Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer’s, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Cedar Rapids' senior population continues to grow (19.2% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Cedar Rapids, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased by 15% between 2014 and 2019. The number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 4.88%. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is slightly lower than the rest of the nation (6.19% in Cedar Rapids vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered price information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of Memory Care in Cedar Rapids and 13 other cities in Iowa.
In Cedar Rapids, memory care costs surged by about 10.5% from 2022 to 2023 and are projected to rise another 8% by 2024, going from $6,076 to $7,236. This trend aligns with national averages set to increase from $4,863 to $5,792 by 2024. Iowa as a whole saw a 10% hike and anticipates a 6.5% rise by 2024, while Des Moines is projected to jump from $7,744 to $9,224, Davenport from $4,891 to $5,825 and Council Bluffs from $6,207 to $7,392.
Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
---|---|---|---|
Cedar Rapids | $6,076 | $6,708 | $7,236 |
U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
Iowa | $5,376 | $5,914 | $6,299 |
Des Moines | $7,744 | $8,550 | $9,224 |
Davenport | $4,891 | $5,400 | $5,825 |
Council Bluffs | $6,207 | $6,853 | $7,392 |
Because memory care requires more attention from caregivers than assisted living or independent living, memory care is usually significantly more expensive than the latter options.
Cedar Rapids' average monthly price of assisted living is $4,886, roughly $1,800 less expensive month-by-month than memory care. Independent living, which is comparable to renting a private residence but includes some amenities specific to senior needs, averages $3,450 a month — slightly more than half the price of memory care.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making memory care more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Iowa.
There are plenty of support options available for retirees in Cedar Rapids, IA. MmeoryCare.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the type of care they provide for easy reference.
For more information about resources throughout the state and in nearby cities, we recommend visiting the Iowa state page on memorycare.com.
The Area Agency on Aging in Cedar Rapids is a crucial asset for retired individuals, providing advice on financial assistance, home-based care, and planning for extended care. It also connects seniors and their caregivers with local resources.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Heritage Area Agency on Aging | 800-332-5934 | Six Area Agencies on Aging in Iowa offer supportive services to enhance the quality of life for older adults. These agencies connect seniors with local transportation, nutritional programs, community support groups, and other aid. Low-income seniors can access cost-saving programs like home weatherization, heating and cooling bill support, and medical care assistance. AAAs also advocate for senior wellness by addressing suspected Medicare fraud or abuse. |
Seniors in Cedar Rapids who wish to age comfortably at home can access financial assistance. Numerous local organizations offer help with costs such as home care, home modifications, and utilities.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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General Homemaker Program - Linn County | 319-892-5780 | The Linn County initiative offers home care services for seniors facing mobility or health challenges. A team of professional direct care workers, supervised by a social worker or nurse, provides assistance with meal planning, cooking, housekeeping, life skills, laundry, errands, and grocery shopping. Eligibility is open to Linn County residents requiring help in at least two of these areas. The program offers a sliding scale fee based on assets and income. |
In Cedar Rapids, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Horizons Meals on Wheels | 877-653-3123 | Horizons Meals On Wheels provides weekday meal delivery to homebound seniors in Eastern Iowa. Our dedicated team of volunteers delivers hot meals around noon, Monday through Friday. We also offer breakfast bags and freezer meal options. This service ensures that older adults who are homebound or recovering from an illness or surgery receive the nutrition they need. Donations are appreciated but not mandatory. |
In Cedar Rapids, several organizations are tackling the high cost of new medical devices. They collect lightly used equipment such as wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, distributing them to local elderly and those requiring assistance.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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UnityPoint at Home's Home Medical Equipment - Cedar Rapids | 319-369-7990 | UnityPoint at Home operates three medical equipment centers in Cedar Rapids, IA, offering a wide range of mobility devices, bathroom aids, lift chairs, and respiratory devices. Our services include collaborating with physicians to ensure clients receive the right equipment, coordinating patient discharges, and scheduling deliveries. We also provide training for seniors and caregivers on equipment usage and maintenance, along with regular maintenance and 24/7 emergency assistance. |
