Page 2 of Best Memory Care in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 230 memory care providers 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
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the providers in Iowa our team has analyzed — not a count of every memory care provider in Iowa. Home health and home care providers may be included if they specialize in memory care services.
230 providers
Other senior care options in Iowa:

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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-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HC (Home Care): Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Inspection events categorized as complaint-related by the state regulator.
Count of incident-based investigations (e.g. reported events) in the regulatory record for the reporting period.
The Views of Marion
MC
AL
NH
SNF
Marion
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 76
Rank #127 / 211
No
37
Facility 37
IA AVG 45
Rank #134 / 224
Private Rooms
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 16
Rank #111 / 171
48.3%
Facility 48.3%
IA AVG 62.6%
Rank #126 / 193
-?3
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6
Rank #21 / 193
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 193
Bethany Life
MC
AL
IL
NH
RC
SNF
Story City
126
Facility 126
IA AVG 76
Rank #27 / 211
No
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 45
Rank #70 / 224
-
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 16
Rank #2 / 171
81.0%
Facility 81.0%
IA AVG 62.6%
Rank #32 / 193
-?38
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 6
Rank #193 / 193
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 193
Northcrest Community
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Ames
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 76
Rank #112 / 211
No
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 45
Rank #137 / 224
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 16
Rank #130 / 171
48.4%
Facility 48.4%
IA AVG 62.6%
Rank #120 / 193
-A3
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 193
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 193
Independence Village of Ames
MC
AL
RC
Ames
30
Facility 30
IA AVG 76
Rank #204 / 211
Yes
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 45
Rank #86 / 224
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 16
Rank #39 / 171
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 62.6%
Rank #1 / 193
A+C3
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 6
Rank #161 / 193
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 1
Rank #148 / 193
Edencrest at Beaverdale
MC
AL
IL
RC
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
160
Facility 160
IA AVG 76
Rank #14 / 211
Yes
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 45
Rank #30 / 224
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 16
Rank #102 / 171
30.0%
Facility 30.0%
IA AVG 62.6%
Rank #160 / 193
A+B+13
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 6
Rank #152 / 193
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 1
Rank #129 / 193
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
MC
AL
RC
West Des Moines
93
Facility 93
IA AVG 76
Rank #53 / 211
Yes
58
Facility 58
IA AVG 45
Rank #65 / 224
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 16
Rank #111 / 171
54.8%
Facility 54.8%
IA AVG 62.6%
Rank #97 / 193
-A7
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 6
Rank #108 / 193
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 193
Grand Living at Indian Creek
MC
AL
IL
Cedar Rapids
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 76
Rank #112 / 211
Yes
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 45
Rank #111 / 224
1 Bed / 2 Bed
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 16
Rank #111 / 171
40.6%
Facility 40.6%
IA AVG 62.6%
Rank #135 / 193
-D7
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6
Rank #21 / 193
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 193
Summit Pointe Senior Living
MC
AL
IL
Marion
178
Facility 178
IA AVG 76
Rank #4 / 211
Yes
89
Facility 89
IA AVG 45
Rank #9 / 224
-
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 16
Rank #111 / 171
52.2%
Facility 52.2%
IA AVG 62.6%
Rank #115 / 193
--6
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 6
Rank #79 / 193
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 193
Cornerstone AL
MC
HC
PC
RC
Mason City
92
Facility 92
IA AVG 76
Rank #54 / 211
No
84
Facility 84
IA AVG 45
Rank #15 / 224
-
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 16
Rank #39 / 171
32.6%
Facility 32.6%
IA AVG 62.6%
Rank #176 / 193
--4
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6
Rank #36 / 193
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 193
Homestead of Oskaloosa
MC
AL
Oskaloosa
96
Facility 96
IA AVG 76
Rank #51 / 211
No
75
Facility 75
IA AVG 45
Rank #33 / 224
-
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 16
Rank #102 / 171
67.7%
Facility 67.7%
IA AVG 62.6%
Rank #89 / 193
--5
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6
Rank #21 / 193
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 1
Rank #1 / 193

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each memory care community is ranked against every other IA memory care community we track that reports that metric, not just the 230 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek

A proud member of the MorningStar Senior Living Group, MorningStar at Jordan Creek provides exceptional assisted living and memory care services that are all tailored to each individual’s needs. The community prides itself on providing the best services; striving to be the top-ranked assisted living community in Des Mois. An elegant community that is built on its contemporary design and styling, allowing for a more luxurious environment while providing resort-like service. Residents of MorningStar at Jordan Creek can rest assured that they can feel like they’re a home away from home.

