The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Dallas County, IA for 2024

Located in south-central Iowa just west of Des Moines, Dallas County is home to 66,135 residents, almost 10 percent of whom are seniors in the 65 and older age bracket. There are 64,000 seniors in Dallas County who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. By 2025, that number is expected to grow by more than 14 percent. To serve seniors in Dallas County, there are three memory care facilities, called Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs); all are regulated by the Department of Inspections and Appeals, Health Facilities Division.

• Dallas County has a high cost of living. Based on a U.S. average of 100, the county ranks 107.5. Healthcare and housing also rank high at 113 and 124, respectively, while transportation and grocery expenses rank lower. Seniors and their families should keep the higher cost of living in mind when considering a facility in Iowa.
  
• Dallas County, like the rest of Iowa, does not tax seniors on their social security. However, retirement savings account withdrawals and pensions are both partially taxed. Seniors whose sole income comes from these sources may find the tax savings leave them with more money for their memory care expenses.
  
• Crime rates in Dallas County are low. Based on a scale where 100 represents the most dangerous areas, Dallas County ranks 21.5 for violent crime and 20.3 for property crime compared to the national averages of 31.1 and 38.1 in the same categories. The lower crime rates may give seniors and their families peace of mind knowing that Dallas County is a safe place to live.
  
• Dallas County has a cold winter climate. While July highs can reach 85 degrees, the January lows dip to a chilly 11 with 28 inches of snow falling annually. Sperling’s Comfort Index only gives Dallas County a rank of 33 compared to the U.S. national average of 54, suggesting that the county might not be an ideal location for seniors with sore joints or respiratory issues.  

Memory Care costs in Dallas County start around $7,151 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,694 per month.

It’s important to note that memory care rates in Dallas County and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Memory Care in Iowa page.

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.

Dallas County-area memory care communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all memory care communities in Iowa are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Iowa page for more information about these laws.