, providing personalized support and health-related services within one- and two-bedroom apartments. Professional services include medication management and assistance with activities of daily living, supported by Cassia’s faith-based nonprofit mission. The community also provides a fitness center and art studio to support resident wellness and cognitive stimulation.

The residential environment features spacious floor plans, maintenance services, and healthy dining options tailored to resident dietary preferences. Shared social amenities include recreational programming and community events designed to promote engagement across all levels of the campus. While the community is pet-friendly and serves a broad regional area, the limited public inspection history makes it difficult to assess multi-year compliance trends.

This environment suits older adults seeking a modern continuum of care with the stability of a nonprofit, faith-based mission. Families evaluating Meadowview of Davenport should ask directly about the corrective actions taken following the January 2024 care planning deficiencies, specifically regarding the timeliness of health assessments and service plan updates, before making a placement decision.

Contact Meadowview of Davenport

Overview of The Summit of Bettendorf Mc

The Summit of Bettendorf Mc is a 32-unit memory care assisted living program at 4699 53rd Avenue in Bettendorf, Iowa. Part of the Wellspire Living community and administered by Monica Reyes, the facility is a dementia-specific program serving Scott County residents with cognitive impairments. The campus provides 24-hour medical monitoring and accepts Medicare, featuring a purpose-built environment that has seen steady growth since its 2022 opening.

State and federal records currently assign the facility a 5-star overall rating, placing it in the highest performance tier available. Between 2022 and 2025, regulatory inspections yielded an average of 3.0 deficiencies per year, which is 32% below the Iowa state average. While an October 2024 renewal survey concluded with zero deficiencies, a March 2025 report identified three citations related to pre-admission evaluations and service plan updates. Historical investigations from 2022 noted two elopement-related incidents that were subsequently resolved through security and training upgrades.

Professional care is delivered under a staffing model that provides 4 hours 41 minutes of daily nursing time per resident, performing 23% above the Iowa average. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is currently 54 minutes per resident day, which exceeds the state mean by approximately 22%. Clinical outcomes for short-stay residents are notable, with 59.6% successfully returning to the community and a major injury fall rate 30% better than the state average. However, the rehospitalization rate for the facility is 28.5%, which performs below the Iowa average.

The campus environment provides an upscale residential atmosphere with a state-of-the-art wellness center, a golf simulator, and a rooftop bar. Residents benefit from multiple on-campus dining venues, a professional salon and barbershop, and guest rooms for visiting family members. Shared outdoor amenities include walking paths and firepits, while the clinical model incorporates on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Interested individuals should evaluate the current elopement prevention systems and service plan review processes during a facility tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details regarding the corrective actions implemented after the 2025 pre-admission evaluation findings to ensure that current clinical protocols meet the resident’s specific memory care needs.

Contact The Summit of Bettendorf MC

Whispering Willow AL

601 Dawn Avenue, Fredericksburg, Ia 506301033
Overview of Whispering Willow Al

Whispering Willow Assisted Living & Memory Care is a 52-unit community at 601 Dawn Avenue in Fredericksburg, Iowa. Administered by Director Lindsey Johnston, the facility is a dementia-certified program serving Chickasaw County with assisted living, memory care, and respite options. The campus is located on the edge of town, featuring 16 assisted living apartments and 10 specialized memory care units.

State oversight from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing shows a history of procedural and training-related findings. While an August 2020 infection control survey concluded with zero deficiencies, more recent reports from 2022 and 2024 identified single citations regarding staff policy adherence and dementia training timelines. Historical data reflects recurring clusters in service plan documentation and staff training, though no license suspensions have been recorded.

Professional support is delivered through 24-hour on-call caregiving and personalized service plans for each resident. Residents have access to medication management, weekly housekeeping, and an emergency call system in every unit. The environment includes a secure outdoor garden and fenced courtyard specifically for the memory care wing to allow for safe outdoor access. Quality metrics show the community currently maintains a daily occupancy census of approximately 24 residents.

The campus environment provides a residential atmosphere with restaurant-style dining and daily social programming. On-site amenities include: Private bathrooms and refrigerators in each unit.A community spa room with a luxury whirlpool.High-speed internet and basic cable included in utilities. Daily fitness classes and senior-focused games.

