Page 19 of Best Memory Care in Iowa

Overview of Grand Haven Retirement Community Moments

Grand Haven Retirement Community Moments is a 36-bed memory care facility at 201 East Franklin Street in Eldridge, Iowa. Administered by Daniel Collins, the community serves Scott County under an active Iowa Assisted Living Programs for People with Dementia license issued July 27, 2007, and valid through July 28, 2027. The facility is located in a moderately walkable area with a Walk Score of 58, allowing some errands to be completed on foot.

State oversight from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing shows a history of strong regulatory compliance over 18 years of operation. Since 2009, the facility has undergone 23 inspections resulting in eight total deficiencies, a rate of 0.5 per year. This performance is 69% below the Iowa state average. While the December 2024 recertification and the April 2025 complaint investigation both resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero, a July 28, 2025, incident investigation identified one deficiency involving unauthorized access to narcotics by an employee in training.

Professional care is provided in a secure environment designed for dementia support, featuring a 24-hour staffing model and structured dining times. Recent data indicates an occupancy rate of 42%, with 15 of 36 beds filled, which is significantly lower than the Iowa state average of 75.4%. Clinical services focus on promoting resident independence, though historical records from 2013 and 2019 noted past requirements for improvement in individualizing service plans for fall management and updating elopement prevention policies.

The campus environment is established with a long-term operational track record in the Eldridge community. Shared features include dining services provided during set morning, midday, and evening hours. While the facility has corrected foundational policy gaps regarding incident reporting and vehicle safety identified in earlier years, current records do not disclose specific pricing, payment options, or Medicaid participation details.

Prospective representatives should consider the facility’s overall compliance trajectory, noting that the majority of recent inspections have found zero deficiencies. It is recommended to ask the administrator for details on updated medication security protocols following the July 2025 finding and to verify current staffing stability. Individuals can contact the community at (563) 285-4900 or via email to confirm availability and admission requirements for 2026.

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.

Overview of Birdee Cottage Al and Mc

Birdee Cottage Al and Mc is a 33-bed, family-owned senior living facility at 2221 Fairway Lane in Waterloo, Iowa. Administered by Kim Meyer, the community serves Black Hawk County under license S0455, which is active through November 17, 2027. The facility currently reports an occupancy rate of 52% with 17 residents. With a Walk Score of 2, the location is considered car-dependent for all daily errands.

State monitoring from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing shows a notable trend of regulatory improvement. Since 2022, the community has recorded 10 total deficiencies across four inspections, an average of 2.5 per year which is 63% below the state annual average. While an initial 2022 visit identified nine violations, a February 2025 complaint investigation resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. The most recent evaluation in September 2025 identified one deficiency regarding the omission of physician-recommended titration plans in a resident’s service plan.

Professional care is provided in a residential setting that includes private bedrooms, nursing services, and camera safety systems. Clinical support covers medication management and special diet accommodations, though the facility operates on a private-pay basis only and does not accept Medicare or Medicaid. Early 2022 records cited concerns with wound care documentation and medication administration errors, but subsequent reviews indicate these foundational issues were addressed through corrective actions.

The campus environment is designed as an intimate, small-scale community emphasizing home-cooked meals and personalized attention. Shared features include grab bar handles throughout the facility and snacks available for residents during the day. Historical gaps from the facility’s first year involved non-functional alarm systems and failures to complete staff background checks prior to hiring, though recent findings suggest more consistent operational oversight.

Prospective residents should evaluate the facility’s recent improvement in compliance alongside its private-pay model. It is recommended to verify that all service plans now include comprehensive physician recommendations and to observe the current staff-to-resident interaction during an on-site visit. Interested individuals can contact the administrator to discuss current availability and specific care protocols as they plan for 2026.

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.

Overview of Edencrest at Riverwoods

Ideally set in the tranquil neighborhood of East Park Avenue, Des Moines, IA, is the reliable senior living community of Edencrest at Riverwoods that provides assisted living and memory care. Experience the highest quality of care and support with a compassionate and responsible team caring for residents’ needs and preferences around the clock. Featuring different levels of care for individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs, the community promotes a vibrant and welcoming environment where residents thrive.

Elevate your retirement with fun recreation and wellness programs, highlighting your interests and strengths. Delightful and healthy meals are also provided to foster comfort and meet dietary needs. With beautiful courtyards and pet-friendly spaces, residents enjoy a peaceful and happy retirement.

Situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Bluffs, IA, the Country House at Council Bluffs is an esteemed senior living community offering memory care services for at most 35 residents. Here, residents can choose from a variety of accommodations including companion, deluxe private, and private studio. Having a trained and compassionate team this community provides personalize care plans with holistic support for those with cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Discover its wonderful community features including a lovely secured outdoor area with walking paths, seating areas, and more. Visit its beautiful sun room with a view of the courtyard. Enjoy a full-service salon and 2 spas featuring whirlpool tubs and heated floors. Participate in various social activities for continuing engagement. At the Country House at Council Bluffs, seniors are assured of secure and relaxing living experience.