The community boasts elegant designs and upscale amenities such as its dining room, brightly-lit lounge areas, spacious apartments, courtyard, and arts and crafts studio. MorningStar promotes a stress-free lifestyle for their residents, which is why they have provided essential services to do so– housekeeping, social and recreational events, and transportation events. Management highly encourages residents to take part in activities and maximize the amenities so as to socialize and promote a warm and welcoming environment. 

Contact MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek

Overview of Homestead of Oskaloosa

Homestead of Oskaloosa provides assisted living and memory care in Oskaloosa, IA. Assisted living gives residents help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and medication, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Offering both care levels may make the community a good fit for a resident whose needs may grow over time without leaving the community.

The community has 96 beds, and Candice Fuller serves as its administrator. A Walk Score of 75 out of 100 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby shops and services independently.

Contact Homestead of Oskaloosa

Cornerstone AL

302 2Nd Street Ne, Mason City, IA 50401-3412
Overview of Cornerstone Al

Cornerstone Al in Mason City, Iowa, provides memory care, home care, palliative care, and respite care. Structured memory care units feature secured environments for residents at risk of wandering, whereas respite services supply short-term relief for primary caregivers. Home care arrangements bring personal support directly into a client’s private residence, and palliative programs focus on symptom relief and daily comfort.

Managed by administrator Connie Bleile and director Jamie Harkema, the 92-bed facility sits in an area with an 84 walk score. This high walkability rating allows residents who remain mobile to run routine errands around the neighborhood on foot. On-site transportation options are also accessible when trips off campus are necessary.

Prospective residents and their relatives can get in touch with Cornerstone Al to review available home care or residential options, go over payment methods, and schedule a visit to tour the facility.

Contact Cornerstone AL

Overview of Summit Pointe Senior Living

Summit Pointe Senior Living offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Marion, IA. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Having all three care levels in one community can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since changing care levels does not require leaving the community. The community has 178 beds, placing it among larger communities with more residents, staff, and usually more programming. Melinda Haley serves as the administrator.

An 89 / 100 Walk Score means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Pets are allowed, giving residents the option to live with a pet. Rehabilitation services are available for residents who need support during recovery or while maintaining function.

Contact Summit Pointe Senior Living

Bethany Life

212 Lafayette Avenue, Story City, IA 50248-1451
Overview of Bethany Life

Bethany Life in Story City, Iowa, delivers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing. Assisted living programs support residents with routine daily activities like bathing, dressing, and managing medication. Independent living options provide private residential spaces with shared community amenities. Dedicated memory care features a secured setting for individuals experiencing cognitive challenges, while temporary respite stays assist primary family caregivers who require short-term coverage.

Established in 1914, this 126-bed community operates under administrator Morgan Voga. On-site metrics indicate an average of 4 hours and 30 minutes of direct nursing time allocated to each resident daily. Amenities include physical rehabilitation services, an on-site spa for salon appointments, and Tom & Stevie’s Bistro, which serves three daily meals. Located in an area with a 56 walk score, the setting enables residents to run select errands nearby without a car. Financial policies accept Medicare for post-hospital therapy, Medicaid, and direct private pay.

Families exploring continuous care options or short-term respite care can connect with Bethany Life to inquire about apartment availability, review payment programs, or arrange a personal tour.

Contact Bethany Life

Overview of Northcrest Community

Create unforgettable moments at Northcrest Community, an outstanding community in Ames, IA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With thoughtfully furnished and spacious accommodations, residents can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. Residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with plenty of convenient apartment features.

