The Best Memory Care Facilities in Iowa City, IA
Dementia, and specifically Alzheimers, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Iowa City’s senior population continues to grow (33% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Iowa City, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 17% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 22%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lowerthan the rest of the nation (4.17% in Iowa City vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
To help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment find the support and care their loved ones need, we applied our unique methodology and spent dozens of hours researching senior living communities in Iowa City. In addition to an overview of the communities’ best features, this guide highlights the best memory care facilities in the city, and gives information about pricing, types of care provided, residents’ reviews, and more.
The Best Memory Care Facilities in Iowa City, IA
Table of Contents
How Memory Care Facilities Can Help
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.
Our Selection Process
To choose the best memory care facilities in Iowa City, 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:
- Spent over 36 hours researching memory care facilities in Iowa City
- Read more than 125 reviews written by residents and their loved ones
- Interviewed 10 representatives from local communities
Reviews of the 16 Best Memory Care Facilities in Iowa City
The Keystones of Cedar Rapids
- Resident Capacity:122
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:$6,575 for Memory Care, $4,725 for Assisted Living, $3,450 for Independent Living
The Keystones of Cedar Rapids comprises a spacious campus with plenty of outdoor spaces for residents to relax and socialize. The memory care program is Holistic Harbors. It helps improve brain function and social interactions through four categories: fitness, sharpness, connection, and inspiration. Memory care residents engage in physical fitness through chair yoga or water exercise. Brain Boosters, Pinochle, and Wii games help enhance focus and cognition for the sharpness component. Social connections comprise coffee, book, and hobby clubs. Inspirational activities include musical performances, religious services, and craft classes. Where dining is concerned, the community incorporates the MIND diet for memory care residents. This nutritional approach includes foods such as poultry, olive oil, nuts, whole grains, berries, and vegetables to help prevent dementia and similar conditions.
Community reviews emphasize several themes, including the efficacy of memory care activities and staff experience with memory conditions. The home-cooked meals and spacious living quarters are also common points of mention. One review sums up how many residents and their loved ones feel about The Keystones of Cedar Rapids, stating, "Great place, caring people. Mom really likes it."
- Reviews:4.55 out of 5 stars; 58 reviews
- Phone:(319) 313-2056
- Address:6325 Rockwell Dr. NE., Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
- Web:www.keystonesenior.com
CountryHouse Residence
- Resident Capacity:49
- Room Types:Studios, Companion Suites, Private Rooms, Shared Rooms
- Care Provided: Memory Care, Adult Day Services, Respite
- Base Pricing:Memory Care: $5,795
CountryHouse Residence is a memory care community for older adults with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Licensed staff members, including nurses, are on site 24/7 to care for residents and coordinate care with other health providers. An electronic security system protects the community, and residents have an emergency alert system. On-site features include large activity areas, resident kitchens, a beauty salon, a large dining room offering homemade meals and a large, enclosed outdoor courtyard. The activities calendar features group outings to the zoo, educational classes, on-site exercise classes, games and music.
Family of residents praise the kind and knowledgeable staff and varied activities. One says, "I cannot say enough for the way they cared for not only our mother, but it was readily apparent that all residents were cared for incredibly well. The activities and interactions I know added a great deal of happy time to my mother's life!"
- Reviews:4.62 out of 5 stars; 39 reviews
- Phone:(319) 826-1094
- Address:5710 Gibson Dr. NE., Cedar Rapids, IA 52411
- Web:countryhouse.net
Cottage Grove Place
- Resident Capacity:60
- Room Types:1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:$6,200 for Memory Care, $3,995 for Assisted Living, $2,600 for Independent Living
Cottage Grove Place is located in Cedar Rapids, 30 miles north of Iowa City. The community is in a quiet residential area, close to Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids. The memory care neighborhood offers a secure homelike place for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. It features a variety of amenities, including a secure courtyard, a salon and a spa. Residents can enjoy three chef-prepared meals in the elegant dining room or in the casual bistro. Caregivers offer 24/7 personalized support and assistance with daily living tasks such as grooming, bathing and medication management. Residents also have access to physician services, including lab work and X-rays. The community provides daily engaging social, recreational and cognitive activities, designed to slow down memory loss and enhance quality of life. Activities include musical activities, exercise classes and movie nights.
