Other senior care options in Iowa:

Page 5 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 FeatherStone at Hickory Hill

Peacefully nestled in the serene setting of Iowa City, IA, FeatherStone at Hickory Hill is an idyllic retreat that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Beautifully furnished and cozy accommodations are available in a warm and welcoming environment, ensuring residents can feel at ease during their stay. Weekly housekeeping is also provided for residents’ convenience.

With plenty of recreational spaces and enriching events, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. Three delicious and healthy meals are also served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is also equipped with an art studio, a bistro, a beauty salon, a theater, and a garden lounge, creating the ideal setting for leisure and wellness.

Contact FeatherStone at Hickory Hill

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 Mercy Hospital

Nestled in Iowa City, Mercy Hospital exudes a sense of grace as it navigates the intricate landscape of the aging process. With a keen understanding of seniors’ needs, the hospital provides an array of services that go beyond the ordinary. From offering specialized nursing home care to addressing a diverse range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and more, Mercy Hospital is a trusted haven for seniors seeking comprehensive and attentive medical support.

As an institution attuned to the highest nursing home requirements, Mercy Hospital offers a holistic approach to seniors’ well-being. From osteoporosis to osteoarthritis, their comprehensive services encompass a spectrum of conditions that come with aging. The hospital’s commitment to monitoring and addressing potential complications showcases its dedication to delivering care that goes above and beyond. Backed by a team of compassionate and skilled professionals, Mercy Hospital ensures seniors receive the tailored support they deserve during their golden years.

Contact Mercy Hospital

Overview of Stonehill Care Center

Stonehill Care Center, situated at 3485 Windsor Avenue, is a skilled nursing facility that provides long-term care and post-acute physical rehabilitation. Public monitoring logs from an August 2025 review recorded a resident census of 158 individuals, which translates to an 85% building occupancy rate. This current enrollment sits below the facility’s historical pre-pandemic high, which frequently exceeded 180 residents.

Records from state healthcare registries track a strong long-term regulatory background alongside minor, corrected technical citations. Over a six-year tracking window, the property has averaged 1.7 deficiencies per year, which tracks 61% better than the Iowa state average. A standard August 2025 health survey flagged two deficiencies regarding an 8% insulin pen priming medication error and basic cleaning protocols for blood sugar meters. The administration quickly implemented a plan of correction, and a subsequent October 2025 complaint check verified that the property had returned to full compliance.

Looking further back, both the 2022 and 2024 annual surveys closed with zero deficiencies on record, though a mid-2023 review turned up two citations after a staff member failed to follow a fall-prevention care plan, resulting in minor resident injuries. The broader complaint record is largely favorable, with the majority of filed grievances returning unsubstantiated by state investigators.

Prospective residents checking into regional nursing care or post-acute recovery services can utilize these public health profiles to gauge the building’s operating history. The state documentation outlines a highly occupied environment with a low historical deficiency rate and a quick response to corrective actions, balanced against recent minor kitchen and medication administration citations.

Contact Stonehill Care Center

Heritage House

1200 Brookridge Cir, Atlantic, Ia 500222304
Overview of Heritage House

Heritage House provides assisted living and memory care from its 68-room, two-story building at 5200 Hollister Avenue in the Goleta area of Santa Barbara, California. Run by administrator Alejandra Nunez under the Heritage House Group, this home has been open for 23 years and usually runs at about 85 percent occupancy. Families cover the costs here through private, out-of-pocket payments. The building blends standard assisted living with specialized support for people navigating Alzheimer’s and dementia.

An in-house kitchen team makes home-style meals served across an on-site pub, café, and main dining room. On the floor, the care team provides a weekend average of 3 hours and 41 minutes of nursing attention per resident, with nurse aides covering 2 hours and 48 minutes of daily hands-on help alongside scheduled registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. The private rooms are set up with kitchenettes and wheelchair-accessible showers. Outside, the neighborhood scores a 67 out of 100 for walkability, so visiting family can easily handle a few quick errands on foot.

State inspectors haven’t found a single problem here lately, locking in a track record of zero deficiencies over recent evaluation cycles. The management team uses these clean reports to back up their current safety routines, local transportation services, and daily social programs. Residents also have access to open shared spaces around the property, including a fitness center, billiards lounge, media room, and ballroom.

Families checking out local care options can call the front desk to check on current room openings, ask how the memory care program is set up, or book a time to walk through the building.

Contact Heritage House

Overview of Bickford of Marshalltown

Serving Marshalltown, Iowa for 29 years, Bickford of Marshalltown is an assisted living community offering personal care and memory care. It also features studio and one-bedroom apartments in a two-story setting. Moreover, its location on Newcastle Road has a Walk Score of 59, allowing some errands to be completed on foot.

Salon and transportation services support residents’ daily comfort and convenience. It also offers a Montessori-based memory care program with structured, personalized activities for individuals living with cognitive decline. The community also welcomes pets, allowing residents to bring small animal companions.

Contact Bickford of Marshalltown

Overview of Eagle Point Health Care Center

Eagle Point Health Care Center provides personalized skilled nursing and long-term care in Clinton, Iowa, with in-house therapy and experienced staff. The facility specializes in residents with higher-acuity needs, including complex medical conditions and mental illness. It offers a calm, home-like environment where residents are treated with dignity.

Contact Eagle Point Health Care Center

Edencrest at Pleasant Hill

6151 Martha L. Miller Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Overview of Edencrest at Pleasant Hill

Take in the beauty of Pleasant Hill, IA, with the astounding senior living community of Edencrest at Pleasant Hill, which provides assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Here, residents are well-cared for, with a kind and highly trained team attending to their needs and aspirations 24/7. Promoting a bright and friendly environment, the community strives to provide a haven where residents are comfortable and well-cared for.

Alongside cozy amenities and pet-friendly spaces, a robust calendar of events and activities is also conducted for residents to make the most out of their days. Delight with delectable and healthy meals for the finest dining experience. Residents create unforgettable moments with the community’s warmth and dedication.

Contact Edencrest at Pleasant Hill

Edencrest at The Tuscany

1600 8Th St Se, Altoona, IA 50009
Overview of Edencrest at the Tuscany

Have a peaceful retirement with Edencrest at the Tuscany, an outstanding senior living community in Altoona, IA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. With its commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life, a reliable and highly skilled team cares for their personal needs and other responsibilities 24/7. A resident-centered approach is also utilized for residents to live their lives to the fullest.

Fostering a nurturing and inviting environment, enriching social programs, and fun activities are orchestrated for residents’ happiness and wellness. Here, delectable and nutritious meals are served to meet dietary needs and tastes. Filled with beautiful scenery and tranquil walking trails, residents live a serene lifestyle while receiving the utmost care they deserve.

Contact Edencrest at The Tuscany

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.