Other senior care options in Iowa:

Best Memory Care in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 231 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
Jun 2026
We analyzed
231 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.

Grand Living At Tower Place
MC
AL
IL
West Des Moines (South 51St Street)
76
Facility 76
IA AVG 71
Rank #125 / 407
Yes
63
Facility 63
IA AVG 45
Rank #134 / 528
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
47.4%
Facility 47.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #292 / 379
7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #93 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
MC
AL
RC
West Des Moines
93
Facility 93
IA AVG 71
Rank #79 / 407
No
58
Facility 58
IA AVG 45
Rank #168 / 528
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 19
Rank #211 / 282
58.1%
Facility 58.1%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #228 / 379
9
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #187 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Valley View Village
MC
AL
HC
IL
NH
RC
Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Facility 79
IA AVG 71
Rank #117 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 19
Rank #2 / 282
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #1 / 379
24
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #205 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
Ramsey Village Continuing Care
MC
AL
IL
NH
RC
Des Moines (Drake)
78
Facility 78
IA AVG 71
Rank #119 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
1 bed / 2 bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 19
Rank #268 / 282
85.8%
Facility 85.8%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #91 / 379
23
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #224 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
Holland Farms
MC
AL
IL
RC
Norwalk
116
Facility 116
IA AVG 71
Rank #45 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
38.8%
Facility 38.8%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #346 / 379
7
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #93 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Sunset Park Place
MC
AL
RC
Dubuque
101
Facility 101
IA AVG 71
Rank #66 / 407
Yes
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 45
Rank #324 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 19
Rank #98 / 282
46.5%
Facility 46.5%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #302 / 379
25
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #308 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Ridgecrest Village
MC
AL
IL
NH
Davenport (Northwest Boulevard)
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 71
Rank #100 / 407
Yes
41
Facility 41
IA AVG 45
Rank #287 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 19
Rank #268 / 282
67.1%
Facility 67.1%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #196 / 379
20
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #187 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
The Summit of Coralville
MC
AL
IL
RC
Coralville
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 71
Rank #191 / 407
Yes
20
Facility 20
IA AVG 45
Rank #421 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #211 / 282
53.1%
Facility 53.1%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #247 / 379
8
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #158 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Quartet – A Senior Living Village
MC
AL
Bettendorf
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 71
Rank #191 / 407
Yes
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 45
Rank #482 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 19
Rank #250 / 282
43.8%
Facility 43.8%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #313 / 379
5
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #57 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Northcrest Community
MC
AL
IL
NC
NH
Ames
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 71
Rank #191 / 407
No
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 45
Rank #324 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
50.0%
Facility 50.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #263 / 379
2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #1 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Bickford of West Des Moines
MC
AL
West Des Moines (Hawthorne Drive)
66
Facility 66
IA AVG 71
Rank #182 / 407
Yes
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 45
Rank #160 / 528
Private Rooms
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 19
Rank #62 / 282
53.0%
Facility 53.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #249 / 379
32
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #316 / 348
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #343 / 348
Edencrest at Siena Hills
MC
AL
IL
RC
Ankeny
132
Facility 132
IA AVG 71
Rank #28 / 407
Yes
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 45
Rank #255 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #202 / 282
42.4%
Facility 42.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #325 / 379
13
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #205 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Mill Pond
MC
AL
IL
NH
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #214 / 407
Yes
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 45
Rank #439 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #107 / 282
98.3%
Facility 98.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #14 / 379
16
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #158 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
The Heritage at Fox Run
MC
AL
HC
IL
Council Bluffs
132
Facility 132
IA AVG 71
Rank #28 / 407
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 45
Rank #444 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 19
Rank #87 / 282
50.8%
Facility 50.8%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #260 / 379
15
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #158 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
The Views of Marion
MC
AL
NH
Marion
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #214 / 407
No
37
Facility 37
IA AVG 45
Rank #315 / 528
Private Rooms
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 19
Rank #211 / 282
48.3%
Facility 48.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #282 / 379
4
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
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Overview of Holy Spirit Retirement Home

Serving the Sioux City community for nearly three decades, Holy Spirit Retirement Home is a small nursing home owned and operated by The Diocese of Sioux City. The home provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation support. Pastoral attention to spiritual needs is also available. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, so families have different ways to arrange care coverage.