Visitors liked the impressive range of amenities, with one reviewer saying, " The people were very friendly, the place seemed like it was pretty new, it's quite affordable, and had a lot of amenities to offer. There was a pool, a weight room, and an open restaurant. They also had food that you could get or grab at all hours of the day."
- Reviews:4.29 out of 5 stars; 55 reviews
- Phone:(319) 363-2420
- Address:2115 1st Ave. SE., Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
- Web:cottagegroveplace.com
Garnett Place
- Resident Capacity:58
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Townhomes
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:$2,940 for Assisted Living
Garnet Place is in a quiet, forested area in Cedar Rapids. Programs and staff specialize in working with seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. A nurse is available 24/7 for emergencies and to coordinate care with health providers. The community building and the private courtyard are secured, allowing memory care residents to spend time outside safely, and all residents have access to an emergency alert system. Pets are welcome. An activity calendar includes exercise classes, manicures, art classes and outings to the community. Protestant, Catholic and Mormon services are held, and a chaplain or priest is available on-site.
Residents and their families appreciate the cleanliness of the center and the sense of community. The daughter of one resident says, "Garnet Place provides a warm, community, environment that is different than other facilities my parents have experienced. Activities are available, and two beautiful, enclosed, courtyards for enjoying the outdoors."
- Reviews:4.40 out of 5 stars; 90 reviews
- Phone:(319) 774-4861
- Address:202 35th St. Dr. SE., Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
- Web:www.jaybirdseniorliving.com
The Views of Cedar Rapids
- Resident Capacity:110
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:Not Listed
The Views of Cedar Rapids is an assisted living community that specializes in memory care, serving those with Alzheimer's and dementia. Licensed staff is available 24/7 to provide direction and assistance to residents. Rooms are private and equipped with individual temperature control, cable and Wi-Fi. Residents have access to complimentary transportation, and can keep a small pet with them. Inside the community, the MeadowView atrium reduces confusion and negative behaviors through its authentic town-like environment, complete with an ice cream parlor, a post office and a beauty shop. Outdoor common spaces include a patio and courtyard.
Residents and their families love the large common areas, private rooms and helpful staff. One family member says, "The staff is always pleasant and helpful, both to family and residents," while another adds, "I was so impressed when I said the hometown setting and the large clean rooms that residents stay in."
- Reviews:4.41 out of 5 stars; 55 reviews
- Phone:(319) 294-9669
- Address:3005 F Ave. NW., Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
- Web:www.viewsofcedarrapids.com
Corridor Crossing Place
- Resident Capacity:24
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites, Private Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:$4,500 for Memory Care, $4,500 for Assisted Living
Corridor Crossing Place provides individualized memory care in a secure, homelike atmosphere called The Gardens. Staff members continually work directly with residents to adjust their personalized care plans. They help with daily living activities and medication management and take care of housekeeping and laundry chores. Supervision and assistance are available 24/7, and coaching allows residents to participate in daily activities and maintain as much independence as possible. Three chef-prepared meals are served each day, and snacks and beverages are always available. Programming includes fitness classes, music therapy, guided activities such as games and crafts and time outdoors, including supervised use of walking trails. Common areas provide cozy spaces for conversation and relaxation both indoors and out.
Residents and their families appreciate the caring staff and many activities at Corridor Crossing Place. One reviewer notes that "Communication is key at this community." Staff members "do everything that we need them to do, and they call me with any updates or concerns that they have." This reviewer's mother enjoys the community's classes and games.
