The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Cedar Rapids, IA for 2024

Approximately 136,000 people live in Cedar Rapids, IA, and 15.7%, or about 21,350, are seniors ages 65 and older. This segment of the population is especially at risk for various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. According to the CDC, Cedar Rapids has actually seen a decrease in Alzheimer's related deaths from 135 in 2016 to 119 in 2020. Attributable to this 11.85% drop is quality dementia care in Cedar Rapids that ensures seniors who do suffer from memory loss can get the help they need.

Dementia care, which is usually called memory care, allows seniors to retain as much independence as possible in a secure environment. Caregivers are specially trained to provide guidance and support, including medication management and help with daily living activities. Activities in memory care communities are geared toward helping seniors retain as much memory and cognitive function as possible through games, music and socialization. In this guide, seniors and their families can learn about memory care options and payment possibilities in Cedar Rapids.

In Cedar Rapids and throughout the state of Iowa, the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Health Facilities Division regulates and monitors memory care communities. The department conducts regular inspections to ensure that facilities are providing the required level of care and following all regulations. 

 

• The cost of living in Cedar Rapids is relatively low compared to the national median. On a 100-point index, with 100 as the average, Cedar Rapids ranks at 79.2. Housing and transport costs are very low, while groceries and health care costs are closer to the national averages. The overall low cost of living makes Cedar Rapids a good choice for seniors wanting to reduce their costs.
• Cedar Rapids has a humid climate. The city has four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snowfalls. Spring and fall tend to be very mild. On average, the city experiences around 193 days of sunshine each year, which is slightly lower than the national average of 205.
• Property crime levels are very high in Cedar Rapids, though violent crime levels are relatively low. Using a 100-point system, property crime ranks at 53.6 (the US average is 35.4) and violent crime ranks at 19.9 (the national median is 22.7). Seniors living in memory care units can rest assured that they will be safe, as these communities have full security systems and gated access.
• There are two high-ranking hospitals in Cedar Rapids that provide a wide range of medical services. They are St. Luke’s Hospital and Mercy Medical Center. Mercy Medical Center has an attached community for seniors with chronic conditions.
• Cedar Rapids has an air quality index score of 67, which is higher than the U.S. national average. Seniors with health concerns such as asthma may want to consider a move to Cedar Rapids, as high air quality may reduce some symptoms. 

 

Note: Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care rates tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care costs in the United States, so we’ve estimated the monthly memory care costs listed below by adding 25% to the rates listed in Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

The average senior in Cedar Rapids pays $5,935 per month for memory care. The exact fee charged by each facility will depend on their location and amenities or activities offered.

The cost of memory care in Cedar Rapids is higher than the national and Iowa state averages. The average senior in the state capital of Des Moines pays slightly more each month for care at around $6,004, while seniors in Iowa City pay just $400 less per month than those in Cedar Rapids. Sioux City is one of the more affordable options with care costing an average of $750 less each month than Cedar Rapids.

Those looking at more affordable senior care options may want to consider adult day health care at $1,353 per month. Seniors who are still mostly independent but need some assistance on a daily basis can look at assisted living for $4,748. In-home care and home health care both cost slightly less than memory care at $5,529 each month. A semiprivate room in a nursing home facility is around $900 more than memory care, while a private room is $1,594 more expensive.  

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Iowa page.