Other senior care options in Iowa:

Page 21 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: 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

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 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 #25 / 286
78.6% 11
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 294
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #248 / 294
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
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 19
Rank #5 / 286
90.5% 25
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 294
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #284 / 294
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 #106 / 286
98.3% 16
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #146 / 294
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #200 / 294
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 #201 / 294
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #248 / 294
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 #121 / 294
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #231 / 294
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 #35 / 286
75.0% 15
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #121 / 294
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #248 / 294
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% ---
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 #9 / 286
91.7% 17
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 294
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #248 / 294
Mount Carmel Bluffs
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
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 / 286
93.3% 10
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 294
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #231 / 294
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 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
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 #201 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
Newton Village INC
MC
AL
HOS
IL
NH
SNF
West Newton
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 71
Rank #156 / 406
Yes
67
Facility 67
IA AVG 45
Rank #112 / 528
-
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 19
Rank #224 / 286
52.9% 3
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
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 #178 / 286
85.3% 14
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #121 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
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 #146 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
Sunrise Hill Care Center
MC
AL
IL
NH
Traer
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 71
Rank #125 / 406
No
45
Facility 45
IA AVG 45
Rank #262 / 528
-- 69.7% 18
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 7
Rank #232 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
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Overview of Alverno Senior Care Community

Alverno Senior Care Community is a 112-bed nursing facility in Clinton, Iowa, serving the surrounding region with skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Owned by Letha Dolph, it takes Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Families then have several routes to fund short-term rehabilitation and longer-term care needs.

The facility strongly emphasizes rehabilitation and short-term care, with on-staff physicians and dedicated therapy services. Daily nursing support averages roughly 4 hours 23 minutes per resident, providing substantial, diligent care alongside clinical oversight. This staffing level supports occupants healing from surgery, hospitalization, or acute health events, plus those needing active skilled nursing. Alverno’s physical setting has practical amenities for daily living: a fitness gym, salon, and dining room. The home maintains 24-hour staffing and personal care services, bolstering residents needing consistent assistance with daily activities. An array of clubs, classes, committees, and social activities encourages residents to engage and connect in the community. The Clinton location scores 35 on the walkability scale, meaning some errands can be done on foot, with most outings requiring a car or ride. The immediate neighborhood is moderately developed, giving the facility access to local services and healthcare providers.

Contact Alverno Senior Care Community

Overview of Heritage Care & Rehabilitation Center

Heritage Care & Rehabilitation Center operates as a voluntary non-profit nursing community at 501 South Kentucky Avenue in Mason City, Iowa. The property houses a baseline census of 62 residents across an 87-bed capacity, indicating open room flexibility for incoming admissions. Financial management flows through private pay plans alongside standard federal Medicare and state Medicaid certifications, accommodating individuals looking for transitional physical therapy or long-term nursing oversight.

Clinical routines are structured around a floor schedule that averages 3 hours and 28 minutes of hands-on attention per resident daily. Certified nursing aides provide just over two hours of this direct care, while licensed practical nurses offer 49 minutes and registered nurses deliver 22 minutes to cover medical tracking and physical recovery protocols. The surrounding neighborhood features an exceptionally walkable layout, allowing residents and visiting families to complete everyday errands and reach local storefronts easily on foot.

The administrative staff utilizes this stable compliance history to guide daily operations, offering resident features like laundry services, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a dedicated outdoor walking trail. Typical stays span an average of 112 days, establishing a residential timeline well-suited for post-hospital transitions.

Prospective individuals can connect with the front desk to confirm room configurations, request a breakdown of active rehabilitation therapies, or coordinate an afternoon walkthrough of the campus grounds. The administrative coordinators are also on hand to review insurance parameters and map out how public healthcare benefits or personal assets apply to standard monthly statements.

Contact Heritage Care & Rehabilitation Center

Overview of HallMar Village

HallMar Village is a one-of-a-kind community in Cedar Rapids, IA, offering independent living. In collaboration with Mercy Medical Center, the community also offers assisted living and memory care to meet residents’ healthcare needs. Thoughtfully designed and spacious accommodations are provided in a nurturing and welcoming environment, so residents can feel at ease during their stay.

