10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Des Moines, IA
Located in the heart of the Midwest, Des Moines is known for its friendly locals, top-rated restaurants, and beautiful parks. You’ll find a thriving arts scene, with galleries and museums showcasing both local and national artists. Not to mention, Des Moines has numerous resources for seniors and their families looking to transition loved ones to memory care.
Fortunately, searching for the best possible memory care facility doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. If you’re looking for options within 10 miles of Des Moines’ downtown area, look first at the 18 memory care communities that are partnered with A Place for Mom. Each of these locations are designed specifically for residents with common memory care conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. They’re safe, secure, and stimulating places where your parent, grandparent, spouse, or relative can enjoy a high quality of life.
You’ll discover many unique attributes that make each Des Moines memory care facility stand out, allowing you to feel good about choosing a memory care community in the heart of Iowa. As part of your journey, be sure to read this full guide to gain insights into payment options, health care, regulatory information, transportation, and amenities surrounding memory care facilities in Des Moines.
Des Moines Memory Care Facilities | 493 Reviews
Fun, vibrant, safe and clean. The staff treat your parent/family member with respect and kindness. Not a cold sterile old folks home. A place they can still be adults and not just another number.
Very clean, all staff that we interacted with was friendly and helpful. The front office staff bent over backwards to help us at a very difficult time for our family. Seriously great staff.
Mom's been in the memory care wing for a couple of months now. She is getting along very well. Seems like she's not getting out of her room as much as I thought they would. I don't know how mom responds to...
Both the staff and residents are top notch. This place may not have all the, what I call fluffy stuff (theater room…but there is one across the street; balcony… but there is a very nice lake side view...
The main reason I moved my mom was MorningStar doesn't accept Title 19 if it should become necessary. I feel she will be financially okay for the next few years but no one knows how long she has -so I didn't...
When Mom was there, the staff was awesome. They did a fantastic job. The staffing has changed since then, so I can't say now. But I would say to check them out. It seemed like she was home. Her dementia...
I picked this place over others due to the overall quality of the facility. The dining room is a large open space with high a high ceiling and large windows over looking a grassy area with flowers and a...
[name removed] had good care. She was there because her husband had Parkinson's dementia. So she really wasn't with her peers as far as normal mental status. We couldn't get her into a different facility....
I am basing this off of the memory Care unit since Mom has been there the longest. They're willing to work with families on where to place residents and how to care for each individual resident. With the...
The director, [name removed], is great and so are the nurses and the activity director. The younger people who work there are decent, but they are young and not sure they really know how to converse with...
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I'm very happy with this facility and would recommend it to friends and family. The food is ok, kind of plain but no issues other than that. The facility is very clean, it's well maintained, and they are...
In the last 18 months I’ve toured many senior living options to find a place for my mom. Bickford in West Des Moines didn’t hit my radar right away and I wish it had. The staff is kind, the nurse has been...
My parents love it there. The staff is very friendly and very accommodating. The apartment is beautiful. The only reason I rated activities down a little is because we thought there would be...
I am happy for the care that is received from this community. The staff are caring and attentive to the residents. The menu offers alot of healthy meals that she is enjoying. The activities are helpful for...
I thinks so far it's been good. It's clean and the staff are pretty friendly. The food seems to be pretty good. The weekends can get a little difficult because there are less staff on duty. I don't think...
Due to our loved ones health she was unable to use the facilities that were offered at Bickford of Urbandale, however based on the experience we had with the community we would recommend them to other...
The staff has been helpful for me when I have requested some changes to areas that I use. Housekeeping was just here to vacuum my apartment. We have been able to meet many of the residence here and they have...
The staffing levels are sometimes an issue and can effect the care that they can provide. The staff they do have is great, but level of staff skills varies. I would suggest more events that include families.
This is a great opportunity for a parent or a loved one to go to. They are very welcome and open with the residents as well as the family. My mother is very happy there and it was the best place for her to...
Our loved one likes the complex a lot. The meals have not been great because the chef has quit. Our loved one has really has enjoyed participating in the activities.
The friendliness of the staff gets a 5+. It is a great place. People are amazing. It is beautiful, they have just remodeled, painted and new carpet. Wish there were more variety of activities. It is...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Des Moines community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Des Moines community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
Costs of memory care in the Des Moines area
The average monthly cost to live in a memory care facility in Des Moines is $4,585.[01] This figure is based on A Place for Mom’s proprietary information and includes the following:
- Room and board
- Onsite care and specific therapies
- Secured courtyards and community spaces
- Meals and dining
- Transportation services
- Activities
- Communal amenities
The exact cost for your loved one will be based on a number of factors, including the location’s unique features, the type of room your loved one chooses, and other add-ons not included in the standard residency agreement.
