Willows Health Center
4054 Albright Lane, Rockford, IL 61103 · Winnebago County · (815) 316-1500
50 certified beds, about 30 residents a day · Non profit - Corporation · Medicare and Medicaid since 2006
Part of a continuing care retirement community Certified for Medicaid Certified for Medicare
Overall
3 of 5
Health inspections
3 of 5
Staffing
4 of 5
Quality measures
4 of 5
CMS Care Compare ratings, data as of September 1, 2026 · CCN 146101 · See it on Medicare.gov · Compare with other homes
The record in brief
At its most recent standard inspection, on November 25, 2025, inspectors cited 9 health deficiencies (the Illinois average is 12.6, the national average 9.2).
Of 26 health citations since September 2023, 1 was rated as actual harm or immediate jeopardy to residents.
CMS lists 1 fine totaling $12,909 in the last three years; the largest was $12,909, and the latest is dated November 15, 2025.
Nurses and nurse aides worked 5.21 hours per resident per day, against 3.45 across Illinois and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 1.60 of those hours.
Health inspections
Federal rules call for a standard inspection at least every 15 months, plus a visit whenever a complaint is filed. Each mark below is one citation, colored by how serious inspectors rated it. How to read a citation.
Under each citation, the quoted text is the inspector's own summary from the federal statement of deficiencies (CMS form 2567), word for word apart from a privacy scrub; CMS removes residents' and staff names before it publishes the text. The full notes are on Medicare.gov.
609/23
408/24
109/24
201/25
211/25
911/25
112/25
101/26
Potential for minimal harm Potential for more than minimal harm Actual harm Immediate jeopardy Found on a complaint visit
Where its citations fall on CMS's grid
CMS rates every citation by how much harm it caused (rows) and how many residents it touched (columns). The count in each box is this home's, across all 26 health citations on file.
Severity
Isolated
Pattern
Widespread
Immediate jeopardy
0J
0K
0L
Actual harm
1G
0H
0I
Potential for more than minimal harm
20D
2E
3F
Potential for minimal harm
0A
0B
0C
January 26, 2026Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- F Employ staff that are licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with state laws.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure nursing staff were working with an active nursing license which applies to all 91 residents in the facility.
December 16, 2025Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- D Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review the facility failed to prevent a resident from acquiring a new pressure ulcer. This applies to one of three residents (R1) reviewed for pressure ulcers in the sample of six.
November 25, 2025Standard inspection · 9 citations
- G Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to follow speech therapy recommendations for a resident (R46) at risk for aspiration. The facility also failed to ensure a resident (R1) at high risk for falls and exhibiting restless behaviors was supervised. This failure resulted in (R1) falling from her wheelchair and sustaining a right hip fracture. This applies to 2 of 16 residents (R1, R46) reviewed for safety and supervision in the sample of 16.
- F Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and record review that facility failed to store food in a sanitary manner and failed to ensure the cooking areas were clean and sanitary. This applies to all 35 residents residing at the facility.
- E Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide meaningful activities to dementia residents for 4 of 16 residents (R23, R11, R26, R35,) reviewed for activities in the sample of 16.
- D Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review the facility failed to have a system in place to ensure as needed (PRN) psychotropic medications had a stop date for 1 of 5 residents (R14) reviewed for psychotropic meds in the sample of 16.
- D Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to provide toileting assistance to a resident dependent on staff for cares in a timely manner for 1 of 16 residents (R46) reviewed for activities of daily living (ADLs) in the sample of 16.
- D Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review the facility failed to inform the dietitian of a resident's continued weight loss. The facility failed to obtain weights on a newly admitted resident as per facility policy. These failures apply to 1 of 4 residents (R47) reviewed for weight loss in the sample of 16.
- D Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to ensure residents medications were available for administration for 2 of 16 residents (R46,R56) reviewed for pharmacy services in the sample of 16.