- Reviews:3.95 out of 5 stars; 77 reviews
- Phone:(319) 249-2337
- Address:136 36th Ave. SW., Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
- Web:www.jaybirdseniorliving.com
Stony Point Senior Living
- Resident Capacity:Not Listed
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Private Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:Not Listed
Stoney Point Meadows is a senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Respite care is also available following hospital stays. All residents have spacious private apartments with weekly housekeeping and maintenance in a lovely rural setting. The Seasons Pub and Bistro is a modern gathering space, and the Stoney Point Event Center holds educational programs and worship services. As a faith-based organization, residents can enjoy an environment rich in spirit and fun. A recently created modern art studio and a gorgeous state-of-the-art movie theater make every day an accommodating and fulfilling experience.
Residents and their families rave about the modern atmosphere, calling it "new, spacious, and beautiful." Plus Stoney Point Meadows staff is noted as "exceptionally pleasant and accommodating" with extensive knowledge of senior care and etiquette.
- Reviews:5 out of 5 stars; 6 reviews
- Phone:(319) 382-5080
- Address:1900 Stoney Point Rd. SW., Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
- Web:www.stoneypointmeadows.com
Bickford of Marion
- Resident Capacity:46
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:$4,715 for Memory Care; $4,715 for Assisted Living
Bickford of Marion is an assisted living and memory care community that offers seniors supported care in a cozy house-like environment. During business hours, a nurse is available to coordinate care. Memory care residents have access to caregivers 24/7 to support their needs and help them remain comfortable and active in their homes. All caregivers are trained in advanced dementia care. Throughout the day, residents can be found outdoors in the interior courtyard enjoying the fresh air and landscaped surroundings or participating in many scheduled activities, including bingo, cards, puzzles and art classes.
Reviews of the Bickford of Marion are positive, with the daughter of a resident stating, "Staff, nurses, and management could not have been more caring and helpful." Another reviewer describes the staff as "overflowing with positive energy" and the community as a "wonderful environment where you know your loved one is receiving compassionate care."
- Reviews:3.74 out of 5 stars; 14 reviews
- Phone:(319) 373-7000
- Address:1100 Linden Dr., Marion, IA 52302
- Web:www.bickfordseniorliving.com
Emery Place
- Resident Capacity:64
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:Not Listed
Emery Place provides memory care to help residents improve their quality of life by engaging them in a diverse range of active and engaging activities. The facility was purpose built to provide memory care services and is highly secure, but it provides residents with a small-town feel and great amenities. It's staffed by qualified and friendly caregivers dedicated to providing top-notch senior care. Residents can participate in cooking and art classes, wine tasting, join the gardening club, and attend theater or live dance performances. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy the indoor and outdoor walking paths, take part in stretching classing or work out in the fitness center. On-site and off-site devotional activities and religious services provide spiritual nourishment. The facility provides educational speakers and enables lifelong learners to indulge their love of books. Pet lovers can enjoy the warmth and companionship of their cats and dog in the pet-friendly facility.
People love Emery Place for its professional and compassionate staff. One family member recounts, "Our family chose Emery Place for both of our parents It was the perfect fit; they certainly got all the attention they needed and helped the family transition us all during this difficult decision, and change is all of our lives. They tended to each of their individual needs with respect and caring."
- Reviews:4.30 out of 5 stars; 71 reviews
- Phone:(319) 536-1843
- Address:901 S. Mentzer Rd., Robins, IA 52328
- Web:www.jaybirdseniorliving.com
Bickford of Muscatine
- Resident Capacity:45
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:Memory Care: $3,346, Assisted Living: $3,346
Bickford of Muscatine, IA, is located in a residential neighborhood about 45 minutes southeast of Iowa City. Homelike furnishings are selected for safety, comfort and familiarity for seniors with memory-related issues, as well as cozy places for conversation with friends and loved ones. Trained, compassionate staff members use information from residents' Lifesong Documents containing their historical information in their daily interactions. They also support residents with medication management, assistance with daily living activities and coordination with specialist services. Each resident has a Lifesong Basket full of meaningful items relating to residents' interests and hobbies and used for enrichment. Activities are designed to encourage practical skill retention, creative stimulation and fitness. Premium small group and one-on-one services are offered for extra dementia care. Kitchen staff prepare from-scratch meals three times daily and offer special meals for holidays and celebrations. Significant milestones are also shared regularly in a monthly newsletter and on the community's website as a way of strengthening connections to memorable moments.