The following chart represents starting costs of memory care facilities in Des Moines and surrounding areas.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Des Moines, IA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Des Moines, IA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Des Moines vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Des Moines, IA by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Des Moines over time
How people pay for memory care in Des Moines
Often, seniors and their loved ones cover the costs for memory care residency using a variety of payment options including savings and other personal funds, veteran benefits and grants, Medicaid, and Medicare. By combining many types of payment methods, seniors and their family members can help make a move to a memory care facility in Des Moines financially feasible.
In this section, you’ll learn how programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and VA benefits can be used to pay for memory care in Des Moines.
Understand Iowa laws and regulations for memory care facilities
When you’re searching for the right memory care home for your loved one, you want to find one that meets all expected laws and regulations. In Iowa, every memory care facility, regardless of whether it’s a standalone property or part of a broader community such as a complex of buildings that includes senior apartments or assisted living housing, is required to be licensed by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA).
This means memory care facilities, wings, wards, and other units must meet minimum personnel, security, hygiene, care, staff training, and related standards, as well as pass regular annual inspections carried out by the Iowa DIA. Inspections include evaluating memory care facilities in the following categories:
- Proper resident care and services, including medication management, personal care, and activity programming.
- Adequate staffing levels and staff training, including the qualifications of the administrator and direct care staff.
- Satisfactory physical environment, including building safety, cleanliness, and maintenance.
- Upheld resident rights, including privacy, dignity, and freedom from abuse and neglect.
If a memory care facility doesn’t pass an inspection, it must take corrective actions within a specific timeframe as outlined by the DIA. You can find inspection reports on all licensed memory care facilities by searching the Direct Care Worker Registry & Health Facility Database.
Memory care facilities must meet all the regulations outlined for assisted living facilities (or assisted living programs), as well as follow Iowa state law. They can then be certified as dementia care units, which require them to follow additional staffing requirements (primarily dementia- and Alzheimer’s-specific training). Finally, the facility is also mandated to have alarms on exits and be able to remove kitchen appliances from residents’ living spaces.
Iowa Department of Health contact information
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-281-7689
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Des Moines memory care facilities
All Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted in Iowa, Polk County, and the city of Des Moines. However, memory care facilities — considered a type of assisted living facility — are advised to use preventative measures to avoid the spread of all infectious diseases. These measures include those listed below.
What to expect from memory care living in Des Moines
Enjoying a high quality of life is essential for all seniors, including those living in memory care facilities. Just because someone is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t mean they can’t participate in a wide range of activities and events. Even though they may need assistance with some daily personal care tasks like bathing, dressing, taking medications on time, and regularly eating nutritious meals and occasional snacks, most seniors who require memory care want to lead as normal a life as they can.
In a highly-ranked Des Moines memory care community, this goal of being treated with dignity and being able to exercise individual freedom within safe parameters can become a reality. The vast majority of memory care housing options within the city are designed to help seniors with memory care issues continue to thrive.
Living arrangements created for aging in place
As you browse through the memory care choices in Des Moines, you’ll notice that only two of our partners are standalone facilities. The rest offer one campus that combines memory care residential living with other types of senior living arrangements.
For instance, one facility boasts units for those seeking senior apartments, independent living, assisted living, and memory care. This may be a convenient choice if your loved one has recently been diagnosed with a memory care condition but is still generally independent. It can also be beneficial if you have two married relatives, such as parents or grandparents, who want to be close but have varying medical needs.
You can find eight facilities that incorporate memory care into their assisted living housing and seven that feature independent living and assisted living in addition to memory care.
Safe living for seniors with memory care needs
Personal safety is a critical element of any memory care location. This is why all memory care facilities in Des Moines that are partnered with A Place for Mom include 24-hour, round-the-clock staff supervision within a secured community. Most also have very specialized care to help residents navigate some of the common symptoms associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s, including disorientation, wandering, and restlessness.
To ensure that each resident receives routine evaluation for disease progression, nearly all the memory care communities have visiting therapists and specialists. That way, your loved one’s every need will be met by professionals with extra training.
The comfort of beloved pets
When you entrust your loved one’s care to someone else, you want to know that they’re getting the most value and enjoyment out of their new housing experience. One way to ensure constant stimulation is by finding a memory care unit or community that allows cats or dogs, which all of our partners allow. Having the companionship of a known pet can make your family member feel more at home.