- D Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to ensure the required personnel protective equipment was worn in a covid isolation room and failed to implement enhanced barrier precautions for a resident with a peripherally inserted central catheter line (PICC) for 2 of 16 residents (R46, R48) reviewed for infection control in the sample of 16.
- D Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure residents who were eligible for a pneumococcal vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were offered the vaccine for 2 of 5 residents (R23 and R36) reviewed for immunizations in the sample of 16.
November 15, 2025Complaint inspection · 2 citations
- D Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure a resident was free from misappropriation for 1 of 3 residents (R2) reviewed for misappropriation in the sample of 3.
- D Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation and interview the facility failed to ensure a resident was free of a medication error for 1 of 3 residents (R1) reviewed for medication administration in the sample of 3.
January 28, 2025Complaint inspection · 2 citations
- D Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review the facility failed to complete a thorough investigation into an allegation of misappropriation of narcotic medications. This applies to four of four residents (R4-R7) in certified beds of the facility reviewed for abuse investigation in the sample of 13.
- D Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure a narcotic count was completed upon nursing shift change. This applies to one of one resident (R6) in certified beds of the facility reviewed for narcotic counts in the sample of 13.
September 24, 2024Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- D Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure a resident was positioned safely in bed to prevent a fall for 1 of 3 residents (R2) reviewed for safety and supervision in the sample of 5.
August 22, 2024Standard inspection · 4 citations
- F Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wrote3. On 8/21/24 at 1:14 PM, R10 was sitting in the recliner in his room. V8 (Certified Nursing Assistant/CNA) and V9 (CNA) had mask and gloves on when entering R10's room. V8 and V9 used a mechanical lift device to transfer R10 from his recliner to his bed. Once R10 was transferred to bed, V8 and V9 rolled him back and forth to remove the sling and adjust the linen under him. R10 had a wrinkled dressing to his left buttock, a dressing to his right knee, and dressings to his bilateral lower legs. V8 and V9 stated there was no reason to wear gowns for this activity. V8 stated there wasn't a sign on the door saying they needed to wear anything. V9 stated she just goes by whatever the sign that is posted states to do. V9 stated she didn't see any signs or isolation cart outside R10's room. [...]
- E Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to treat 8 residents with dignity. This applies to 4 of 4 residents (R6, R11, R12, R17) reviewed for dignity in the sample of 13 and 4 residents (R2, R9, R22, R23) outside of the sample.
- D Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review, the facility failed to complete weekly wound assessments for a resident (R17) with a stage 2 pressure ulcer, failed to ensure complete weekly wound assessments were done for a resident (R10) admitted with a stage 3 pressure ulcer. These failures apply to 2 of 2 residents reviewed for pressure ulcers in the sample of 13.
- D Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure a catheter tubing remained free of kinks and the catheter tubing secure device was in place for 1 of 1 resident (R25) reviewed for catheters in the sample of 13.
September 21, 2023Standard inspection · 6 citations
- D Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide feeding assistance to residents in a dignified manner. This applies to 2 of 3 residents (R9, R14) in the sample of 12 and 1 resident (R6) outside of the sample reviewed for dignity.
- D Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to provide incontinence care for dependent residents prior to their briefs and clothing becoming soiled for 2 of 5 residents (R1, R3) reviewed for incontinence in the sample of 12.
- D Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review the facility failed to timely obtain an antibiotic order for a resident with symptoms of a urinary tract infection. This applies to 1 of 3 residents (R4) reviewed for quality of care.
- D Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to complete a fall assessment and implement fall prevention measures for a resident at risk for falls for 1 of 1 resident (R3) reviewed for falls in the sample of 12.
- D Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure a resident's pain medication was administered as ordered for 1 of 1 resident (R126) reviewed for pain in the sample of 12.
- D Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure medications were received from pharmacy in a timely manner for 1 of 1 resident (R126) reviewed for medications.