In Cedar Rapids, there are several organizations offering cost-effective or free legal aid to senior citizens. They provide advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills, and power of attorney. Some also champion the rights of the elderly in long-term care establishments.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Iowa Legal Aid Cedar Rapids Regional Office | 800-532-1275 | Iowa Legal Aid offers free civil legal assistance without any charges for legal services. For more information and eligibility requirements, seniors aged 60 and above in Iowa can contact the Legal Hotline for Older Iowans. |
In Cedar Rapids, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Active Older Adult Program - Cedar Rapids | 319-366-6421 | The Active Older Adults program at the Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA Helen G. Nassif YMCA offers specialty classes for individuals aged 50 and above. Classes, such as Zumba Gold and yoga, are available at the 7th Avenue SE location. The facility is open seven days a week, with occasional closings and hour changes for holidays. Class schedules may vary. |
Alzheimer's Association Cedar Rapids Regional Office | 800-272-3900 | The Alzheimer's Association Iowa Chapter offers support groups and educational programs for seniors and their families affected by Alzheimer's and other dementia disorders. They also provide a 24/7 helpline for information and support. |
Mercy Center for Memory Health | 319-398-6435 | The Mercy Center for Memory Health in Cedar Rapids, IA, provides assistance to individuals of all ages dealing with dementia or age-related memory loss. Our team conducts thorough care evaluations, including surveys and one-on-one sessions with both the caregiver and their loved one. We assess cognitive functioning and address any concerns before making a diagnosis or suggesting a personalized treatment plan. Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
In the city of Cedar Rapids, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Cedar Rapids Social Security Office 52404 | 800-772-1213 | Social Security provides income for retirees and individuals unable to work due to disability. Funding is derived from payroll taxes paid by employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Upon retirement, monthly payments are determined by previous earnings. |
For Cedar Rapids seniors facing challenges with private transport, assistance is readily available. Community resources are on hand to support the elderly and disabled with their in-city mobility, making tasks and city appointments more manageable.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Linn County LIFTS | 319-892-5170 | LIFTS offers convenient door-to-door transportation for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and rural Linn County residents. Our buses are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, scooters, canes, and walkers. Our friendly drivers are trained to assist passengers with boarding and disembarking. Qualifying riders enjoy affordable fares, while personal care attendants ride for free. Operating Monday through Saturday, our schedule provides flexible transportation options. Please note that we do not offer service on Sundays. |
In Cedar Rapids, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Cedar Rapids Vet Center | 800-698-2411 | Cedar Rapids Vet Center provides essential support to veterans in the community, offering free counseling and referrals in a nonmedical environment. Transition counseling helps returning service members readjust, while individual, group, and family counseling is available for those dealing with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, stress, anger, and PTSD. The center also offers therapy groups such as She Served Too, Vietnam Era, and the Veteran Arts Group, as well as monthly activities for female veterans. |
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Cedar Rapids, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
The Holistic Harbors memory care program at The Keystones of Cedar Rapids provides opportunities for meaningful engagement for seniors with dementia. The highly trained staff thoroughly assesses each resident's health and history before developing a customized care plan catering to their needs, values, preferences and skills. Residents live in a secure neighborhood featuring easily navigable spaces to encourage independent exploration while ensuring safety. A licensed nurse performs regular wellness monitoring, while the 24/7 caregivers provide daily living assistance, laundry and linen services. Residents can participate in cognitive activities such as brain puzzles and card games, fitness programs such as walking clubs and chair yoga, and social events such as community outings and music. The culinary team serves gourmet meals based on the MIND diet, a specialized diet proven to slow dementia by up to 53%.
Family members praise the joyful atmosphere. A resident's sister writes, "It's a really nice place. We saw lots of smiles, happy people, employees talking to one another and the residents, and the residents were laughing. It was very clean, bright, with lots of activities. They had a nice courtyard with bird nests, butterfly houses."
The Views of Cedar Rapids | MeadowView Memory Care community provides a warm, secured environment in which residents living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease thrive under 24/7 care. Its four distinct memory care neighborhoods are positioned around a village center designed especially to provide optimal senior freedom of movement. This small town setting features a post office and an ice cream parlor for community socialization. Group activities include group chair exercises, religious services, off-site drives and history discussions. Residents receive daily help with bathing, dressing, grooming and eating, and pets are allowed to live with residents in studio, one and two-bedroom apartments.
