facebook tracking The Carlton at the Lake, Chicago IL: CMS Ratings
Skip to content

The Carlton at the Lake

All states › Illinois › Chicago › The Carlton at the Lake

725 West Montrose Avenue Chicago, IL 60613 · Cook County

(773) 929-1700

All 77 nursing homes in Chicago, IL (74 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 244 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 145679 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

Ratings come from CMS and are updated monthly; these are from October 2026. Check the latest inspection report and visit in person before you decide.

Is The Carlton at the Lake a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record

There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for The Carlton at the Lake as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 2 out of 5 stars overall, below the Illinois average of 2.6. Inspectors issued 61 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 5 penalties, including $56,479 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 1 out of 5; for long-term residents, 4 out of 5. Those results differ a lot, so ask about the unit your family member would be on.

Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.

Staffing

Nursing staff spend about 3.16 hours per resident per day at The Carlton at the Lake, below the Illinois median of 3.33 (US median: 3.72). About 0.78 of those hours are from registered nurses. Weekend staffing is close to its all-week average. 34.7% of nursing staff left within a year (Illinois median 43.5%).

Nursing care per resident per day 3.16 hours
Below the Illinois median of 3.33 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.78 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.04 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 34.7% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 50% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 0 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds244
Residents per day 172 About 71% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Limited Liability company
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceJune 1990
Part of a chainLegacy Healthcare
Legal business nameCARLTON SKILLED NURSING FACILITY LLC

Paying for care at The Carlton at the Lake: Medicare and Medicaid

The Carlton at the Lake is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet Illinois's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.

In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.

Health inspections

The most recent standard inspection was on March 26, 2026 and found 8 deficiencies, plus 10 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 61 citations in the last three years.

Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.

What the inspections found

Over the last three years, inspectors issued 61 citations at The Carlton at the Lake across 18 inspection dates, 34 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on October 4, 2023 (complaint inspection). The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (24) and resident rights (9). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody" (tag F0600, level J, October 4, 2023). 8 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

July 10, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 11, 2026)

May 28, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

EMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0925 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 29, 2026)

March 26, 2026 · 8 citations

FPost nurse staffing information every day.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0732 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2026)

FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2026)

EHave a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0813 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2026)

DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0552 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2026)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2026)

DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2026)

DEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2026)

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2026)

March 5, 2026 · 5 citations · includes complaint inspection

EProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

DHonor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0806 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

November 21, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

FDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0607 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 22, 2025)

DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 22, 2025)

November 7, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 8, 2025)

September 8, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 9, 2025)

DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 9, 2025)

August 25, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

FMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0925 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 26, 2025)

DHonor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0557 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 26, 2025)

May 2, 2025 · 2 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 3, 2025)

DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 3, 2025)

April 11, 2025 · 9 citations

EProvide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0688 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2025)

EProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2025)

EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2025)

DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2025)

DEnsure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0604 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2025)

DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2025)

DEnsure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0693 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2025)

DTry different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0700 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2025)

DEnsure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0740 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2025)

November 7, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 8, 2024)

DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 8, 2024)

August 5, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 6, 2024)

DEnsure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0693 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 6, 2024)

April 15, 2024 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection

EEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 16, 2024)

DNotify each resident of certain balances and convey resident funds upon discharge, eviction, or death.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0569 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 16, 2024)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 16, 2024)

March 15, 2024 · 10 citations, includes actual harm

GProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2024)

EPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0645 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2024)

EProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2024)

EProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2024)

EEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2024)

EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2024)

DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2024)

DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2024)

DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2024)

DEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0759 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2024)

January 19, 2024 · 2 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 3, 2024)

DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 3, 2024)

December 8, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DEnsure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0604 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 20, 2023)

November 2, 2023 · 5 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

FMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0925 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

EHonor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

October 4, 2023 · 3 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection

JProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Immediate jeopardy · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 17, 2023)

GProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 17, 2023)

FDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0607 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 17, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of The Carlton at the Lake

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on October 4, 2023 under the rule on freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on November 21, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. CMS rates staffing 2 out of 5. How many residents does each nurse aide care for on day, evening and night shifts?
  4. CMS rates short-stay quality 1 out of 5. How often do rehab patients go back to the hospital, and how many therapy sessions a week are typical?
  5. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  6. When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?

Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.

Fines and payment denials

5 penalties in the last three years, including $56,479 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Aug 25, 2025 Fine $12,425
Mar 15, 2024 Fine $16,822
Jan 19, 2024 Fine $16,052
Nov 2, 2023 Fine $11,180
Nov 2, 2023 Payment Denial 25 days of payments denied

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5
August 2026 2/5 2/5 2/5 3/5
Add this rating badge to your websiteFree. Shows The Carlton at the Lake's Medicare star rating and updates itself.

Size and colour

Preview

The Carlton at the Lake Medicare star rating badge

Paste it where the badge should appear: in WordPress, a Custom HTML block or a footer widget; on other sites, any spot that accepts HTML. The badge updates itself when CMS publishes new ratings.

Examples, sizes and help on the badge page ›

Location

Hospitals near The Carlton at the Lake

The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.

Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.

Nearby nursing homes

Alden Lakeland Rehab & HCC Chicago · 0.5 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 1/5 300 beds · Medicaid
Mado Healthcare - Uptown Chicago · 0.7 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 1/5 132 beds · Medicaid
Complete Care at Margate Park Chicago · 0.8 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 1/5 310 beds · Medicaid
Selfhelp Home of Chicago Chicago · 0.8 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 5/5 72 beds · Medicaid
Complete Care at Sheriden Commons Chicago · 0.9 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 2/5 143 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near The Carlton at the Lake ›   All nursing homes in Chicago ›

Compare The Carlton at the Lake with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles

Other Legacy Healthcare nursing homes in Illinois

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 96 Legacy Healthcare nursing homes ›

Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.

Compare

https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/illinois/chicago/the-carlton-at-the-lake/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.