Residents receive an average of 3 hours and 57 minutes of total nursing support each day. Registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses are all part of the care team. Daily hands-on support is a central part of the nursing model, and residents have access to consistent clinical care throughout their stay.

The facility has 52 beds, which maintains a smaller, residential feel while supporting a dedicated rehabilitation program. Residents stay an average of 190 days, including those recovering through post-acute rehabilitation and receiving longer-term care. The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 91. Many nearby services and destinations are within walking distance, which can make visits easier for family members.

Spiritual care is part of daily life through the home’s Spiritual Life program. The program exists because of the facility’s religious identity and the values associated with Diocese ownership. The community also offers independent apartment-style housing, so residents have an option as their care needs change over time.

State inspections focused on documentation practices, staff training in areas such as dementia care, and the completeness of resident agreements and care plans. The facility continues to address and monitor these areas as part of its daily operations. Families touring the home may want to ask how these matters are monitored daily.

Contact Holy Spirit Retirement Home

Overview of Good Samaritan Society – Holstein

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Good Samaritan Society – Holstein

Overview of Friendship Home Association

Operating for 43 years, Friendship Home Association is a skilled nursing home in Iowa owned by Jessica Andersen. The 46-bed facility provides long-term and post-acute care. It has an occupancy rate of 91%, and residents stay an average of 594 days. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, so families have several options for covering both short-term rehabilitation and longer-term nursing care.

Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 26 minutes per resident. Registered nurses provide 39 minutes of care each day, while nurse aides contribute 2 hours and 33 minutes. LPN and LVN staff provide an additional 32 minutes of daily support. That’s a steady nursing presence throughout the day, especially for residents who need hands-on assistance with daily activities.

Friendship Home is in a moderately walkable area where some errands and services are within walking distance. Most trips still require transportation. It’s a setting that offers a community feel for residents and visiting family members.

State inspections have documented areas where the home strengthens operational and care protocols. The facility continues to work through these areas as part of its quality oversight efforts. Families considering the home should take an in-person tour and ask how daily operations and care practices are managed.

Contact Friendship Home Association

Overview of Wilton Retirement Community

Located on Ovesen Drive in Wilton, Iowa, Wilton Retirement Community is a nursing home owned by Simpson Memorial Home. The 34-bed community serves a rural area with a Walk Score of 42. Some nearby services can be reached on foot, while most trips require transportation. The facility has been operating for 12 years and has an occupancy rate of 85%. Residents stay an average of 162 days, including short-term rehabilitation placements and longer-term care residents.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several options for covering both acute and ongoing nursing care. Daily nurse staffing averages 5 hours and 52 minutes per resident. Registered nurses provide about 49 minutes of care each day, working alongside nurse aides and licensed practical nurses. This level of staffing supports medical oversight and hands-on assistance with daily activities throughout the community.

State inspections have reviewed the importance of strong medication management practices, resident safety procedures, staff training, and accurate documentation. These areas are important components of quality care in long-term care settings. The community is also part of a larger care network that includes assisted living residences and a dedicated memory care unit.

Families considering Wilton Retirement Community should take a tour of the facility to meet staff, view the environment. It’s a great way to learn more about the community’s approach to daily care routines and resident support.

Contact Wilton Retirement Community

Overview of Westview Care Center

Providing short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, Westview Care Center is a nursing home in Iowa. The facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families several options for covering the cost of care during recovery from surgery, illness, and hospitalization.

Residents stay an average of 111 days, including short-term rehabilitation patients and individuals receiving skilled nursing care. Rehabilitation services and respite care are available. The facility has 24-hour staffing to support residents throughout the day and night. Daily nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 50 minutes per resident, providing hands-on assistance for daily activities and medical needs.

The facility is located on the edge of town with a Walk Score of 38. Some nearby errands can be done on foot, but most destinations require transportation. This quieter setting may appeal to residents and families who prefer a quieter environment. Residents also have access to basic cable television and a private family gathering room for visitors.

Families considering Westview Care Center should take a tour of the community to better understand the facility’s environment, daily routines, and the services available to residents.

Contact Westview Care Center

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 Solon Nursing Care Center

Owned by Lucille Atkinson, Solon Nursing Care Center is a skilled nursing facility in Solon, Iowa. The community with 96 beds serves older adults who need post-acute rehabilitation and longer-term skilled nursing care. Programs include rehabilitation nursing and specialized support for residents living independently within the facility. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted from families looking for options for arranging care.