Overview of Community Memorial Al

Community Memorial Assisted Living is a 32-bed senior living community at 233 North 8th Avenue West in Hartley, Iowa. Managed by Kay Wynja and part of the Community Memorial Health Center campus, the facility provides assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care under a license valid through July 2026. Current data indicates a census of five residents, representing a 16% occupancy rate, which is below the state average of 75.4%. The location holds a Walk Score of 43, suggesting that most errands require transportation provided by the facility.

Regulatory records from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing reflect a strong compliance history over the last 14 years. The most recent recertification in July 2025 resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. While a 2015 review noted a citation regarding the timeliness of tenant evaluations, the facility has recorded no deficiencies in its last five major surveys. During this period, there have been no documented fines, license suspensions, or enforcement actions.

Clinical care is supported by 24-hour on-site staffing and an integrated medical clinic with X-ray services. Professional services include medication management, health monitoring, and specialized physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Residents benefit from priority admission to the adjacent skilled nursing and rehabilitation wing if health needs change. Staffing metrics for the health center show nurse hours exceeding state averages, providing four hours and two minutes of care per resident daily.

The residential environment includes private apartments with kitchenettes, emergency call pendants, and access to a whirlpool bathing suite. Shared amenities feature a beauty salon, garden patio, and communal dining areas where three meals are served daily. Housekeeping, laundry, and all utilities except telephone service are included in the monthly fees. Social engagement is facilitated through a rotation of planned recreational activities and 24-hour visiting availability.

Prospective residents seeking a small-scale community with an on-site medical clinic and a long-term record of regulatory excellence may find this campus suitable. Families should ask directly about the specific staffing ratios for the memory care neighborhood and confirm current availability for private suites before making a placement decision.

Overview of Primrose Retirement Community

Primrose Retirement Community is a 64-bed senior living campus at 1801 East Kanesville Boulevard in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Administered by Tiffany Eggett and certified as a dementia-specific assisted living program, the facility serves Pottawattamie County with a clinical continuum ranging from independent townhome villas to specialized memory care. The campus maintains a current occupancy rate of approximately 55%, with private room rates starting near $4,900 per month.

State inspection records show a deficiency rate that is 6% more favorable than the Iowa state average. While a May 2024 recertification audit was completed with zero deficiencies, a November 2024 follow-up cited three concerns regarding service plan accuracy and memory care unit door alarms. Long-term data indicate a per-inspection citation rate that is 17% below the state mean, though the community remains a private-pay facility and does not currently participate in Medicare or Medicaid.

On-site nursing, personal aid, and therapy are managed through a 24-hour staffing framework. This model emphasizes individualized cognitive support, addressing various stages of memory loss within a secure environment. Though residents utilize regular wellness monitoring and restorative programs, the rural-style location is car-dependent with a Walk Score of zero. Notably, the facility has maintained its license without any suspensions since it began operations in 2008.

A home-like residential setting is supported by three daily meals and specialized social spaces like a 1950s-style ice cream parlor. Common areas available to residents include a chapel, wellness center, billiard room, and library. The service package also features weekly housekeeping, laundry, and local transportation, alongside pet-friendly housing options that offer quiet views. For convenience, basic cable and Wi-Fi access are fully integrated into the monthly residency costs.

Interested individuals should examine the current protocols for service plan updates and perimeter security during a tour of the grounds. It is recommended to consult with the administrator regarding the specific remedies applied to the 2024 citation findings and to ensure current staffing ratios are sufficient for the resident’s 2026 care requirements.

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.

Overview of Cottage Grove Place

Cottage Grove Place is an 82-bed healthcare facility at 2115 First Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Administered by Jennifer Snook and operated as a voluntary non-profit by Life Care Services LLC, the campus serves Linn County with a license valid through February 2027. Current data shows a census of 37 residents, representing a 45% occupancy rate, which is below the Iowa average of 75.4%. The location earns a high Walk Score of 79, placing it near city center amenities and pharmacies.

Monitoring data from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing shows a history of lower-than-average citations. Over two decades, the facility has recorded an annual deficiency rate 31% lower than state benchmarks, averaging 0.9 violations per year. While the January 2026 inspection concluded with four health citations—focusing on medication administration and service plan documentation, the assisted living program achieved a citations-per-inspection rate of zero in its most recent certification. There are no documented fines or severe penalties in the past three years.

Clinical care is delivered by a team providing 4 hours and 22 minutes of nursing time per resident daily, exceeding the Iowa average by approximately 15%. Professional services emphasize short-term recovery, with physical therapy staffing levels 150% above state averages. While short-stay outcomes are strong, quality measures for long-term residents show historical challenges in functional mobility and pressure ulcer prevention, which occur at rates above the state benchmark. The facility accepts a combination of private pay and Medicare, which accounts for 40% of new admissions.

The residential environment is part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community, featuring private suites and a full therapy gym. Shared amenities include a woodworking shop, a private movie theater, a library, and landscaped courtyards. Social programming is provided through a Life Enrichment department, offering cultural workshops and educational events. The community is pet-friendly and includes emergency response systems in all apartments.

Prospective representatives seeking specialized physical therapy and short-term rehabilitation may find this campus appropriate. Families should ask directly about the specific interventions implemented to address long-term functional decline and request current data on nurse aide turnover rates before making a placement decision.