Other senior care options in Iowa:

Page 8 of Best Memory Care in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 233 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
Jul 2026
We analyzed
233 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.

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 #122 / 306
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #241 / 306
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- 90.5% 25
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #89 / 306
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #294 / 306
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 #24 / 284
78.6% 11
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 306
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #258 / 306
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% ---
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 #109 / 284
98.3% 16
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #147 / 306
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #210 / 306
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 #204 / 306
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #258 / 306
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 #34 / 284
75.0% 15
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #122 / 306
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #258 / 306
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 #8 / 284
91.7% 17
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 306
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #258 / 306
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 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
Mount Carmel Bluffs
MC
NH
IL
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 / 284
93.3% 10
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 306
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #241 / 306
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 #204 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
Creekside
MC
AL
IL
NH
Grundy Center
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #324 / 406
No
63
Facility 63
IA AVG 45
Rank #134 / 528
---3
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
Newton Village INC
MC
AL
HOS
IL
NH
SNF
West Newton
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 71
Rank #156 / 406
No
67
Facility 67
IA AVG 45
Rank #112 / 528
-
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 19
Rank #224 / 284
52.9% 3
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
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 #180 / 284
85.3% 14
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #122 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
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 #147 / 306
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 306
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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

Overview of The Summit at Bettendorf

The Summit at Bettendorf is a well-regarded retirement community in Bettendorf, IA, that offers a wide range of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation. The community also features a variety of thoughtfully furnished floor plans in a nurturing and home-like environment, ensuring older adults can feel at home during their stay. With chef-prepared meals, 24-hour care, and wellness programs, residents can maintain their independence with ease. Dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life, the community provides exceptional care tailored to their needs and preferences.

Lectures, light physical activities, and resident clubs help residents have fun and continue learning. Residents can also interact with friends and lounge, as state-of-the-art amenities, like the rooftop bar, salon, and walking paths, are available. Set in the quiet neighborhood of Bettendorf, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. With its exceptional quality of care, this retirement community is a great choice for senior living in Iowa.

Contact The Summit at Bettendorf

Overview of Keystone Place at Forevergreen

Located within North Liberty, Iowa, Keystone Place at Forevergreen stands as a haven of passionate care and vibrant living. Offering a comprehensive range of services, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, this community is renowned for its landscape-rich campus and its unwavering commitment to fostering an engaged and socially active lifestyle for its residents. Here, the pursuit of fun and personal growth thrives, allowing seniors to flourish physically and mentally.

The community boasts an elegant clubhouse adorned with a library and theater, serving as a hub for enriching activities. An expansive activity center and a state-of-the-art fitness hub contribute to the dynamic environment. The spacious apartment homes, available in large one and two bedroom floor plans, offer ample storage and comfort. With a 24-hour concierge and a specially trained staff available round the clock, residents experience a secure and supportive atmosphere. The courtyard also beckons with secure access, providing a breathable space for relaxation.

Contact Keystone Place at Forevergreen

Overview of Hansen House Harlan

Enjoy the finest retirement with the esteemed senior living community of Hansen House Senior Living in Dye Street, Harlan, IA, providing independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community features snug and sophisticated residences with various floor plans, ensuring seniors live comfortably and safely. With a cheerful and reliable team, seniors can rest assured of having fun companions and genuine care in their golden years.

Explore new interests and meet people with diverse backgrounds through carefully planned activities and programs. Here, residents enjoy mealtimes that satisfy dietary needs and tastes with healthy and delicious meals. Hansen House Senior Living is ideal for seniors in need of assistance to live every day without trouble.

Contact Hansen House Harlan

Overview of Southern Hills Specialty Care

Dedicated to providing high-quality senior living, Southern Hills Specialty Care in West Lakes Parkway, West Des Moines, IA, is a reliable senior living community that offers a wide range of care services. These include assisted living, memory care, skilled care, therapy services, wound care management, and hospice. With a team of compassionate and highly skilled professionals delivering top-tier care and assistance around the clock, seniors can thrive and live their lives to the fullest.

A variety of planned activities and engaging programs are also provided to ensure residents have fun and meet friends. Special diets are also accommodated to ensure health needs and cravings are met through delicious and nutritious meals. Southern Hills Specialty Care is great for seniors looking to make the most out of their best years.

Contact Southern Hills Specialty Care

Overview of The Willows of Marshalltown

The Willows of Marshalltown houses 48 residents across studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units (340–720 square feet) in a two-story building at 2315 Campbell Dr in Marshalltown, Iowa, 4.1 miles from the city center. Administered by Jennifer Stanley and owned by Ben Daniels, the facility has operated since July 2018.

