The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Polk County, IA for 2024

An estimated 64,000 Iowa residents age 65 and over have Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, including 10.2 percent of Polk County residents in the 65 and over age group. Out of the approximate 481,830 county residents, 12.7 percent are 65 and over. For those who need Alzheimer’s and/or dementia care, there are 14 memory care facilities in Polk County. Some of these facilities are in cities such as Clive and Des Moines. Memory care facilities in Iowa, including Polk County, are called assisted living programs (ALPs) and are licensed by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Health Facilities Division.

• The cost of living in Polk County ranks 94.8, slightly higher than the Iowa state average of 90 but lower than the U.S. average of 100. Seniors in memory care and/or family members handling their finances may find that expenses such as healthcare and transportation may be a bit higher in Polk County than in areas with a lower living cost.
  
• As with the rest of Iowa, there are no taxes on Social Security income in Polk County. Other forms of retirement income, such as IRAs and 401(k) accounts, may qualify for a deduction. These favorable tax laws may provide a financial benefit to seniors in memory care or those handling money matters for them.
  
• Polk County has January lows that can drop to 13 degrees, which may limit the amount of time seniors in memory care can spend outdoors. The county ranks 36 out of 100 on Sperling’s Comfort Index, while the U.S. average is higher at 54. This indicates Polk County has fewer days in the 70 to 80 degree comfort range than the U.S. on average.
  
• Air quality in Polk County is ranked 66 out of a possible 100, based on the EPA’s National Air Toxics Assessment. This may make Polk County a good place for seniors who are sensitive to pollution or those with respiratory conditions.

Memory Care costs in Polk County start around $5,779 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 Polk 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.

Polk 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.