How Many Memory Care Facilities Are in Iowa?

Iowa has 167 memory care facilities that help care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. These facilities offer specialized care for people who have memory loss. Iowa residents often move to a memory care facility when it’s no longer safe for them to live at home or when a family member can’t continue with the responsibility of being a full-time caregiver.

The memory care facilities in Iowa provide a secure environment for individuals with varying levels of memory loss. These facilities are often part of a larger care facility that might offer assisted living or skilled nursing care. Residential memory care communities are typically designed as secure neighborhoods where residents can feel at home and safely wander. Residents engage in activities, eat together and live as a community.

Programming often focuses on cognitive support, with activities that slow the progression of cognitive decline. Residents are able to socialize and participate in various activities. The caregivers can also help with needs, such as assistance with activities of daily care, medication management and skilled nursing support. The level of care offered can vary by facility.

Major cities in Iowa, such as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Waterloo, have many memory care facilities, but you can also find options in the more rural parts of the state. Finding a facility that’s close to you makes it easier to visit your loved one. Consider your loved one’s needs, including how much care they need. The amenities and services can vary significantly between Iowa’s memory care facilities, so look for programs and activities that might keep your loved one engaged.

Touring the community gives you a better feel for how well it fits your loved one’s needs. Pay attention to how inviting the environment feels and how the staff behaves. Look for safety features, such as keypads at entry points, alarmed exits and completely secured outdoor spaces where residents can wander safely. This is also an ideal time to ask the staff any questions you have. This might relate to specific conditions your loved one has or general questions about how they care for their residents.