It specializes in assisted living and memory care, serving residents with dementia and cognitive impairment. The community offers on-site transportation, a movie theater, parking, and permits pets.

Occupancy is currently 63 percent (30 beds occupied of 48 licensed), which trails Iowa’s 75.4 percent average.

The neighborhood is car-dependent (Walk Score 1).

The facility’s regulatory record reveals persistent care quality concerns. Eight inspections from December 2018 through May 2025 identified 38 total deficiencies; 41 percent above the state average for assisted living.

The most damaging finding appeared in the May 2025 complaint investigation: a resident suffered a fractured pelvis during a fall because the facility failed to provide adequate care, treatment, and services, including non-functional chair alarms and insufficient staff assistance during the incident.

In September 2024, a complaint-driven recertification inspection documented 11 violations spanning medication administration errors, failure to notify state authorities of major injuries within required timeframes, incomplete tenant evaluations, inability to manage residents who exceeded their care level capacity, and missing nurse documentation and safety protocols.

A December 2022 investigation found service plans were not updated to reflect escalating behavioral medication needs; residents received 57 doses of PRN aggression medication in December alone, up from 5 in August, yet no plan modifications were documented. Only one inspection (July 2020) yielded zero deficiencies.

The overall trajectory shows no sustained improvement.

Contact The Willows of Marshalltown

Overview of Keystone Senior Suites

Make the most of your best years at Keystone Senior Suites, a distinguished community in Keystone, IA, offering assisted living. Residents can keep their peace of mind with a compassionate and well-trained team that provides top-notch care tailored to their daily living activities and personal needs around the clock. With housekeeping and laundry services, residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

Dedicated to enhancing residents’ living experience, a thoughtfully curated calendar of enriching activities and stimulating programs is conducted. Mealtimes are something to look forward to, with delicious and healthy dining options served to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is a good option for those needing assistance to live comfortably in retirement, especially with its quality services and well-maintained amenities.

Contact Keystone Senior Suites

Overview of The Views of Cedar Rapids | RidgeView Assisted Living

Discover a treasure nestled in the stunning surroundings of Cedar Rapids. This exceptional home offers a unique blend of sister-living and memory care, designed to provide an unparalleled living experience. With a dedicated and compassionate staff available round the clock, residents can enjoy enhanced support and peace of mind throughout their retirement years. Even for those facing memory impairments, this home is a haven where seniors can thrive and make the most of their golden years.

The range of living options at this remarkable home includes assisted living apartments, where residents can find the perfect balance between independence and assistance. Additionally, senior apartments for independent living are available, allowing residents to enjoy a self-reliant lifestyle while still having access to a supportive community. Weekly housekeeping and laundry services are thoughtfully provided, allowing residents to focus on the things that truly matter. Transportation services are readily available as well, ensuring that residents can embark on countryside drives or enjoy convenient grocery outings. With 24-hour certified staff on-site, safety and assistance are always within reach.

Contact The Views of Cedar Rapids | RidgeView Assisted Living

Overview of Independence Village of Waukee

Tucked away in Waukee, IA Independence Village of Waukee is a one-of-a-kind senior living community that offers an array of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The community offers a wide range of apartment floor plans, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom apartments, and shared suites for memory care residents. A dedicated care team is available 24-hours a day to provide licensed support and various assistance, from daily living activities to medication reminders, and mobility assistance.

Committed to offering a nurturing and engaging environment that fosters social interaction and vibrant living, the community offers a wide array of activities and events inspired by residents’ interests and skills. Residents also enjoy a personalized dining experience, consisting of tastefully prepared meals tailored to their dietary needs and tastes. Here, residents are given access to the necessities they need to live a fulfilling golden years.

Contact Independence Village of Waukee

Overview of CedarStone Senior Living

Discover an exceptional stay with CedarStone Senior Living located in Cedar Falls, IA. This community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Here, residents can choose from beautifully designed and pet-friendly accommodations ranging from studio to one-bedroom and two-bedroom. With a highly trained and educated team, those with cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia receive personalized care with genuine compassion and holistic approach.

Offering top-notch amenities and services, residents can enjoy restaurant-style dining, maintenance and housekeeping, concierge service, transportation, and other optional services such as pet care. Meet new people by visiting its inviting lounges and and club rooms. Experience its planned daily activities for events and entertainment, wellness, local excursions, shopping, and many more. Thus, CedarStone Senior Living is a well-recommended community for relaxation, recreation, and socialization.

Contact CedarStone Senior Living

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 233 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.