Fire safety inspections
33 fire safety citations on file: 11 on August 22, 2024, 16 on September 21, 2023, 6 on July 20, 2022.
Every fire safety citation33 citations
- F Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
- F Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
- F Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- F Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
- F Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- F Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
- E Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.
- E Install proper backup exit lighting.
- E Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
- E Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
- E Have elevators that firefighters can control in the event of a fire.
- F Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.
- F Establish roles under a Waiver declared by secretary.
- F Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
- F Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- F Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
- F To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
- F Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- E Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
- E Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.
- E Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
- E Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
- E Have properly installed hallway dispensers for alcohol-based hand rub.
- E Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
- E Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
- E Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
- F Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
- F Establish staff and initial training requirements.
- F Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- F Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- E Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft.
- E Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
- E Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes.
Fines and payment denials
| Date | Penalty | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| November 15, 2025 | Payment Denial | 15 days from December 18, 2025 |
| December 11, 2023 | Fine | $12,909 |
A payment denial means Medicare and Medicaid stopped paying for new admissions for that period.
Staffing
Hours of care per resident per day, from the payroll records every home sends CMS. Higher means more staff time with each resident.
| Measure | This home | Illinois | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| All nursing staff (RN, LPN and aides) | 5.21 | 3.45 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses | 1.60 | 0.72 | 0.69 |
| All nursing staff on weekends | 4.31 | 3.07 | 3.42 |
| Nurse aides | 2.92 | ||
| Licensed practical nurses | 0.69 | ||
| Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year) | not reported | 44.5% | 45.8% |
| Registered nurse turnover | not reported | 41.8% | 42.9% |
| Administrators who left | not reported |
CMS expects 3.76 hours a day for residents as sick as this home's (its case-mix figure). The staffing star compares the two.
Staffing by quarter, from daily payroll records
Every nursing home sends CMS its staff hours for each day (the Payroll Based Journal). Here they are added up by quarter. The latest quarter is the one behind the figures above. In January to March 2026, nursing staff hours per resident were 5.57 on weekdays and 4.31 on weekends, 23% lower on weekends (nationally, weekends ran 15% lower). Contract or agency staff worked 9.3% of nursing hours, against 5.3% nationally. Total nursing hours per resident went from 3.64 in April to June 2025 to 5.21 in January to March 2026.
| Quarter | All nursing staff | Registered nurses | Weekdays | Weekends | Contract staff share | Days with no RN hours | Residents a day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan to Mar 2026 | 5.21 | 1.60 | 5.57 | 4.31 | 9.3% | 0 of 90 | 30 |
| Oct to Dec 2025 | 3.84 | 0.83 | 3.94 | 3.60 | 13.7% | 0 of 92 | 34 |
| Apr to Jun 2025 | 3.64 | 0.62 | 3.94 | 2.89 | 14.7% | 0 of 91 | 30 |
| United States, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.75 | 0.62 | 3.92 | 3.33 | 5.3% | 0.5% of days | |
| Illinois, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.26 | 0.65 | 3.40 | 2.92 | 5.4% | 0.6% of days |
Hours per resident per day: staff hours in the quarter divided by resident days (the daily census CMS derives from resident assessments). Registered nurses include the director of nursing and RNs with administrative duties; aides include nurse aides in training and medication aides, as in CMS's own staffing measure. How these are calculated.
Quality measures
The measures CMS uses for the quality star. Lower is better for every one of them.
| Measure | This home | Illinois | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 19.2 | 13.4 | 13.9 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 0.8 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.0 | 1.5 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 4.7 | 3.1 | 3.2 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 1.4 | 2.2 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 2.7 | 4.8 | 4.6 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 27.5 | 26.1 | 23.8 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 18.3 | 13.8 | 12.0 |
Owners and operators
Legal business name: WILLOWS HEALTH CENTER.
| Name | Role | Type | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salinas, Frances | W-2 managing employee | Individual | 07/01/2022 | |
| Dittmer, Helen | Corporate director | Individual | 07/01/2021 | |
| Dittmer, Helen | Corporate officer | Individual | 07/01/2021 | |
| Nelson, Brett | Corporate officer | Individual | 07/01/2021 | |
| Salinas, Frances | Corporate officer | Individual | 07/01/2022 |
As listed in the CMS ownership file, which names owners with a 5% or greater stake and the people and companies with operational or managerial control.
