Worst Nursing Homes in Waukegan

Many Illinois nursing homes are underperforming. These facilities are supposed to offer high-quality rehab, health care, and safe environments to older adults with medical needs. However, due to administrative failures, staffing issues, improper training, and poor practices, many Illinois residents suffer actual harm when they should be receiving quality care. 

In this article, we will look at some of the worst Illinois nursing homes in the Waukegan area with low ratings. We will also discuss some practical solutions for addressing abuse or neglect in a care center. 

How Nursing Homes Are Rated in Waukegan

There are several resources you can use to evaluate the worst nursing homes in Illinois. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is a federal government entity that created a five-star rating system for nursing homes nationwide. 

Each nursing rehab center receives an overall score based on ratings for health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. This list of Waukegan worst nursing homes only includes facilities with a one-star overall rating (please note that ratings are subject to change). 

A simple resource you can use to research individual facilities is the nursing home comparison tool on Medicare.gov. On this page, you can look up each facility’s health inspections, nursing home ratings, and past violations. 

Some facilities are particularly problematic and are flagged by CMS for the Special Focus Facility program. If a healthcare center is being considered for this program, it will be listed as an SFF program Candidate. 

List of Waukegan, Illinois Worst Nursing Homes

1. The Terrace

This skilled nursing facility has a one-star overall rating from CMS, along with two stars for health inspections, one star for staffing, and two stars for quality measures. Two federal fines totaling $110,875 were issued against the nursing rehab center in the last three years. 

A standard health inspection in January 2025 listed twelve health citations, which exceeded the national average of 9.6. Here are some of the numerous violations mentioned in recent reports:

1. A failure to procure food from approved sources and serve it according to professional standards;
2. A failure to honor the resident’s right to a safe, clean, and homelike environment;
3. A failure to ensure residents are protected from all types of abuse;
4. A failure to ensure that a licensed pharmacist performs monthly drug reviews;
5. A failure to ensure the nursing home area is free of accident hazards;
6. A failure to provide appropriate treatment according to the resident’s care plan and preferences;
7. A failure to respond appropriately to abuse allegations.
8. Elevate Care Waukegan

Another healthcare center in Waukegan with a one-star rating from CMS is Elevate Care. This rehabilitation center has been fined three times for a total of $34,045 in the past three years. During that time, eighteen complaints against the facility have led to health citations. 

The most recent standard inspection of the nursing center, conducted in January 2025, resulted in eighteen health citations. Here are some specific deficiencies involving this health care center from the last few years:

1. A failure to provide enough food and fluids to maintain a patient’s health;
2. A failure to assist with daily living activities;
3. A failure to provide appropriate treatment according to the residents’ care plans and preferences;
4. A failure to provide basic life support until emergency medical personnel arrived;
5. A failure to honor the resident’s right to a dignified existence;
6. A failure to procure food from approved sources;
7. A failure to provide appropriate pressure ulcer care.

Common Deficiencies Found in Waukegan Nursing Homes

Health inspection reports often reveal similar issues among underperforming nursing homes in Illinois. A failure to implement effective infection control measures can lead to many residents contracting diseases. Inadequate staffing levels and poorly trained nurses can lead to improper medical care standards within the facility. 

Medication errors and mismanagement can cause patients to suffer harm from incorrect dosages. Some residents may be neglected by the nursing staff and suffer from malnutrition, dehydration, pressure ulcers, or poor wound care. 

In the most severe cases, residents may even be abused by staff members or other patients. Various types of abuse can occur in a nursing home with a one-star rating, including physical, mental, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. 

Signs of Abuse and Neglect in Illinois Nursing Homes

Family members of residents are often the first ones to spot the signs of nursing home abuse or neglect. If you have a loved one in a nursing institution, you should know the most common signs of mistreatment. 

Patients suffering from physical abuse may experience bruises, fractures, or unexplained injuries. Neglect can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, and poor hygiene. Psychological abuse of a patient may cause symptoms like withdrawal, fear, agitation, and behavioral changes. 

Many nursing home residents are financially exploited, which could manifest as missing possessions, changes to financial documents, or unauthorized purchases. If a person experiences sexual abuse in a healthcare center, they may suffer from STDs, pain, or bleeding.  

Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents in Waukegan

State and federal laws are in place to protect the rights of nursing facility residents, especially those living in institutions with low ratings. The Federal Nursing Home Reform Act is one legislative act that grants individuals certain rights. 

Some of the most significant resident rights include the right to be free from abuse and neglect, the right to a dignified existence, and the right to participate in care planning or refuse treatment. 

What to Do if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect in a Waukegan Nursing Home

Looking out for the well-being of your elderly loved one may mean taking action if you suspect abuse or neglect in an Illinois-based facility. 

First, document your concerns with notes, photos, and videos. Report your suspicions to the administrative staff at the care center. If the issue is not resolved, you can speak to an advocate for residents from the long-term care ombudsman program in Illinois. 

If you still haven’t found a satisfactory solution, you can file an official complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health. Lastly, if you are out of options, you should consult an experienced attorney to discuss the possibility of a lawsuit. 

Filing a Lawsuit for Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in Waukegan

While a lawsuit may feel like a last resort for dealing with abuse or neglect, it can be a viable solution. The purpose of a legal claim is to hold the health care center accountable for mistreatment and seek compensation for legal damages. 

Damages can include economic and non-economic losses, such as medical expenses, therapy bills, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

Once you hire a nursing home abuse legal team, they will investigate the claim and gather evidence. Your lawyer will help you determine who is liable for your mistreatment. Then, they will help you file an official complaint in court. This will be followed by a discovery process involving all parties in the lawsuit. 

Finally, your attorney will help you negotiate fair compensation from the facility and its insurance company. In some cases, you may end up in civil court, in which case your attorney will represent you. 

Contact a Waukegan Nursing Home Attorney for a Free Consultation

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we know what it takes to win compensation during a nursing home neglect or abuse case. Our law firm will build a strong case, assess all your damages, and gather compelling evidence to increase your chances of winning. 

Call us today at 888-424-5757 or complete the contact form on our website to request a free legal consultation with our team.