facebook tracking The Citadel of Sterling, Sterling IL: CMS Ratings
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The Citadel of Sterling

All states › Illinois › Sterling › The Citadel of Sterling

105 East 23rd Street Sterling, IL 61081 · Whiteside County

(815) 626-4264

All 3 nursing homes in Sterling, IL (3 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 121 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 145278 · 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 Citadel of Sterling 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 of Sterling as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 3 out of 5 stars overall, about the same as the Illinois average of 2.6. Inspectors issued 25 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 1 penalty, including $11,213 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 3.19 hours per resident per day at The Citadel of Sterling, below the Illinois median of 3.33 (US median: 3.72). About 0.50 of those hours are from registered nurses. Weekend staffing is close to its all-week average. 33.7% of nursing staff left within a year (Illinois median 43.5%).

Nursing care per resident per day 3.19 hours
Below the Illinois median of 3.33 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.50 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.05 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 33.7% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 53.3% 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 beds121
Residents per day 88 About 73% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceSeptember 1974
Part of a chainCitadel Healthcare
Legal business nameCITADEL CARE CENTER - STERLING LLC

Paying for care at The Citadel of Sterling: Medicare and Medicaid

The Citadel of Sterling 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 April 30, 2026 and found 3 deficiencies, plus 3 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 25 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 25 citations at The Citadel of Sterling across 8 inspection dates, 6 of them from complaint investigations. 2 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on June 12, 2024. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (13) and nutrition and dietary (4). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health" (tag F0692, level G, June 12, 2024). 3 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

August 30, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

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 4, 2026)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 4, 2026)

August 18, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DGive the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0551 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 28, 2026)

April 30, 2026 · 3 citations

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 (May 18, 2026)

EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 18, 2026)

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 (May 18, 2026)

May 22, 2025 · 12 citations

FEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 2, 2025)

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 (Jun 2, 2025)

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 2, 2025)

DKeep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0583 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 2, 2025)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 2, 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 (Jun 2, 2025)

DPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0605 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 2, 2025)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 2, 2025)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 2, 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 (Jun 2, 2025)

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 (Jun 2, 2025)

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 (Jun 2, 2025)

November 13, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProvide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0825 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 19, 2024)

June 12, 2024 · 4 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 (Jun 25, 2024)

EHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 25, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 25, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 25, 2024)

January 25, 2024 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

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

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 6, 2024)

November 3, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 16, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of The Citadel of Sterling

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on June 12, 2024 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on May 22, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. CMS rates staffing 1 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

1 penalty in the last three years, including $11,213 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Jun 12, 2024 Fine $11,213

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 3/5 4/5 1/5 2/5
August 2026 3/5 4/5 1/5 2/5
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Location

Hospitals near The Citadel of Sterling

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

  • 0.4 mi
    Cgh Medical Center Sterling
    Emergency room ★☆☆☆☆ Medicare overall 1 of 5
    Median ER visit 3h 18m for patients treated and sent home
  • 11.5 mi
    OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center Dixon
    Emergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5
    Median ER visit 3h 0m for patients treated and sent home
  • 13.4 mi
    Morrison Community Hospital Morrison
    Emergency room
    Median ER visit 2h 4m 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

Allure of Sterling Sterling · 0.4 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 2/5 130 beds · Medicaid
La Bella of Sterling Sterling · 1.2 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 2/5 70 beds · Medicaid
Heritage Square Dixon · 11.3 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 5/5 27 beds · Medicaid
Dixon Rehab & HCC Dixon · 11.8 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 2/5 97 beds · Medicaid
La Bella of Morrison Morrison · 13.2 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 1/5 74 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near The Citadel of Sterling ›   All nursing homes in Sterling ›

Compare The Citadel of Sterling with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Other Citadel Healthcare nursing homes in Illinois

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.

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https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/illinois/sterling/the-citadel-of-sterling/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.