Memory Care Communities in Des Moines, IA

At $6,004, the cost of memory care in Des Moines is higher than the state average of $5,459 and the national average of $5,625. However, the costs for this type of care in Des Moines are roughly $800 less than Sioux City ($5,185), which is about three hours away. Comparatively, the cost for this type of care is $5,513 in Iowa City and $5,438 in Davenport, making both more affordable than Des Moines. 

Memory care costs in Des Moines average around $6,004 per month, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,625 per month, according to figures from the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. This cost was established by adding 25% to the overall cost of assisted living in Des Moines based on the fact that memory care typically costs 20%-30% more than assisted living care. 

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.

Memory care costs in Des Moines are lower than the around-the-clock care provided in local nursing homes, where the costs are $7,756 for a private room and $7,148 for semiprivate, respectively. However, memory care is more expensive than home health aide and homemaker services, which are both $5,815 and assisted living, coming in at $4,803. Adult day health care remains the most affordable option at $1,517 in Des Moines. 

Des Moines memory care communities fall under the purview of Iowa’s Department of Inspections and Appeals. This agency is responsible for carrying out routine inspections to assure quality care for residents.

• Iowa exempts Social Security income from state taxes and provides deductions on other forms of retirement income, which means seniors have more money to divert towards other living expenses. 
• Des Moines is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. This means the city boasts an “age-friendly progress report shows a focus on promoting civic and social inclusion for older adults and planning, designing and building infrastructure that responds to the older population’s changing needs.”
• Seniors in Des Moines have access to paratransit services from the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). This service is door-to-door and wheelchair accessible and is geared towards seniors who can’t independently utilize regular DART bus service. 
• The overall cost of living in Des Moines is lower than the national average. While the cost of health care is a bit higher on average than the rest of the country, area seniors pay less for groceries and housing. 
• Des Moines enjoys a moderate climate, with an average of 204 sunny days per year. This is on par with the average number of sunny days in the U.S. in general. As such, Des Moines seniors have plenty of opportunities to enjoy time outdoors.