Family members recommend this community highly for its caring, attentive administration and abundance of memory care-related activities. One says, "I would recommend it to others with loved ones with memory care needs. The administration is trying hard to meet all the needs of the residents. Singalongs, group activities, movies, and more are available activities for the residents."
Sitting in a quiet neighborhood of Cedar Rapids, Cottage Grove Place is close to restaurants, shops, parks and medical venues, with UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids and Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids just five minutes away. This community's memory care program helps seniors with dementia maintain as much of their previous lifestyle as possible. It provides a family-like atmosphere and treats residents with respect and dignity. Seniors live in a secure building featuring an enclosed outdoor space that encourages them to explore freely while ensuring their safety. The highly trained caregivers provide medication management and help with activities of daily living, such as dressing and grooming, based on each resident's needs. A physician is available on-site for primary care, lab work and X-rays, and an activity coordinator organizes a full slate of cognitive programs and social events.
People rave about the devoted staff, delicious food and beautiful environment. A resident writes, "The staff is excellent in being friendly, helpful, desiring to know us and become a part of our lives. The meals are very good and offer a nice variety of menu items. It feels like home."
CountryHouse Residence provides specialized memory care services in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Familiar, daily routines are designed by knowledgable staff members to provide stability for residents, including opportunities to assist with household chores, crafts and games to promote spiritual, social, physical and intellectual wellness. CountryHouse has a homelike setting with memory boxes to display keepsakes and photos, comfortable common areas, a spa bathhouse with heated flooring and a large, fully secured outdoor courtyard that features walking paths, a patio, a water feature, gardens and a putting green. State-of-the-art technology programming, It's Never too Late and Life Loop are utilized to improve residents' quality of life, communication and independence. Trained care staff are available 24/7, with registered nurse supervision, and entryways are secured with surveillance for safety.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the caring staff, homelike environment and variety of activities tailored specifically for those with memory loss. CountryHouse Residence also offers support groups and events for family members and loved ones of residents.
Garnett Place is a memory care community in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that provides a safe place for residents to call home. Its staff members are specially trained and present 24/7 to deal with personal care needs and soothe frustrations. The entire community is secured to prevent wandering and provides a high level of privacy. Residents receive housekeeping and laundry services, have access to various community spaces and have all of their meals prepared for them. A coaching program helps residents improve and maintain life skills so they can function at a higher level for a longer length of time. Activities curated for those with dementia are provided on a recurring basis.
Residents and visitors describe a high-quality, spacious campus at Garnett Place. One relative says, "Everything looked fine. The rooms were varied. The studio had a bedroom and a bathroom just off from the living room, and it was good-sized. They weren't just tiny little cramped areas. It's some place I wouldn't worry about having my loved ones stay in."
Corridor Crossing Place is a small assisted living and memory care community that offers residents maintenance-free living and the comforts of home. Known as The Gardens, the community's memory care neighborhood provides specialized programming that helps residents maintain their independence and staff who are available 24 hours a day to offer assistance. In addition, to help with activities of daily living, memory care residents receive regular reminders, close supervision and safety monitoring. The secure grounds include walking paths, and there are regular, guided outdoor activities. Accommodation is provided in warm, secure suites with move-in assistance available. The team regularly communicates with families and offers monthly meetings with the Nurse Manager, so loved ones are kept informed of residents' health.
Staff at Corridor Crossing Place are praised for their kindness and compassion, with one daughter stating the team was "more than helpful and did everything they could to help our mother." Reviewers described the community as welcoming with a small-town feel, with one mentioning that guests have "an open invitation to join in meals."
At Stoney Point Meadows, memory care residents are greeted with a warm, home-like atmosphere. The single-floor community is designed to be familiar and easy to navigate, with several nostalgic touches, including a retro ice cream parlor. Resident apartments are equipped with safety alert systems in case of an emergency. Each resident participates in a proprietary occupational-therapy-based program to determine the type and level of personalized care they need. Additionally, a certified nurse is available for wellness checks once per month. Well-trained staff members are available daily for assistance with housekeeping tasks and local transportation. Residents are frequently encouraged to gather in common community spaces such as the terrace dining room, where everyone can enjoy meals together.
Family members are impressed with the services here. One said, "The place is new, well designed, and well cared for. It is on the edge of town, so it has a nice mix of suburban and rural feel to it. They are doing a good job of walking the fine line of safety and independence."
