Des Moines Families Seek Support as Alzheimer’s Rates Continue to Rise
When a loved one begins showing signs of memory loss, families are often unsure where to turn.
Families across Des Moines and surrounding Iowa communities are feeling the strain of Alzheimer’s and dementia—especially when safety concerns and care costs collide. In Iowa alone, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates 62,100 adults age 65+ were living with Alzheimer’s (2020) and 80,000 caregivers provided 118 million hours of unpaid care (valued at $2.7B)
1) The need is growing—and it’s showing up at home first
Most families notice changes long before a diagnosis: repeated questions, confusion about time/place, poor judgment, or wandering.
2) Early planning creates safer options (and fewer emergency decisions)
Even if symptoms feel “mild,” planning early helps you compare communities, understand care levels, and avoid a crisis-driven move.
3) Know the care level you’re actually looking for
Assisted Living: help with daily tasks (bathing, dressing, meds)
Memory Care: dementia-specific support + secure design for wandering risk
Skilled Nursing: higher medical needs5. You can repurpose blog content for social media
4) Medicaid can help with some services—but not everything
In Iowa, HCBS waiver programs can support long-term services in the community (including assisted living services through the Elderly Waiver).
But under federal Medicaid rules, 1915(c) HCBS waivers generally do not cover room and board in settings like assisted living.
5) How Golden Concierge helps Des Moines families
We help you:
Match needs to the right level of care
Create a shortlist of communities worth touring
Organize documents and questions for Medicaid-related planning
Coordinate next steps so you’re not doing this alone.
If you’re noticing memory decline, don’t wait for a crisis. Golden Concierge helps Des Moines families make confident choices about assisted living, memory care, and Medicaid-related next steps.