With a jam-packed calendar of enriching programs and stimulating activities, residents are encouraged to live actively and maintain social connections. Plenty of delectable and healthy dining options are also provided to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community’s comprehensive services and extensive amenities create the ideal setting for residents to enjoy their golden years without hassles.

Contact HallMar Village

Overview of The Lindens at Green Hills

Operated by the Green Hills Residents’ Association, The Lindens at Green Hills is a senior living community in the Green Hills neighborhood of Ames, Iowa. It offers nursing home care, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. The community is housed in a mid-rise building about 2.7 miles from Mary Greeley Medical Center, providing residents and families with convenient access to nearby hospital care.

The care team helps residents with daily activities such as bathing, grooming, and medication management while emphasizing personal choice and maintaining independence. Residents can choose from one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences ranging from about 536 to 1,489 square feet. Residents can access transportation services, fitness and recreation programs, and a pet-friendly environment.

The Lindens at Green Hills has 56 beds, with an occupancy rate of 79%, with an average daily census of approximately 44 residents. Nursing staff provides nearly 6 hours of direct nursing care per resident each day, giving families a useful measure of the hands-on support available within the community.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 18, which is car-dependent. Most errands and outings require a vehicle rather than a walk. Families considering The Lindens at Green Hills should ask about current apartment availability, especially for the one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.

Contact The Lindens at Green Hills

Overview of Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake

Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake is a skilled nursing home in Spirit Lake, Iowa, set in the rural surroundings of Dickinson County. The community offers nursing home and skilled nursing care alongside memory care, hospice, palliative, and respite services, giving families a range of care options as a resident’s needs change over time. It accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, which opens several paths to covering both short-term and ongoing care.

The community has 80 beds and tends to run close to full, with an occupancy rate of 83.5 percent. The average stay is 77 days, a length that points to a meaningful mix of short-term rehabilitation and longer nursing care. Nursing support is a steady presence day to day, with total nursing care averaging 4 hours and 18 minutes per resident daily, including dedicated registered nurse time.

Rehabilitation is a core part of daily life here, with rehabilitation services and short-term rehab programs supporting residents recovering from surgery, illness, or a hospital stay. Twenty-four hour staffing means clinical support is available around the clock, and respite care gives family caregivers a reliable option for short-term relief.

Outside of clinical care, residents have access to a salon, building-wide Wi-Fi, and private short-stay suites for those here on a shorter recovery timeline. A courtyard and patio give residents places to spend time outdoors close to home. With a Walk Score of 76, the surrounding area is very walkable, so visiting family can comfortably get around the neighborhood on foot.

Families weighing a nursing home placement in the Spirit Lake area may want to ask about how the memory care and hospice programs work alongside standard nursing care, since both are offered here within the same community.

Contact Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake

Overview of Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

Birkwood Village of Fort Madison offers a continuous care setup covering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing at 1701 41st Street in Fort Madison, Iowa. Mark Holtkamp privately owns the 42-bed campus, which operates under the direction of administrator Brenda Graham. The facility currently sits at a 69 percent occupancy rate and accepts payment via private accounts, Medicare, and state Medicaid. Stays here average about 179 days, which splits the daily routine between short-term physical therapy and permanent clinical housing.

Residents receive a daily average of 4 hours and 14 minutes of direct nursing attention, including 33 minutes from registered nurses. A full-time recreation director designs activities, and the kitchen provides made-to-order menus for all three meals. The building features studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options, alongside dedicated memory care spaces for people with cognitive decline. The rural neighborhood has a walk score of 29, meaning you will need a car for most errands and family visits.

State inspections over the two years since opening have highlighted a few areas for improvement, specifically noting procedural issues with care plans, staffing levels, infection control, and medication management. The facility’s management reviews these reports to retrain employees and update floor practices.

Interested individuals can call the main office to find out about room openings, ask about the made-to-order dining options, or set up a time to see the apartments. The front desk can also cross-reference insurance details to outline how public programs or personal funding cover the monthly rates.

