All states › Illinois › Freeport › The Citadel at Saint Joseph Village
659 East Jefferson Street Freeport, IL 61032 · Stephenson County
All 4 nursing homes in Freeport, IL (4 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 145935 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is The Citadel at Saint Joseph Village 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 Citadel at Saint Joseph Village as of October 2026.
CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the Illinois average of 2.6.
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 2.98 hours per resident per day at The Citadel at Saint Joseph Village, below the Illinois median of 3.33 (US median: 3.72). About 0.35 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 2.61 hours, 12% below its all-week average. 66.1% of nursing staff left within a year (Illinois median 43.5%). High turnover can mean residents see unfamiliar caregivers; ask how long the nurses on the unit have worked there.
About this nursing home
Paying for care at The Citadel at Saint Joseph Village: Medicare and Medicaid
The Citadel at Saint Joseph Village 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 5, 2026 and found 14 deficiencies, plus 4 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 53 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 53 citations at The Citadel at Saint Joseph Village across 19 inspection dates, 25 of them from complaint investigations. 6 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on September 2, 2025. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (23) and pharmacy service (9). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents" (tag F0689, level G, September 2, 2025). 2 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
April 22, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.
DProvide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.
March 12, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
March 5, 2026 · 14 citations
FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
EHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
EEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
EEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
EEnsure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times.
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
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.
DProvide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
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.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
December 6, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
September 2, 2025 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
July 21, 2025 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
June 13, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
June 10, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
May 28, 2025 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
March 18, 2025 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
December 11, 2024 · 7 citations, includes actual harm
GProvide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.
EEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
September 13, 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.
DProvide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia.
August 1, 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.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
May 21, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
April 23, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DHonor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.
February 8, 2024 · 8 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
DPlan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
November 9, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEducate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.
November 1, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
October 10, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Questions to ask on a tour of The Citadel at Saint Joseph Village
- Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on September 2, 2025 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
- CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on May 28, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- CMS rates staffing 1 out of 5. How many residents does each nurse aide care for on day, evening and night shifts?
- Nursing staff turnover was 66.1% a year. How many of the staff come from agencies?
- Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
- 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
7 penalties in the last three years, including $125,824 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 | Fine | $15,015 |
| Mar 18, 2025 | Fine | $14,731 |
| Dec 11, 2024 | Fine | $15,004 |
| Sep 13, 2024 | Fine | $12,581 |
| Aug 1, 2024 | Fine | $12,248 |
| Feb 8, 2024 | Fine | $56,245 |
| Feb 8, 2024 | Payment Denial | 4 days of payments denied |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 1/5 | 2/5 | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| August 2026 | 1/5 | 2/5 | 1/5 | 4/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near The Citadel at Saint Joseph Village
The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.
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1.8 mi
Fhn Memorial Hospital FreeportEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 3h 6m for patients treated and sent home
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22.3 mi
Monroe Clinic MonroeEmergency room ★★★★★ Medicare overall 5 of 5Median ER visit 2h 25m for patients treated and sent home
Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.
Nearby nursing homes
More nursing homes near The Citadel at Saint Joseph Village › All nursing homes in Freeport ›
Compare The Citadel at Saint Joseph Village with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Manor Court of Freeport · Freeport · 2 stars · 5.4 mi
Other Citadel Healthcare nursing homes in Illinois
- Citadel Care Center-Wilmette · Wilmette · 5 stars
- The Citadel of Glenview · Glenview · 5 stars
- The Citadel of Northbrook · Northbrook · 4 stars
- Citadel at Saint Benedict · Niles · 4 stars
- Amberwood Care Centre · Rockford · 4 stars
- Citadel at Casa Scalabrini · Northlake · 3 stars
Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 19 Citadel 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.