Questions to ask on a visit
Chosen from this home's own inspection record.
- How do you prevent falls and pressure injuries, and how are families told when one happens?Inspectors cited 12 problems in this area, most recently on December 16, 2025: "Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing."
- How are medications reviewed, and how often are antipsychotic or sedating drugs used?Inspectors cited 4 problems in this area, most recently on November 25, 2025: "Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist."
- How are allegations of abuse or neglect reported and investigated, and who tells the family?Inspectors cited 3 problems in this area, most recently on November 25, 2025: "Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function."
- What changed in infection control since the last inspection, and who on staff is the infection preventionist?Inspectors cited 3 problems in this area, most recently on November 25, 2025: "Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program."
Other nursing homes nearby
- River Bluff Nursing Home Rockford, 0.9 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 38 citations
- Rock River Health Care Rockford, 1.2 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 46 citations
- Avira Health Pavilion Loves Park, 1.3 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 23 citations
- Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital -SNF Rockford, 1.5 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 0 citations
- Amberwood Care Centre Rockford, 1.5 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 42 citations
- Pa Peterson at the Citadel Rockford, 3.2 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 65 citations
- Alpine Fireside Health Center Rockford, 3.3 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 22 citations
- Fairhaven Christian Ret Center Rockford, 3.4 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 19 citations
Illinois contacts for a concern about a nursing home
These are the official offices in Illinois. NursingHomeClear cannot take or act on complaints.
- Inspections and complaints: Illinois Department of Public Health, Nursing Homes, the state agency that inspects nursing homes for CMS and takes complaints about care.
- Resident advocate: Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Illinois Department on Aging, 1-800-252-8966. The long-term care ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate for residents and families, set up under the federal Older Americans Act.
- State inspection reports: IDPH Quarterly Reports of Nursing Home Violators, where Illinois publishes its own records on licensed homes.
Common questions
- What is Willows Health Center's Medicare star rating?
- CMS rates Willows Health Center 3 out of 5 stars overall, with 3 for health inspections, 4 for staffing and 4 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
- How many deficiencies did Willows Health Center get at its last inspection?
- 9 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on November 25, 2025. The Illinois average is 12.6.
- Has Willows Health Center been fined?
- Yes. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $12,909 in the last three years.
- Does Willows Health Center accept Medicaid?
- It is certified to take Medicaid (CMS lists it as "Medicare and Medicaid"). Certification does not mean a Medicaid bed is open: ask the admissions office.
- Who owns Willows Health Center?
- CMS lists 5 owners and managers. Legal business name: WILLOWS HEALTH CENTER.
Sources
- Ratings, staffing and fines: CMS Provider Information, released September 30, 2026, data as of September 1, 2026.
- Citations: CMS Health Deficiencies and Fire Safety Deficiencies.
- Owners: CMS Ownership. Penalties: CMS Penalties.
- Staffing by quarter: CMS Payroll Based Journal Daily Nurse Staffing, April 2025 to March 2026, summed by NursingHomeClear.
- Inspector summaries: CMS Full Statement of Deficiencies (CMS-2567 text), data as of September 1, 2026. Each quote is the part of the statement before the detailed findings.
- Inspection reports with the inspectors' full notes are on this home's Medicare.gov page.
- Something wrong on this page? Ask for a correction. We fix errors in our copy of the data; findings themselves can only be changed by CMS and the state.
- NursingHomeClear is independent and not affiliated with CMS, Medicare or any state agency. This page reports federal records; it does not rate, recommend or endorse any home, and it is not medical or legal advice.