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Nursing homeFAID #2967

The Citadel of Sterling

105 EAST 23RD STREET, STERLING, IL, 61081

(815) 626-4264

121 licensed beds

CMS rates The Citadel of Sterling 3 out of 5 overall. Federal inspectors issued 34 citations across 11 inspections in the last three years, with $11,213 in fines. Listing last updated 2026-11-06.

★★★★★3/5CMS Five-Star overall4/5 health inspections1/5 staffing2/5 quality measuresSource: CMS Care Compare

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Photo via Google · Citadel of Sterling

Address

105 East 23rd Street

Sterling, IL 61081

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Public record summary

What we can show you for free.

Bed capacity

121

CMS facility ID

145278

Care type

Nursing home

County

Whiteside

Facility name

The Citadel of Sterling

Street address

105 EAST 23RD STREET

City / state / ZIP

Sterling, IL 61081

Phone

(815) 626-4264

Website

citadelofsterling.com

About this facility — The Citadel of Sterling

The Citadel of Sterling is a Medicare/Medicaid-certified skilled nursing facility in Sterling, Illinois. It is licensed for 121 beds — close to the median for skilled nursing facilities in Illinois (112 beds).

It is one of 9 senior care facilities in Sterling and 667 skilled nursing facilities across Illinois. Families comparing options should weigh inspection history, ownership record, and litigation — not just the tour — before deciding.

It is listed as part of Citadel Healthcare, a group of 19 facilities on this site.

Federal inspectors have cited The Citadel of Sterling 34 times across 11 inspections in the last three years, including 4 food-safety citations, and CMS has imposed $11,213 in fines. Every citation is listed, dated, and graded in the inspection record below.

This listing draws on federal CMS Nursing Home Compare records, and was last updated on November 6, 2026. Background reports are compiled from primary sources — state inspection files, federal CMS data, corporate registrations, and court records — at the time of order.

Facility background

What the public record shows.

Ownership & operator

Parent company

Citadel Healthcare

Ownership type

For profit - Corporation

Registered owners & officers

Aaron, Adina

Direct owner — since 2023

Aaron, Fred

Direct owner — since 2023

Aaron, Jonathan

Direct owner · Operational control — since 2023

Graf, Marcella

Direct owner · Operational control · Additional disclosable party — since 2018

Gross, Shoshana

Direct owner — since 2023

Kohen, Yakov

Direct owner — since 2018

Mcmahon, Michael

Operational control · Additional disclosable party — since 2023

Omnia Healthcare Group Llc

Additional disclosable party — since 2023

Proctor, Katherine

Direct owner — since 2023

Robin, Jason

Operational control · Additional disclosable party — since 2024

Stern Family Investment Tr

Direct owner — since 2023

Stern, Raphaela

Direct owner — since 2023

Regulatory standing

Federal court records

2 naming its parent company — view the cases (a listed case is not a finding of wrongdoing)

Licensed / certified since

1974-09-01

CMS overall rating

3 of 5 stars

Health deficiencies

6 at the last standard inspection

Federal fines

$11,213 total

Last standard inspection

2026-04-30

Nurse staffing

3.2 hours per resident per day

Cost & payer profile (FY2023 cost report)

Average billed charges

$354 per day (≈ $10,760/month). Private-pay prices typically track billed charges; Medicare and Medicaid pay set rates.

Payer mix (resident days)

17% Medicaid · 7% Medicare · 76% private/other

Occupancy

76% (fiscal year 2023)

Vs. state median

4% above the IL median of $342/day — full state cost breakdown

Services & coverage

Licensed beds

121

Medicare

Accepted

Medicaid

Accepted

Wheelchair accessible

entrance and parking

Compiled from CMS Nursing Home Compare; owners/officers from the CMS Ownership dataset; cost & occupancy from the facility's own CMS cost report; hours/accessibility via Google · last verified 2026-11-06. Facilities can submit a correction.

Inspection record

Every citation, dated and graded.

Kitchen & food safety

Federal surveyors inspect the kitchen at every standard visit. This facility has 4 food-safety citations on its three-year record — flagged below among the inspections.

