Worst Nursing Homes in Elgin

Nursing home residents are supposed to be cared for in safe environments. However, many patients suffer harm in these institutions due to issues like a lack of oversight, understaffed facilities, and improper practices. 

Some of the worst nursing facilities in Illinois are located in Elgin and the surrounding area. In this article, we will examine the lowest-rated facilities in this region. 

Our Methodology for Identification of Elgin’s Worst Nursing Homes

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is a government entity that created a five-star rating system to evaluate all facilities in the United States, including many in Elgin, IL. 

Each institution receives an overall score based on ratings for staffing, health inspections, and quality measures. Every facility on the list below has a one- or two-star rating for its overall score (please note that ratings are subject to change). 

You can also use the CMS website to compare nursing homes in the area. This resource allows you to look up ratings, inspection reports, and violations. 

List of the Worst Elgin, Illinois Nursing Homes

1. Crescent Care of Elgin

This health care center has two-star ratings in every category from CMS. In the last three years, it has been fined six times for a total of $44,709 and had one Medicare payment denial. Additionally, seven complaints against the facility have resulted in health citations during that time. Here are a few specific violations cited against Crescent Care of Elgin:

1. A failure to implement an infection prevention and control plan;
2. A failure to educate staff and residents on the COVID-19 vaccination;
3. A failure to keep the nursing home area free of accident hazards;
4. A failure to provide appropriate pressure ulcer care;
5. A failure to develop policies to prevent all types of abuse and neglect.
6. River View Rehab Center

This rehabilitation center has some of the most severe abuse and neglect violations on the list. In 2024, it was fined $224,926 for failing to prevent abuse and create policies to protect residents. In 2023, the facility was fined $138,875 for resident abuse and failing to respond appropriately to allegations. Here are some other specific violations mentioned in recent years:

1. A failure to provide appropriate treatment according to the resident’s care plan and preferences;
2. A failure to provide appropriate foot care;
3. A failure to assist with daily living activities;
4. A failure to provide appropriate pressure ulcer care;
5. A failure to procure food from approved sources.
6. Avantara of Elgin

This two-star healthcare center has been fined four times in the last three years, totaling $162,560. During that same time, twenty complaints against the facility resulted in health citations. Below are some of the specific deficiencies in the last three years at Avantara of Elgin:

1. A failure to ensure that a licensed pharmacist performs monthly drug reviews;
2. A failure to ensure the nursing home area is free of accident hazards;
3. A failure to protect residents from all types of abuse;
4. A failure to report abuse allegations in a timely manner;
5. A failure to provide enough food and fluids to maintain a patient’s health.
6. Tower Hill Healthcare Center

This high-risk facility has a one-star rating and a consumer alert for abuse concerns. Three fines totaling $71,459 have been issued against Tower Hill Healthcare in the past three years, along with a Medicare payment denial. Some of the most severe violations residents have faced include: 

1. A failure to implement a program that monitors antibiotic use;
2. A failure to ensure each resident receives food that meets their nutritional needs;
3. A failure to assist with daily living activities;
4. A failure to protect each resident from all types of abuse;
5. A failure to develop policies to protect residents from abuse, neglect, and theft.
6. South Elgin Living and Rehab Center

The last institution on this list has received two large fines totaling $301,435 in the last three years. Two Medicare payment denials have also been issued against the facility during this time. The latest standard inspection uncovered 28 health citations, which far exceeds the national average of 9.6. Some specific deficiencies mentioned in recent reports include:

1. A failure to implement an infection prevention and control plan;
2. A failure to have a registered nurse on duty for eight hours a day;
3. A failure to provide specialized rehabilitative services to meet resident needs;
4. A failure to protect residents from all types of abuse;
5. A failure to honor the resident’s right to a safe, clean, and homelike environment.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Elgin

Abuse and neglect are common in one-star facilities in Elgin, IL. If you have a loved one staying in a low-quality care center, you should watch for the signs of abuse and neglect carefully. Some of the most common signs include:

• Physical abuse – Bruises, fractures, unexplained injuries
• Neglect – Malnutrition, dehydration, poor hygiene, bedsores
• Emotional abuse – Withdrawal, fear, agitation, behavioral changes
• Financial exploitation – Missing possessions, financial document changes, unauthorized purchases
• Sexual abuse – STDs, pain, bleeding

Steps to Take if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect in an Elgin Nursing Home

If you notice signs of abuse or neglect in a facility or with a family member, it is essential to take action quickly. Start by documenting your observations with notes, photos, and videos. Bring this matter to the attention of the administrative staff at the facility. 

If necessary, you can file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health and contact the long-term care ombudsman program. You can also pursue a lawsuit against the nursing facility, at which point you should consult an experienced nursing home abuse legal team. 

Filing a Lawsuit for Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in Elgin

Lawsuits can be complex, which is why hiring a strong lawyer can help in your pursuit of compensation. There will be a claim investigation, where evidence of the mistreatment is collected. 

Your lawyer will help you determine liability and file your complaint in court, which will be followed by a discovery process. Then, a settlement with the nursing facility and its insurance company will be negotiated. 

In some cases, your claim may end up in civil court, in which case your lawyer will represent you. 

What Are the Most Common Forms of Nursing Home Neglect in Elgin?

Abuse and neglect can take many forms in a nursing rehabilitation center. Some of the most common forms of mistreatment include:

• Infection prevention and control failures
• Inadequate staffing and improper training
• Medication errors and mismanagement
• Inadequate nutrition and hydration
• Pressure ulcers and improper wound care
• Physical, mental, or sexual abuse

Legal Options for Residents of Poorly Performing Nursing Homes in Elgin 

You have several legal options to address abuse or neglect in a nursing facility. Let’s look at some of these in greater detail. 

Reporting Concerns to the Nursing Home Administration

Families of residents should always address their concerns with the facility’s management staff first. Often, these administrators will take action to correct the issue and prevent additional legal action. 

Filing a Complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

If the staff cannot or will not work with you, you can file an official complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health. This entity regulates nursing institutions in the state and can take direct action. 

Filing a Lawsuit for Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse

A lawsuit seeks to hold the facility accountable and seek compensation for legal damages. This is a good option if the victim has suffered economic or non-economic losses as a result of their suffering. 

Transferring the Resident to a Higher-Quality Facility

Another solution is to transfer your loved one to a facility with better quality measures and a stronger rating. This will remove the patient from the dangerous situation and provide them with a safer environment. 

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Nursing Home Neglect Case?

Economic damages in an abuse and neglect case may include lost income, medical expenses, therapy bills, and future medical costs. Non-economic losses can consist of emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. 

Why You Need an Experienced Elgin Nursing Home Neglect Attorney

An experienced nursing home neglect attorney can make all the difference in your fight for compensation. They will know how to assess all damages, investigate the claim, gather evidence, and negotiate for fair compensation to hold care centers accountable. 

Contact an Elgin Nursing Home Attorney for a Free Consultation

The team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has the experience you need to secure fair compensation for nursing home neglect or abuse. We are ready to build a strong case and hold the at-fault party accountable for your mistreatment. 

Call us today at 888-424-5757 or complete our online form to request a free legal consultation.