Reviewers praise the variety of activities, with one reviewer saying, "There is something going on all the time. They have an exercise group and a couple of reading groups. They serve three meals a day. There is a pond two blocks away where my father can go fishing."
- Reviews:4.46 out of 5 stars; 20 reviews
- Phone:(563) 263-6600
- Address:2807 Cedar St., Muscatine, IA 52761
- Web:www.bickfordseniorliving.com
Addington Place of Muscatine
- Resident Capacity:100
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:Memory Care: $5,230, Assisted Living: $3,770
Near Iowa City, Addington Place of Muscatine, IA, offers residents a tranquil, pet-friendly environment in a residential neighborhood. Memory care residents live in The Gardens, which feature personalized enrichment planning, including regular outdoor activities in an enclosed courtyard. Close supervision and specialized coaching for each memory care resident provides them with regular reminders while staff monitor them for changes in well-being or comfort. Medical care and medication management are provided by trained and caring staff members who administer assistance with daily living needs related to bathing, grooming and dressing. Residents can choose to dine in their room or restaurant-style in the dining hall. Weekly housekeeping and laundry services are included, and each room is equipped with an emergency call system.
Reviewers praise staff for providing an enriching experience. One reviewer says, "They do plenty of activities. They have sewing classes and trips that they take, like for ice cream. and they'd go out to eat, once they went for pizza. They make a big deal out of birthdays.
- Reviews:4.90 out of 5 stars; 31 reviews
- Phone:(563) 281-3228
- Address:3515 Diana Queen Dr., Muscatine, IA 52761
- Web:www.jaybirdseniorliving.com
Legacy Senior Living
- Resident Capacity:189
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:Memory Care: $5,000, Assisted Living: $3,900, Independent Living: $2,750
Legacy Senior Living provides memory care residents with a quiet, residential retirement setting in Iowa City, IA. Dementia care specialists are certified in the I'm Still Here methodology, which focuses on reducing symptoms of dementia such as agitation, aggression, apathy and anxiety. Escorts to and from the restaurant-style dining hall and enrichment activities help ensure memory care residents can join community meals and gatherings. Games focus on recalling life stories and memorable moments, and enrichment activities help seniors retain their skills and develop new ones by engaging their intellect and creativity. Trained staff administer medication, coordinate health care services and assist with daily living needs to create predictable, personalized routines. Around-the-clock care provides for a registered nurse on staff 24/7.
Comments describe a family-friendly experience for visiting loved ones. One reviewer says, "We have eaten several meals there, and the food is excellent. They can choose off a menu of they don't care for either of the selections offered. We feel very comfortable with all the services provided by Legacy!"
- Reviews:4.67 out of 5 stars; 69 reviews
- Phone:(319) 341-0911
- Address:1020 S. Scott Blvd., Iowa City, IA 52240
- Web:dialseniorliving.com
Brown Deer Place
- Resident Capacity:44
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:$4,250 for Memory Care, $3,195 for Assisted Living, $3,195 for Independent Living
Brown Deer Place provides memory care, respite care and independent living in a close-knit neighborhood in Coralville, Iowa. The Gardens memory care unit is monitored 24/7 by specially trained staff and employs the WanderGuard alert system to deter unattended exits. Innovative programs, such as Live 2B Healthy, Music Speaks, Dare to Dream and LifeShare, provide opportunities to engage in activities and socialize with other residents. The community health care coordinator meets with prospective residents to develop a plan of care to meet everyday needs. Residents eat in the restaurant-style dining room with thoughtful assistance from caregivers or receive meals in-room from a daily selection of chef-prepared seasonal specials and favorites. Brown Deer Place is a pet-friendly community with open outdoor spaces and a securely fenced yard for furry friends.