2026-08-30Health inspectionComplaint-triggered2 citations

F-0689

D · No harm foundFrom a complaint

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

Corrected 2026-09-04

F-0690

D · No harm foundFrom a complaint

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

Corrected 2026-09-04

2026-08-18Health inspectionComplaint-triggered1 citation

F-0551

D · No harm foundFrom a complaint

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

Corrected 2026-08-28

9 earlier / fire-safety inspections (31 citations)

2026-04-30Health inspection3 citations

F-0689

D · No harm found

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

Corrected 2026-05-18

F-0804

E · No harm foundFood safety

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

Corrected 2026-05-18

F-0812

F · No harm foundFood safety

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

Corrected 2026-05-18

2025-05-22Health inspection12 citations

F-0550

D · No harm found

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

Corrected 2025-06-02

F-0583

D · No harm found

Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.

Corrected 2025-06-02

F-0600

D · No harm found

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

Corrected 2025-06-02

F-0604

D · No harm found

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

Corrected 2025-06-02

F-0605

D · No harm found

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

Corrected 2025-06-02

F-0684

D · No harm found

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

Corrected 2025-06-02

F-0686

D · No harm found

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

Corrected 2025-06-02

F-0689

D · No harm found

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

Corrected 2025-06-02

F-0690

D · No harm found

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

Corrected 2025-06-02

F-0695

D · No harm found

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

Corrected 2025-06-02

F-0804

F · No harm foundFood safety

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

Corrected 2025-06-02

F-0812

F · No harm foundFood safety

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

Corrected 2025-06-02

2024-11-13Health inspectionComplaint-triggered1 citation

F-0825

D · No harm foundFrom a complaint

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

Corrected 2024-11-19

2024-06-12Health inspection4 citations

F-0550

E · No harm found

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

Corrected 2024-06-25

F-0677

D · No harm found

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

Corrected 2024-06-25

F-0686

D · No harm found

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

Corrected 2024-06-25

F-0692

G · Actual harm

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

Corrected 2024-06-25

2024-01-25Health inspectionComplaint-triggered1 citation

F-0686

G · Actual harmFrom a complaint

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

Corrected 2024-02-06

2023-11-03Health inspectionComplaint-triggered1 citation

F-0760

D · No harm foundFrom a complaint

Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Corrected 2023-11-16

2026-04-30Fire-safety inspection1 citation

K-0355

F · No harm found

Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.

Corrected 2026-05-19

2025-05-22Fire-safety inspection4 citations

E-0015

F · No harm found

Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.

Corrected 2025-06-11

K-0321

E · No harm found

Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

Corrected 2025-06-11

K-0372

E · No harm found

Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.

Corrected 2025-06-11

K-0741

E · No harm found

Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed.

Corrected 2025-06-11

2024-06-12Fire-safety inspection4 citations

K-0341

F · No harm found

Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility.

Corrected 2024-07-05

K-0351

E · No harm found

Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.

Corrected 2024-07-05

K-0712

F · No harm found

Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

Corrected 2024-07-05

K-0923

E · No harm found

Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

Corrected 2024-07-05

Federal penalties

2024-06-12Fine$11,213

Citations and penalties from the CMS Provider Data Catalog (three-year survey window, refreshed monthly). Severity codes follow the federal scope/severity grid; “Immediate jeopardy” is the most serious grade CMS issues. CCN 145278.

Quality of care & staffing

How it compares in Illinois.

Inspection citations, 3 years

More than 24% of nursing homes in the state

State median: 50

Federal fines, 3 years

$11,213

More than 34% of nursing homes in the state

State median: $45,080

Nurse staffing, hours per resident per day

3.2

Higher than 40% of nursing homes in the state

State median: 3.3

Nursing staff turnover, annual

34%

Higher than 24% of nursing homes in the state

State median: 44%

Resident outcomes

On 21 federal quality measures, this facility does better than the Illinois average on 11 and worse on 6. Differences within 10% of the average are shown as near average.

Long-stay residents	This facility	State	US	Compared with state
Need for help with daily activities has increased	8.5%	13.0%	13.5%	Better than state
Lose too much weight	3.8%	6.1%	5.1%	Better than state
With a catheter inserted and left in their bladder	0.0%	0.8%	0.7%	Better than state
With a urinary tract infection	0.3%	1.5%	1.5%	Better than state
Have depressive symptoms	84.4%	55.9%	13.5%	Worse than state
Were physically restrained	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	Better than state
Experiencing one or more falls with major injury	1.8%	3.0%	3.2%	Better than state
Assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine	96.0%	90.5%	93.7%	Near state average
Ability to walk independently worsened	13.4%	12.8%	12.7%	Near state average
Received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication	25.3%	18.4%	19.5%	Worse than state
Assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine	97.7%	91.7%	95.3%	Near state average
With pressure ulcers	5.5%	4.8%	4.5%	Worse than state
With new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence	17.3%	19.8%	18.3%	Better than state
Received an antipsychotic medication	12.2%	21.7%	15.4%	Better than state
Hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days	1.65	1.96	1.81	Better than state
Outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days	3.14	2.10	1.69	Worse than state