Contact Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

Overview of Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Woodlands Creek’s vision is to create a warm and welcoming independent living environment where seniors feel at home, fostering meaningful relationships and endless possibilities. Their mission revolves around promoting engaging social interactions and providing personalized care to nurture a sense of belonging. Woodlands prioritizes residents’ well-being, ensuring their needs are met with compassion and respect.

Residents at Woodlands Creek enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with a range of scheduled activities for independent living seniors. The community also offers comprehensive services for assisted living and memory care residents, including transportation, access to senior physicians, and round-the-clock nursing staff, ensuring comfort and security for all residents.

 

Contact Woodlands Creek Senior Living

Overview of The Village of Ackley

Owned by Korey Deberg, The Village of Ackley is a nursing home in Iowa. With 38 beds, the smaller community serves residents who need skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services. The area has a Walk Score of 44, so the facility is somewhat walkable. Some nearby services are accessible on foot, while most trips require transportation.

The facility focuses on short-term rehabilitation and respite care and also provides ongoing nursing support. Residents stay an average of 360 days, including those recovering from acute health events and those transitioning into longer-term care. The community has an occupancy rate of 84%, with 32 residents living in its 38 beds.

Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 11 minutes per resident. Registered nurses provide 1 hour and 7 minutes of care each day, while nurse aides contribute 2 hours and 30 minutes of direct support. This level of staffing provides substantial hands-on assistance for residents. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several options for arranging care.

Home-cooked meals are an important part of daily life within the community. Residents receive three hearty meals each day because of the facility’s personal approach to care. This style of dining may appeal to residents and families who value a more home-like atmosphere.

Recent state inspections reviewed areas such as abuse and neglect prevention, timely reporting of resident concerns, communication with families regarding health changes, staffing levels, and clinical documentation. Families touring the community should ask about these core operational areas before making a placement decision.

Contact The Village of Ackley

Overview of Emmetsburg Care Center

Emmetsburg Care Center coordinates short-term convalescence alongside medical housing from a 46-bed skilled nursing property located at 2405 21st Street in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Financial accounts flow dynamically through traditional out-of-pocket billing pathways or standard state Medicaid and federal Medicare network credentials. Residential intervals track to an average length of stay around 109 days, creating an operational baseline that favors fast-paced post-hospital therapy over indefinite, permanent placements.

The medical staff coordinates an average of 3 hours and 28 minutes of hands-on nursing attention for every individual daily. Certified nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses distribute this 24-hour setup to administer customized speech, occupational, and physical therapies within an internal rehab-to-home framework. For community movement, the surrounding area registers a walkability score of 63 out of 100, providing an accessible town environment where visitors can navigate simple regional errands or local retail stops without a vehicle.

Individuals looking into local enrollment parameters can contact the front administrative desk to check on active room availability, request an intake guide for on-site physical rehabilitation, or plan a morning to walk through the common lounges. The business coordinators are also available to review personal healthcare options and show how insurance policies interface with monthly room statements.

Contact Emmetsburg Care Center

Overview of Country House at Cedar Rapids

Country House at Cedar Rapids pride themselves on being one of the finest memory care senior living communities available. Their exceptional care team is dedicated to providing personalized care plans that cater to the unique needs of each individual. With a focus on memory care, they understand the importance of specialized services and engaging activities to enhance the lives of their residents.

In addition to their specialized care, they offer a range of engaging activities and therapies designed to stimulate memory and create a sense of fulfillment. Through fun and interactive events, residents always have opportunities to stay engaged and connected. Furthermore, they provide spacious indoor areas that offer upscale dining rooms for delightful meals and access to well-manicured outdoor courtyards where residents can relax, socialize, and enjoy the beauty of nature. They also welcome respite or short-term stays, providing temporary care for individuals who may need additional support. Country House at Cedar Rapids is where cherished memories are made and lives are enriched as one of the finest memory care communities available.

Contact Country House at Cedar Rapids

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 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.