Family and friends appreciate the caring staff, wealth of activities and quality dining at Brown Deer Place. One reviewer writes, "The people are very nice and very friendly. My husband seems very content. They keep the residents pretty busy; they have a lot of activities for them. My husband seems to love their food, and so does everybody else."
- Reviews:3.92 out of 5 stars; 60 reviews
- Phone:(319) 499-5947
- Address:1500 1st Ave., Coralville, IA 52241
- Web:www.jaybirdseniorliving.com
Grand Living At Bridgewater
- Resident Capacity:190
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:Not Listed
Grand Living at Bridgewater is a senior living community with independent living, assisted living and memory care accommodations for seniors. Memory care residents are supported by the patented LUMINATIONS program, which is based on an individual approach and features two memory care neighborhoods: the mixed-gender Monarch Lane and the women-only Lavender Lane, so that all residents can be comfortable within their homes. Studio apartments are designed for easy navigation and allow residents to walk to secured community amenities such as a private chapel, indoor pool and an on-site 150-seat theater.
While there are limited reviews for Grand Living at Bridgewater, family members speak positively of the community, with one family member stating, "Our family witnessed the love and care from staff who kept this community safe during the pandemic." Another reviewer mentioned, "This place is wonderful. The management is great and the food is amazing."
- Reviews:3.35 out of 5 stars; 12 reviews
- Phone:(319) 930-3000
- Address:3 Russell Slade Blvd., Coralville, IA 52241
- Web:grandliving.com
Stirlingshire of Coralville
- Resident Capacity:112
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:Not Listed
Stirlingshire of Coralville offers independent living, assisted living and memory care accommodations within an elegant community outside Iowa City. Memory care residents enjoy 24/7 access to staff and assistance with the activities of daily living as required discreetly. Three chef-prepared meals are served daily in a community-style dining area and residents stay busy during the day participating in activities designed to boost cognitive retention, visiting the beauty salon and, on occasion, relaxing in the whirlpool bath. In addition, all residents receive internet and cable so they can stay connected with their loved ones.
Reviews of Stirlingshire of Coralville are positive, with one reviewer mentioning they are "so impressed with the staff, "adding that "activities are abundant and the activities directors are creative and fun-loving." Another reviewer called it a "beautiful community," noting the "apartments are spaciousviews are gorgeous and most importantly it feels like home."
- Reviews:4.94 out of 5 stars; 16 reviews
- Phone:(319) 338-8100
- Address:1140 Kennedy Pkwy., Coralville, IA 52241
- Web:dialseniorliving.com
Keystone Place at Forevergreen
- Resident Capacity:112
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:$6,130 for Memory Care, $3,950 for Assisted Living, $3,495 for Independent Living
Keystone Place at Forevergreen is a senior community offering independent living, assisted lying and memory care options. Memory care residents can choose between private suites or one-bedroom apartments and receive help with the daily activities of living along with health monitoring from a registered nurse. The memory care neighborhood is a secured wing to ensure the safety of residents, and all are welcome to participate in the patented Holistic Harbors memory preservation program. Residents can be in common areas throughout the day, enjoying meals in the community dining area or exploring the secured, landscaped courtyard.
The majority of reviews of Keystone Place at Forevergreen are positive, with one resident stating her mother lives there and "she could not be happier" because the employees "provide such great service and care." A resident describes the community and staff as "welcoming, caring and thoughtful."
- Reviews:4.33 out of 5 stars; 65 reviews
- Phone:(319) 519-4933
- Address:1275 W. Forevergreen Rd., North Liberty, IA 52317
- Web:www.keystonesenior.com