Unique shops and recreational spaces surround the area, ensuring residents can easily access unending leisure and wellness opportunities. With a fully equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to live independently in retirement, especially with its vibrant and inviting environment.

Contact Northcrest Community

Overview of Independence Village of Ames

Operated by the StoryPoint Group, Independence Village of Ames is a senior living community in Ames, Iowa, offering assisted living and memory care. The community is located within a few miles of Mary Greeley Medical Center, giving residents and visiting family convenient access to nearby hospital care when needed.

The two-story community has 30 beds and has been serving residents for 25 years. Residents can choose from studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. The community is currently at full occupancy. The combination of a long operating history and full occupancy reflects an established community with consistent demand.

Residents receive 24-hour supervision along with specialized memory care services. Respite care is available for families who need a short-term care option. Daily life includes chef-prepared meals served in a home-style setting, transportation services, and fitness and recreation programs that encourage residents to stay active and engaged. Sydney Petersen serves as the community’s administrator.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 51, which is moderately walkable. Some nearby shops and services can be reached on foot, while most errands and outings require a car. State inspection history has focused on staff training, resident assessments, care plan documentation, and building safety features such as exit door alarms. More recent complaint investigations found no substantiated issues.

Contact Independence Village of Ames

Edencrest at Beaverdale

3410 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Overview of Edencrest at Beaverdale

Lead a meaningful life with the idyllic senior living community of Edencrest at Beaverdale in Des Moines, IA, providing assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs are well-cared for through different levels of care provided to meet their unique needs. With its commitment to understanding residents, the community crafts personalized care plans for their comfort.

Residents receive the utmost care and support with a care team attending to them 24/7, ensuring they enjoy every moment of their best years. With fun recreation and wellness programs, residents experience fun-filled days. The community promotes a pet-friendly and welcoming environment, making it ideal for those aiming to optimize their independence.

Contact Edencrest at Beaverdale

Overview of Grand Living at Indian Creek

Grand Living at Indian Creek offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Cedar Rapids, IA. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Having all three care levels on one campus may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since a move to another level of care can happen without leaving the community. The community has 64 beds and offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences; a two-bedroom layout can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion. Pets are allowed, so a resident may keep a pet when living at the community.

A Walk Score of 44 places the area in a car-dependent setting, meaning most errands require a car or a ride. Multiple restaurant-style dining venues with chef-prepared meals give residents more than one on-site setting for meals, while a salon and spa provide personal care without leaving the community. Chauffeured transportation is also available for residents who do not drive themselves, and Dara Fishnick serves as the administrator.

Contact Grand Living at Indian Creek

Overview of The Views of Marion

Sixty beds, all private rooms, spread across a two-story building in Marion, Iowa: that’s the physical shape of The Views of Marion. The community covers nursing home, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care, which means it’s built to hold residents across a wider range of needs than a single-care-type building would. Seven years in, it’s past the startup phase.

A Walk Score of 37 puts it in “somewhat walkable” territory, so most errands or outings mean a car ride rather than a short walk. Inside, though, safety features carry some of that weight back: personal emergency response systems and panic buttons give residents a way to call for help fast, and common areas mix indoor and outdoor space so there’s somewhere to go besides a private room.

Registered nurses, licensed nurses, and nurse aides each contribute to daily care, with nurse aides providing roughly two and a half hours of hands-on time per resident every day. That’s the category most families notice first, since it’s the most direct, hands-on part of care.

Right now, 29 of the 60 beds are filled, a 48% occupancy rate, and the average resident stays about six months. Medicare and private pay are both accepted. Dallas Urbain administers the community. State inspections, run by Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, have tended to center on medication management, staffing credentials, and how care gets documented.

Put together, The Views of Marion can be described as a nursing home built for a broad range of residents, from those needing intensive daily support to those in a shorter recovery stay, with staffing and safety infrastructure sized to match.

Contact The Views of Marion

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.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Memory Care in Iowa at a glance

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: 76The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
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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 230 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.