Emery Place provides specialized dementia and Alzheimer's disease care within its Gardens memory care community. In addition to assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing and grooming, residents receive task, event and medication reminders as well as close supervision and safety monitoring. The community's caregivers also provide specialized coaching to help its memory care residents remain independent through the maintenance of routine daily living skills. Seniors are encouraged to participate in daily cognitive and physical fitness-enhancing activities, including music, pet and massage therapy sessions and group exercise classes. Open dining helps residents enjoy meals on their preferred schedules, with senior-favorite dishes served regularly. Physical therapy is offered on-site, and local medical transportation is provided.
Family members give this community high scores for its seamless transition and sweet, compassionate staff members. One says, "We moved my dad into the Gardens (Memory Care) section. It was a difficult decision to make, but the care that Dad has received has made the transition so wonderful for him and our family. The staff is very caring and kind."
All of the caregivers at Bickford of Marion receive advanced dementia training, which helps them provide personalized services for its residents living with mild, moderate and advanced memory decline. All incoming memory care residents receive a Lifesong document that details their personal and professional histories, giving staff members a guide to use throughout all daily interactions. Lifesong baskets and stations throughout the community match each resident's hobbies and skills to spark past memories and encourage seniors to participate in spontaneous leisure activities. Seniors receive daily help with bathing, dressing, grooming and medication management. Daily small group activities help residents bond with other community members, while companion care services provide one-on-one activity sessions that maximize memory care resident engagement.
Family members rave about the management, staff and nursing care throughout their loved one's long-term stay here. One relative says, "My mother lived at Bickford for four years until she passed away this year. She was in assisted living initially and later the memory care unit. The staff, nurses and management could not have been more caring and helpful during her stay."
Grand Living at Indian Creek is a care campus serving the needs of residents living with dementia and related conditions. Its Luminations Memory Care program provides a comprehensive assortment of care services and incorporates family members into the process so that residents receive the types of individualized attention they need most. It features the Monarch Lane and Lavender Lane communities, which are co-ed and women-only, respectively. This community incorporates design elements, such as painted windows and landmarks, that help residents navigate to their own rooms and throughout community spaces. The campus is also secured so that residents can't wander away and are always in reach of supervision. The FACETS program uses elements of each resident's life history to design schedules that meet their personal, spiritual and health-related needs. Residents also participate in enrichment activities designed for their levels of cognition.
Family members applaud the efforts of staff members and remark on the personalized care at Grand Living at Indian Creek. A resident's child says, "Everyone associated with this facility loves my mother and she has a wonderful rapport with everyone she comes in contact with. They respect the individuality of all of the residents."
Hiawatha Care Center's memory care community, Promise House, offers specialized memory care near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Promise House is designed to mimic a family home, following research suggesting that those with memory loss are more at ease in a homelike setting. This design allows for ease of navigation, fewer opportunities for confusion and increased opportunities for social communication. Each residence within Promise House has its own common area, central bathing room, laundry, kitchen and dining rooms, as well as a unique memory box which residents can fill with meaningful items and keepsakes. Promise House encourages residents to participate in activities and equips them with the tools to maintain as much independence as possible. Each residence has one or two Universal Workers, available at any time, who are trained in every aspect of caring for those with memory loss. Social and recreational programs are offered to encourage engagement for residents.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the caring staff and activities available at Hiawatha Care Center. One reviewer says, "There were a large number of staff, and when anybody needed help, they came right away. They have lots of activities."
Memory Care residents at Summit Pointe Senior Living Community are accommodated in spacious studio apartments with private bathrooms and walk-in showers. Communal areas include a country kitchen, secure outdoor courtyard and comfortable niches that have elements that enhance purposeful living. There is onsite licensed nursing care, and staff are available around the clock to provide assistance when needed. The community also has premium safety features for residents with dementia, including pendant alarms to call for help. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, and the menu features a wide variety of choices to suit every taste. Conveniences such as housekeeping and a beauty shop help residents enjoy a stress-free retirement and enjoy the many activities the community offers.
Members of the Summit Pointe Senior Living Community speak highly of the campus, describing it as "clean, modern and well kept." Commenters also mention the thoughtful design of the room that is easy to navigate for those with mobility issues. Other reviewers appreciate the staff and the all-inclusive service offered to memory care residents.