Short-stay residents	This facility	State	US	Compared with state
Assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine	85.1%	70.0%	82.3%	Better than state
Newly received an antipsychotic medication	2.6%	2.2%	1.5%	Worse than state
Were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine	92.2%	63.2%	80.1%	Better than state
Were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission	24.0%	25.6%	23.4%	Near state average
Had an outpatient emergency department visit	28.8%	13.5%	11.8%	Worse than state

Source: CMS MDS and Medicare claims quality measures, measure period 2025Q3-2026Q2. Averages are computed from all nursing homes reporting each measure.

Cited more than once

The same rule cited at separate inspections can point to a problem that wasn't fully fixed.

F-0689 3 inspections. Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
F-0686 3 inspections. Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
F-0690 2 inspections. Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
F-0804 2 inspections. Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
F-0812 2 inspections. Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
F-0550 2 inspections. Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

What its owners also hold

Stern Family Investment Tr has an ownership stake on file at 17 nursing homes, averaging 2.8 of 5 on CMS's overall rating.

Source: CMS ownership filings. Shows organizations with an ownership stake; people are left out.

Verify & compare

Where to check, and what's nearby.

Who to contact in Illinois

Licensing: Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Assisted Living
File a complaint: 800-252-4343 · Online
Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 800-252-8966. A free advocate for residents and families.
Adult Protective Services: 866-800-1409. Some states send facility cases to licensing instead. In an emergency, call 911.
Eldercare Locator: 800-677-1116, a federal service for local aging help.

Nearest emergency hospitals

Cgh Medical Center, about 0.5 miles. CMS rating 1 of 5.
Osf Saint Katharine Medical Center, about 11 miles. CMS rating 2 of 5.
Morrison Community Hospital, about 13 miles.

Source: CMS Hospital General Information. Straight-line distance.

Nearby facilities with inspection records

Morningside of Sterling, Sterling, about 0.4 miles. 3 state visits on record.
Allure of Sterling, Sterling, about 0.4 miles. CMS rating 1 of 5.
Parkway Center, Sterling, about 0.6 miles. 1 state visits on record.
La Bella of Sterling, Sterling, about 1.2 miles. CMS rating 3 of 5.
Heritage Square, Dixon, about 11 miles. CMS rating 5 of 5.

Visitor reviews

What people say on Google.

4.455 ratings on Google

★★★★★EMES · 2026-05-07 · via Google
“Citadel Sterling has brought up their standards for care and facility conditions. Their staff is courteous and caring-always welcoming with hellos and goodbyes. The staff goes out of their way to help and assist to the needs of their residents. The facility is clean and there are no malicious odors. Actually, a beautiful fragrance fills the lobby and various areas which only builds the impressi…”

★★★★★Katie Houston · 2026-05-13 · via Google
“Citadel has the most caring staff. All departments are engaged and truly know their residents story. The smiles on their residents faces tell you everything you need to know. Big shoutout to the Activities Team for engaging the residents and keeping them involved.”

★★★★★Katy Carlson · 2026-05-14 · via Google
“The staff at Citadel are outstanding to work with from the clinicians to administration. Always willing to stop what they're doing to lend a hand. It's not hard to see that their hearts are in the care they provide to their patients.”

Ratings and reviews are from Google and reflect visitor opinions, not our verification. See all reviews on Google

Inside your report

What unlocks when you order.

Ownership & corporate history

Primary tier

Prior operators & transfers

Corporate network & affiliates

Owners' other facilities

· · 2 more

Inspection citations — last 5 years

Locked

The 34 citations above are shown free. The report takes each one and explains it in plain English — what the tag requires, how serious the scope/severity grade really is, whether it recurred across surveys — plus the five-year pattern a single inspection can't show.

Civil & criminal lawsuits

Advanced tier only

Active civil suits

Federal dockets

CDC infection data

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Citations, owner history, lawsuits — decoded into one PDF.

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Original records

Sources we pull for this facility.

Source

CMS Nursing Home Compare

data.cms.gov Provider Data Catalog

Last verified 2026-11-06

Source

Google Business Profile

Photos, reviews & hours

Displayed with attribution · refreshed on re-run

Source

Secretary of State filings

Entity & officer search

Pulled when a report is ordered

Source

PACER federal dockets

pacer.uscourts.gov

Pulled when a report is ordered