The facility is in a moderately walkable area with a Walk Score of 54, so some daily errands can be completed on foot. The community has an occupancy rate of 69%. Residents stay an average of 155 days, including short-term rehabilitation patients and those receiving longer-term care. Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 14 minutes per resident. Registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses provide hands-on support and clinical oversight.

Outpatient therapy services are available on-site, so residents don’t have to leave the facility to access rehabilitation care. The facility also coordinates physician services within the community, which streamlines medical oversight.

State inspections have reviewed call light response times, fall prevention practices, infection control procedures, and staffing levels. Families touring the facility should ask how these areas are managed daily and what procedures are in place to support resident care and safety.

Contact Solon Nursing Care Center

Overview of The Vinton Lutheran Home

The Vinton Lutheran Home runs a 61-bed senior living facility in Vinton, Iowa, operated by Ronda Buchtela. The campus has been serving the area for 49 years, holding an occupancy rate of around 77 percent while coordinating billing through private pay, Medicare, and Medicaid. Because the community integrates independent living, assisted living, and memory care, residents can easily transition to higher levels of support if their daily needs evolve.

A total of 5 hours and 3 minutes of direct nursing care is dedicated to each resident every day by the on-site staff. That daily coverage includes 37 minutes from registered nurses, 37 minutes from nurse aides, and 27 minutes from licensed practical nurses who coordinate respite care, short-term rehab, and standard therapies.

For daily life, the campus operates an independent home health agency and features an on-site beauty shop alongside outdoor gardens. The surrounding neighborhood has a walkability score of 53 out of 100, indicating that while you can handle a few nearby errands on foot, a car will still be helpful for most trips.

Prospective residents can reach out to the admissions office to check on current apartment availability, learn about the home health agency services, or set up a time to see the gardens. The administrative staff can also help explain how insurance policies or state aid programs fit into the monthly billing structure.

Contact The Vinton Lutheran Home

Overview of Perry Lutheran Home

The Perry Lutheran Home operates a 26-year-old continuing care retirement campus on Willis Avenue in Perry, Iowa, under the management of administrator Melissa Gannon. The building houses 70 residents, runs at about 80 percent occupancy, and handles accounts through private pay, Medicare, and Medicaid. Lengths of stay average 315 days, indicating that the daily routine integrates short-term therapy patients into an established, long-term residential community.

The hands-on clinical team delivers an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes of direct care to each resident every day. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides balance this 24-hour schedule to coordinate standard therapies, respite care, and independent home health services. The church-affiliated nonprofit property sits in a neighborhood that scores a 74 out of 100 for walkability, allowing visiting families to manage a variety of local trips on foot.

Interested individuals can get in touch with the main desk to ask about the independent or assisted living availability, request details on the home care services, or schedule an afternoon to see the campus. The front office can also explain the admission paperwork and clarify how different insurance options apply to the monthly fees.

Contact Perry Lutheran Home

Overview of Oelwein Health Care Center

Oelwein Health Care Center operates a 61-bed skilled nursing facility located at 600 Seventh Street SE in Oelwein, Iowa. Managed under the leadership of administrator Craig Allen, the property keeps a steady resident population with an occupancy rate hovering around 87.3 percent. The building manages financial accounts dynamically and holds federal certifications that allow the team to coordinate insurance billing through both Medicare and Medicaid networks.

Direct staffing routines are structured to provide an average of 4.04 hours of nursing attention per resident daily, placing the facility in the upper half of providers statewide in hands-on coverage. On the regulatory front, state files show the home has never received a federal monetary fine.

Annual surveys and complaint reviews from state inspectors documented 20 total health citations over multiple inspection cycles, though the facility maintains a top-tier standing for the complete absence of serious clinical violations.

Prospective residents can call the administrative department to inquire about open beds, request a breakdown of the daily nursing schedules, or arrange a personal walkthrough of the community areas. The billing coordinators are also available to help you look over your coverage options and explain how public aid or private funds apply to standard medical stays.

Contact Oelwein Health Care Center

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
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Frequently Asked Questions about Memory Care in Iowa

What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

Does Iowa Medicaid cover memory care?

Iowa Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for memory care, but most states (including Iowa) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.

What is memory care?

Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, with secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and routines built to reduce confusion and wandering.

How many memory care communities are listed on this page?

This page features 231 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.