Constant stimulation for mind and body
Regular activities like crafting and fitness programs and access to onsite libraries and communal TV lounges can make living in a memory care facility cozier for residents. With an activity director on staff at 82% of our partner facilities, your loved one will be engaged in things to do. Since 77% of our partners have enclosed courtyards, you feel good about knowing your loved one will be able to enjoy getting outside while staying safe.
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Unfamiliar with Des Moines? Highlights for seniors
Health care for seniors in Des Moines
Transportation for seniors in Des Moines
Although memory care patients should only explore Des Moines with a traveling companion, they have many options for getting around. One is free or for-a-price transportation offered by their preferred memory care housing community. According to A Place for Mom research, 88% of memory care units offer access to free transportation and 82% offer transportation services for an additional fee.
If you prefer to rely upon public transportation to take your loved one around the city, you can usually find a bus during the day. All buses are maintained by the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, and seniors can enjoy discounted fares. Be aware that the free door-to-door Paratransit Bus Plus service could be available if your loved one is considered low-income or is disabled. However, it’s best to call the Transit Authority at (515) 286-3484 to ask about any special transportation arrangements for the senior in your life.
Senior activities in Des Moines
When your loved one is first diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, you might assume that they have to stop doing the activities they enjoy. Quite the opposite is true. Seniors with memory care needs can still engage in plenty of recreational experiences as long as they’re accompanied by a trustworthy and dedicated adult companion. This means it’s easier than you thought to help your parent, grandparent, spouse, or other loved one make the most of living in Des Moines.
To jumpstart your exploration, head to the Memory Cafe on Grand. The facility is an adult day center that’s created just for seniors with dementia and their family and friends. To learn more about the Memory Cafe concept, check out their Facebook Group.
On-the-go ideas for physical and mental fun
There’s quite a variety of indoor and outdoor things to do with your relatives in Des Moines. Whether you’re already a resident of the city or are just visiting for a weekend or longer, consider making day trips to a few of the city’s 76+ parks. You can see which parks are best suited for the features your loved one would most like by visiting the Des Moines Parks and Recreation site.
Be sure to include Gray’s Lake Park in your lineup of park visits. It’s a huge space with lots of opportunities to casually walk down wheelchair-accessible paths, see native plants and animals, do some birdwatching, or just relax by the water. If you discover that your relative responds well to being in natural settings, bookmark the Iowa Department of Natural Resources page outlining statewide national parks. As long as you have personal transportation and your loved one can handle longer trips away from the memory care facility, you may want to occasionally visit some of these parks together.
Art and Beauty on Display
Indulging in things that are beautiful by nature and by design is always possible in Des Moines. Take the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, for instance. Seniors can traverse the grounds for a discounted rate. Only a short distance away by bus or car is the impressive Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a great location to stroll through when the weather’s friendly.
Be sure to take some time out of your weekend or week to see the free Des Moines Arts Center. You’ll be introduced to both known and unsung artists and their works. To see more art from emerging creators, take a trip to the Polk County Heritage Gallery.
Entertainment for all ages and stages
Watching TV all day can become repetitive. Mix up your loved one’s entertainment with a trip to the Des Moines Symphony to see a live concert. Or check out the Des Moines Civic Center for Broadway-level musicals and individual performances. Baseball enthusiasts will love going to a Principal Park game to see the minor league Iowa Cubs test their mettle.
It’s hard to beat the wonders of the Blank Park Zoo. The Zoo was recently honored with a 2022 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. It’s a nice location to get some light physical exercise and be introduced to a wide range of land, sea, and air creatures from across the globe.
Delicious flavors and treats for every appetite
Like so many other major cities, Des Moines is home to countless eateries, coffeehouses, diners, and restaurants. Whether your loved one prefers authentic sushi or southern barbeque, you can find the right cuisine for a breakfast, lunch, or dinner outing. For a more laid-back foodie environment, try the Downtown Farmers Market to taste-test some local ingredients, recipes, and fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Copper Shores Village, Independence Village of Ankeny and Independence Village of Waukee are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Des Moines, IA. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Des Moines is $4,312 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 45 memory care facilities near you in Des Moines, Iowa typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Des Moines, Iowa, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Des Moines, Iowa, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in Des Moines, Iowa ranges from $100 to $9700. The average Memory Care cost in Des Moines, Iowa is $4,312. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Des Moines, Iowa typically starts at $100. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. Census Bureau Tables
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. Census Bureau Tables
U.S. News and World Reports. (2023). Living in Des Moines, IA | U.S. News Best Places
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Median Income in the Past 12 Months (in 2021 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars) (S1903) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST
U.S. News & World Report L.P. (2023). Best Hospitals in Des Moines, IA Rankings
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