ELEVATE CARE RIVERWOODS
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Elevate Care Riverwoods has a Trust Grade of F, which indicates significant concerns about the facility's operations and care. Ranking #232 of 665 in Illinois places it in the top half of facilities statewide, but being #14 of 24 in Lake County suggests there are better local options available. The facility is improving, with issues decreasing from 12 in 2023 to 8 in 2024, though it still has notable weaknesses. Staffing is a concern, rated 2 out of 5 stars with a turnover rate of 41%, which is better than the state average but indicates instability. However, RN coverage is good, with more available than 76% of Illinois facilities, which is a positive sign for resident care. Specific incidents from inspections raise alarms, such as a resident experiencing significant weight loss due to a delay in dietary assessments and another receiving a critical medication without a physician's order. Additionally, there were serious failures in preventing and treating pressure ulcers, with one resident developing a severe stage 3 ulcer. While the facility has strengths, including decent RN coverage and an improving trend, these critical issues highlight serious areas for concern that families should consider.
- Trust Score
- F
- In Illinois
- #232/665
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 41% turnover. Near Illinois's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $121,312 in fines. Lower than most Illinois facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 52 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Illinois. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 28 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (41%)
7 points below Illinois average of 48%
Facility shows strength in quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Illinois average (2.5)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
Near Illinois avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Well above median ($33,413)
Significant penalties indicating serious issues
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 28 deficiencies on record
Jul 2024
7 deficiencies
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
A resident was harmed · 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 identify pressure ulcers prior to becoming advanced st...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to offer and perform care plan conferences for 1 resident (R26) review...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
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 ensure a resident's heels were offloaded and failed to...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Tube Feeding
(Tag F0693)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
2. R125's face sheet printed on 7/25/24 showed diagnoses including but not limited to cervical fracture, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and encounter for attention to gastrostomy (surgery to inser...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
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 ensure narcotics for discharged residents were removed...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0809
(Tag F0809)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to offer snacks for 4 of 4 residents (R68,R98,R109,R130). This applies to 1 of 1 residents reviewed for HS (bedtime) snacks in the sample of 3...
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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 ensure hairnets were worn correctly, failed to ensure staff were knowledgeable in the use of the dishwasher, and failed to ens...
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Jul 2024
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to ensure medications were administered per facility's policy and procedure for 2 of 5 residents (R2, R3) reviewed for medication ...
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Sept 2023
12 deficiencies
2 IJ (1 affecting multiple)
CRITICAL
(J)
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Deficiency F0760
(Tag F0760)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure a residents medication was given as prescribed and failed to ...
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CRITICAL
(K)
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
Someone could have died · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 4.) R9's face sheet shows she was admitted to the facility on [DATE] and has diagnoses including: Type 2 diabetes with diabetic ...
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SERIOUS
(G)
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review the facility failed to safely transfer a resident (R69) via wheelchair. This failure result...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
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 ensure an allegation of abuse was immediately reported ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
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 ensure an alleged allegation of abuse was investigated....
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
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 ensure a treatment orders was provided to a resident wi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure urinary catheter tubing was below the level of the bladder and failed to ensure urinary catheter drainage bags were pla...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Tube Feeding
(Tag F0693)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure tube feedings orders were followed for a resident who has fed exclusively by tube feed for 1 of 2 residents (R108) in t...
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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 ensure a resident had prescribed oxygen therapy orders and failed to ensure a resident's nasal cannula tubing was changed and ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
2.) On 8/28/23 at 10:01 AM, R9 was in bed. On her bedside table was her breakfast tray and a clear plastic pill container with 5 pills inside of it. R9 said to the surveyor Oh those are my medications...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0801
(Tag F0801)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure residents' dietary assessments were completed by qualified di...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0805
(Tag F0805)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure the lunch meal was a smooth pureed consistency for four of four residents (R29, R82, R6, R53) reviewed for pureed diet...
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Dec 2022
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
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 provide assistance to a resident that needed extensive...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review the facility failed to provide transportation for a resident to a urology appointment. This...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to provide a splint for a resident with a contracture for 1 of 12 residents (R158) reviewed for restorative cares in the sample o...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation interview and record review the facility to provide incontinence care in a manner to prevent infection to 1 of 32 residents (R25) reviewed for incontinence care in the sample of 3...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review the facility failed to implement weight loss interventions for residents with significant weight loss for 3 of 10 (R133, R119, R122) residents reviewed for weight ...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to initiate infection control measures when providing car...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure open medications were labeled with opened and e...
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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
The facility floor plan dated December 6, 2022 showed both COVID positive residents (R468, R470) and COVID negative residents (R19, R120, R133) resided on the designated COVID wing of the facility.
2....
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "What changes have you made since the serious inspection findings?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • 41% turnover. Below Illinois's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 2 life-threatening violation(s), 2 harm violation(s), $121,312 in fines, Payment denial on record. Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 28 deficiencies on record, including 2 critical (life-threatening) violations. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • $121,312 in fines. Extremely high, among the most fined facilities in Illinois. Major compliance failures.
- • Grade F (11/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Elevate Care Riverwoods's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns ELEVATE CARE RIVERWOODS an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Illinois, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This mid-range rating indicates the facility meets federal standards but may have areas for improvement.
How is Elevate Care Riverwoods Staffed?
CMS rates ELEVATE CARE RIVERWOODS's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 41%, compared to the Illinois average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Elevate Care Riverwoods?
State health inspectors documented 28 deficiencies at ELEVATE CARE RIVERWOODS during 2022 to 2024. These included: 2 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death), 2 that caused actual resident harm, and 24 with potential for harm. Immediate Jeopardy findings are rare and represent the most serious regulatory concerns. They require immediate corrective action.
Who Owns and Operates Elevate Care Riverwoods?
ELEVATE CARE RIVERWOODS is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility is operated by ELEVATE CARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 240 certified beds and approximately 141 residents (about 59% occupancy), it is a large facility located in RIVERWOODS, Illinois.
How Does Elevate Care Riverwoods Compare to Other Illinois Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Illinois, ELEVATE CARE RIVERWOODS's overall rating (3 stars) is above the state average of 2.5, staff turnover (41%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Elevate Care Riverwoods?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "What changes have been made since the serious inspection findings, and how are you preventing similar issues?" "Can you walk me through typical staffing levels on day, evening, and night shifts?" "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?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's Immediate Jeopardy citations and the below-average staffing rating.
Is Elevate Care Riverwoods Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, ELEVATE CARE RIVERWOODS has documented safety concerns. Inspectors have issued 2 Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death). The facility has a 3-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in Illinois. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at Elevate Care Riverwoods Stick Around?
ELEVATE CARE RIVERWOODS has a staff turnover rate of 41%, which is about average for Illinois nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.
Was Elevate Care Riverwoods Ever Fined?
ELEVATE CARE RIVERWOODS has been fined $121,312 across 5 penalty actions. This is 3.5x the Illinois average of $34,292. Fines at this level are uncommon and typically indicate a pattern of serious deficiencies, repeated violations, or failure to correct problems promptly. CMS reserves penalties of this magnitude for facilities that pose significant, documented risk to resident health or safety. Families should request specific documentation of what issues led to these fines and what systemic changes have been implemented.
Is Elevate Care Riverwoods on Any Federal Watch List?
ELEVATE CARE RIVERWOODS 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.