COMMUNITY FIRST MEDICAL CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Community First Medical Center in Chicago has received a Trust Grade of A, indicating it is an excellent facility that is highly recommended. It ranks #25 out of 665 nursing homes in Illinois, placing it comfortably in the top half of facilities in the state, and #8 out of 201 in Cook County, suggesting only seven local options are better. The facility is improving, as the number of issues found decreased from 8 in 2023 to 4 in 2024. Staffing is a strong point, with a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a low turnover rate of 20%, significantly better than the state average. Notably, there have been no fines recorded, which is a positive indicator. However, some weaknesses exist, as the facility has faced concerns regarding food safety and sanitation practices. For example, food items in the kitchen were not properly labeled or stored, including raw meats and items without expiration dates, which could impact resident safety. Additionally, insulin vials and eye drops were not labeled properly, raising potential risks for the residents. While the facility excels in many areas, families should consider these concerns when making their decision.
- Trust Score
- A
- In Illinois
- #25/665
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 20% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 28 points below Illinois's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Illinois facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 258 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Illinois nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 20 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
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4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
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Low Staff Turnover (20%) · Staff stability means consistent care
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Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
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No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (20%)
28 points below Illinois average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
No Significant Concerns Identified
This facility shows no red flags. Among Illinois's 100 nursing homes, only 1% achieve this.
The Ugly 20 deficiencies on record
Aug 2024
4 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0694
(Tag F0694)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure 2 (R63, R64) of 4 residents peripheral intravenous (IV needle inserted within the vein) site was labeled with the date ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to follow their respiratory infection control practices policy by not storing Continuous positive airway pressure mask in a closa...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to a.) maintain infection control standard precautions by removing an IV (intravenous) access timely after discontinuation of the...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to follow proper sanitation and food storage practices as evidenced by a.) food not properly labeled, and b.) food not properly s...
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Sept 2023
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to follow their policy on dignity for one (R12) of five ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0604
(Tag F0604)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview ,and record review, the facility failed to follow their policy to ensure two residents (R11, R15...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0883
(Tag F0883)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to follow their policy and procedure by failing to admin...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0919
(Tag F0919)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, intervies, and record review, the facility failed to follow policies in ensuring call lights are functioning and can be used for 3 out of 3 residents (R158, R10, and R8) out of a...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide person-centered care plans for 4 out of 5 residents (R5, R8, R9, and R158) for a total of 14 residents reviewed for plan...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to label all insulin vials and eye drops, and failed to ...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to follow proper sanitation and food storage practices by not labeling and storing food appropriately. These deficient practices...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Findings include:
B. On 08/30/23 at 12:23 pm, V23 (Facility manager) said the facility does not test for Legionella because it uses the city water that comes from the city of Chicago. V23 said he was ...
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Oct 2022
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to develop an individualized care plan to address a resi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0697
(Tag F0697)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to assess a resident's pain level every shift, to manage...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to follow its policy on labeling and dating opened insulin medication vials for three of three residents (R162, R64, R63) receiv...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to perform hand hygiene for one (R7) resident receiving a wound dressing change, and failed to place a new disinfecting port pro...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to reconcile controlled narcotic medications stored in automated dispensing machines located on the fourth floor of the facility. This failure...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0883
(Tag F0883)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to follow their Pneumonia/Flu Vaccine policy to ensure residents recei...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to have evidence of rountine testing of the the dish mac...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Room Equipment
(Tag F0908)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview, and record reivew, the facility failed to maintain kitchen equipment in working order. This has the potenital to affect 14 of 15 residents receiving meals from the fac...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • Grade A (90/100). Above average facility, better than most options in Illinois.
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Illinois facilities.
- • 20% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 28 points below Illinois's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 20 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Community First Medical Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns COMMUNITY FIRST MEDICAL CENTER an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Illinois, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This rating reflects solid performance across the metrics CMS uses to evaluate nursing home quality.
How is Community First Medical Center Staffed?
CMS rates COMMUNITY FIRST MEDICAL CENTER's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 20%, compared to the Illinois average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Community First Medical Center?
State health inspectors documented 20 deficiencies at COMMUNITY FIRST MEDICAL CENTER during 2022 to 2024. These included: 20 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Community First Medical Center?
COMMUNITY FIRST MEDICAL CENTER is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 66 certified beds and approximately 16 residents (about 24% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in CHICAGO, Illinois.
How Does Community First Medical Center Compare to Other Illinois Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Illinois, COMMUNITY FIRST MEDICAL CENTER's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 2.5, staff turnover (20%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (4 stars) is above the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Community First Medical Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?"
Is Community First Medical Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, COMMUNITY FIRST MEDICAL CENTER has a clean safety record: no substantiated abuse findings (meaning no confirmed cases of resident harm), no Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death), and is not on the Special Focus Facility watch list (a federal program monitoring the lowest-performing 1% of nursing homes). The facility has a 5-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in Illinois. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Community First Medical Center Stick Around?
Staff at COMMUNITY FIRST MEDICAL CENTER tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 20%, the facility is 26 percentage points below the Illinois average of 46%. Low turnover is a positive sign. It means caregivers have time to learn each resident's needs, medications, and personal preferences. Consistent staff also notice subtle changes in a resident's condition more quickly. Registered Nurse turnover is also low at 6%, meaning experienced RNs are available to handle complex medical needs.
Was Community First Medical Center Ever Fined?
COMMUNITY FIRST MEDICAL CENTER has no federal fines on record. CMS issues fines when nursing homes fail to meet care standards or don't correct problems found during inspections. The absence of fines suggests the facility has either maintained compliance or corrected any issues before penalties were assessed. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review recent inspection reports for the full picture.
Is Community First Medical Center on Any Federal Watch List?
COMMUNITY FIRST MEDICAL CENTER is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.