CITADEL OF STERLING,THE
Inspected within the last 6 months. Data reflects current conditions.
Citadel of Sterling has a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average performance with some concerns about care quality. It ranks #345 out of 665 nursing homes in Illinois, placing it in the bottom half, and #3 out of 7 in Whiteside County, suggesting that only two local options are better. The facility's situation is worsening, with the number of issues increasing from 6 in 2024 to 12 in 2025. While staffing turnover is relatively good at 28%, which is below the state average, the overall staffing rating is only 2 out of 5 stars. Families should be aware of serious concerns, such as one resident developing stage 3 pressure injuries due to a lack of proper monitoring and intervention, and another resident experiencing significant weight loss without timely action from staff. There were also complaints about cold food being served to residents, indicating potential issues with meal delivery. Overall, while there are some strengths, significant weaknesses in care quality and responsiveness remain a concern.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Illinois
- #345/665
- Safety Record
- Moderate
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 28% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 20 points below Illinois's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $20,679 in fines. Lower than most Illinois facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 28 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Illinois. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 25 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
Low Staff Turnover (28%) · Staff stability means consistent care
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (28%)
20 points below Illinois average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
Below Illinois average (2.5)
Below average - review inspection findings carefully
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 25 deficiencies on record
May 2025
12 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 interview and record review, the facility failed to provide 2 residents (R6, R39) with dignity. This applies to 2 of 2 ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0583
(Tag F0583)
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 privacy for a resident (R39) during dressing. This applies ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
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 protect 2 residents (R28, R49) from physical abuse, and failed to p...
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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 do quarterly assessments for a resident with a lap bud...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0605
(Tag F0605)
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 appropriate indications for use of antipsychoti...
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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** 2. On 5/20/25 at 12:45 PM, R48 was sitting in a wheelchair in the doorway of her room. R48 had a dressing and tubular bandage to...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
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 preventative device was inflated to provide o...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
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 the safety of a resident dependent on staff for...
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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 a residents catheter tubing was secure, free of entrapment, and drainage bag was off the floor for 1 of 4 residents (R2...
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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 obtain orders for a residents (R9) CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine, failed to document respiratory assessm...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to provide proper fitting plate lids to keep foods hot during transport and failed to ensure palatable food temperatures.
These f...
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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 a clean/sanitary dishwashing area, failed to ensure safe refrigerator temperatures for cold foods, failed to provide ser...
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Nov 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
Deficiency F0825
(Tag F0825)
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 physical therapy services to a resident as orde...
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Jun 2024
4 deficiencies
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
3. R61's Weights and Vitals Summary report showed on 5/6/24 R61 weighed 168.5 pounds and on 6/2/24 weighed 159.4 pounds. A severe weight loss of 5.4% in one month.
On 6/11/2024 at 11:10 AM, V6 (dietit...
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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 ensure a resident who requires extensive assistance was...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
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 treatments were in place for residents with pres...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
3. On 6/10/2024 at 12:00 PM, V4 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) said we normally get feeders first when asked about resident room trays being delivered while she was standing right outside of R66's ...
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Jan 2024
1 deficiency
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
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 failed to prevent a resident from developing pressure injuries and failed ...
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Nov 2023
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
Deficiency F0760
(Tag F0760)
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 monitor the removal and placement of a pain patch. This applies to o...
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May 2023
6 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 and record review the facility failed to ensure residents were dressed in a dignified manner.
This applies...
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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
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure a skin tear was reported and treatment initiated for 1 of 18 residents (R34) reviewed for necessary care and services i...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
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 identify a pressure ulcer before becoming a stage 3 pr...
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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 manage resident's pain for 1 of 18 residents (R8) revi...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Menu Adequacy
(Tag F0803)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to follow the menu during the noon meals. This failure has the potential to affect all 89 residents residing in the facility.
Th...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure meals were prepared in a manner which is palatable for 5 of 18 residents (R49, R14, R38, R32, and R7) reviewed for foo...
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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
- • 28% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 20 points below Illinois's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 25 deficiencies on record, including 2 serious (caused harm) violations. Ask about corrective actions taken.
- • $20,679 in fines. Higher than 94% of Illinois facilities, suggesting repeated compliance issues.
- • Grade D (41/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Citadel Of Sterling,The's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns CITADEL OF STERLING,THE an overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which is considered below average nationally. Within Illinois, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. A rating at this level reflects concerns identified through health inspections, staffing assessments, or quality measures that families should carefully consider.
How is Citadel Of Sterling,The Staffed?
CMS rates CITADEL OF STERLING,THE's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 28%, compared to the Illinois average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Citadel Of Sterling,The?
State health inspectors documented 25 deficiencies at CITADEL OF STERLING,THE during 2023 to 2025. These included: 2 that caused actual resident harm and 23 with potential for harm. Deficiencies causing actual harm indicate documented cases where residents experienced negative health consequences.
Who Owns and Operates Citadel Of Sterling,The?
CITADEL OF STERLING,THE 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 CITADEL HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 121 certified beds and approximately 97 residents (about 80% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in STERLING, Illinois.
How Does Citadel Of Sterling,The Compare to Other Illinois Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Illinois, CITADEL OF STERLING,THE's overall rating (2 stars) is below the state average of 2.5, staff turnover (28%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Citadel Of Sterling,The?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "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?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?" These questions are particularly relevant given the below-average staffing rating.
Is Citadel Of Sterling,The Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, CITADEL OF STERLING,THE 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 2-star overall rating and ranks #100 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 Citadel Of Sterling,The Stick Around?
Staff at CITADEL OF STERLING,THE tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 28%, the facility is 18 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 17%, meaning experienced RNs are available to handle complex medical needs.
Was Citadel Of Sterling,The Ever Fined?
CITADEL OF STERLING,THE has been fined $20,679 across 5 penalty actions. This is below the Illinois average of $33,286. While any fine indicates a compliance issue, fines under $50,000 are relatively common and typically reflect isolated problems that were subsequently corrected. Families should ask what specific issues led to these fines and confirm they've been resolved.
Is Citadel Of Sterling,The on Any Federal Watch List?
CITADEL OF STERLING,THE 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.