Interested individuals should evaluate the current dementia-specific staff training and incident response protocols during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the director for specific details on service plan updates and to confirm that the current staffing levels meet the resident’s individual recovery or long-term care goals for 2026.

Contact Whispering Willow AL

Overview of Oakview Nursing & Rehabilitation

Oakview Nursing & Rehabilitation is a 40-bed facility at 720 Oakbrook Drive in Marion, Iowa. Owned and administered by Dallas Urbain, the community has operated since 2020, primarily serving short-term rehabilitation patients while also offering long-term and specialized dementia care. Centrally located in Linn County, the campus is highly accessible with a Walk Score of 89.

The facility is CMS-certified and carries an above average 4-star overall rating, a performance tier higher than the state average. Between 2020 and 2025, the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) conducted 18 inspections, yielding a per-inspection average of 1.6 deficiencies, 11% below the state average. While the August 2025 annual survey resulted in one administrative citation, a 2024 survey identified five deficiencies, including a physical abuse finding involving a staff member and unsanitary kitchen conditions. No fines or payment denials have been issued in the past three years.

Staffing levels are a clinical differentiator, particularly regarding specialized nursing presence. Total nursing hours run 4 hours 5 minutes per resident day, exceeding the Iowa average of 3 hours 48 minutes. Registered Nurse (RN) hours are 11% above the state average, and weekend RN coverage is remarkably high at 1 hour 2 minutes per day—double the Iowa average of 30 minutes. Quality metrics show zero short-stay falls with major injury, though long-stay residents experience high-risk pressure ulcers and UTIs at rates significantly higher than state averages.

The campus provides a residential setting with 24-hour visitation and a full-time chaplain for spiritual support. Shared amenities and services include on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy, private rooms with facility-wide Wi-Fi, and a beauty shop. The facility offers bereavement accommodations and coordinates complimentary transportation for medical and social needs. Lifestyle programs feature multi-denominational weekly religious services and volunteer-led social engagement.

Prospective residents should evaluate the current bedside care standards during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions taken following the 2024 abuse and 2025 supervision findings, and to confirm how the facility is addressing clinical outliers related to pressure ulcers and infection prevention to maintain its 2026 quality performance.

Contact Oakview Nursing & Rehabilitation

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 Edencrest at Timberline

Edencrest at Timberline is a 120-bed senior living community at 14001 Douglas Parkway in Urbandale, Iowa. Managed by Geoff Counasse and part of the Highmark Senior Living portfolio, the facility serves Polk County under license S0471, valid through May 2027. Current occupancy stands at approximately 54% with 65 residents, a figure that reflects its status as a recently established campus building its census. The location is categorized as car-dependent with a Walk Score of zero, though the facility provides scheduled transportation for residents.

Since its licensing in 2023, the facility has undergone one recertification inspection in October 2025, which identified only a single deficiency, a rate 96% lower than the state average. This isolated finding involved staff management of a resident’s monitoring device, but the facility achieved a citations-per-inspection rate of zero for all other evaluated categories. There are no documented fines or enforcement actions in the community’s history.

Clinical care is delivered by a 24/7 on-site team that includes a Director of Nursing and professional caregivers specialized in memory care. Services cover a full continuum, including independent living, assisted living, and high-acuity support for diabetes and incontinence. Memory care starts at approximately $5,600 monthly, while general assisted living begins at $4,400, covering personalized health plans and medication management.

The residential environment features modern apartments with move-in assistance and access to extensive shared amenities. Residents have access to a fitness center, walking trails, a library, and a full-service salon and spa. Social programming includes daily wellness classes, arts and crafts, and curated restaurant-style dining with specific dietary accommodations. The community is pet-friendly and provides private courtyards for outdoor recreation.

Families seeking a newer, high-amenity campus with a specialized memory care program may find this community appropriate. Families should ask directly about the current staff training protocols for resident monitoring and confirm the latest monthly rates for specific apartment floor plans before making a placement decision.

Contact Edencrest at Timberline

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.