nursing home in Rockford, IL
Willows Health Center
4054 Albright Lane, Rockford, IL 61103 · (815) 316-1500
★★★★★3
Average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★3
- Staffing★★★★★4
- Quality measures★★★★★4
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Willows Health Center at a glance
Willows Health Center is a 50-bed non-profit nursing home in Rockford, Illinois (Winnebago County).
CMS gives it 3 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, close to the Illinois average of 2.5.
Residents receive about 5.2 hours of nursing care per day (1.6 of them from registered nurses), better than the state average of 3.4 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (November 25, 2025) found 12 health citations. The Illinois average is 12.5.
Federal regulators fined it 1 time in the past three years, totaling $12,909.
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- Non Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 50
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Medicare-certified since
- April 1, 2006
- Continuing care retirement community
- Yes
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Winnebago County
- CMS Certification Number
- 146101
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Illinois avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 2.5 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Average |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 2.7 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Average |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 2.1 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Better |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Average |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Better |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 2.5 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Average |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Illinois avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 5.21 hrs | 3.45 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Better |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 1.60 hrs | 0.72 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Better |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.92 hrs | 2.09 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Better |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 4.31 hrs | 3.07 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Better |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Illinois avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 12 | 12 | 9 | Worse |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 4 | 5 | 3 | Worse |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 80 | 143 | 80.6 | Average |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Illinois avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 2 | 1 | Worse |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $12,909 | $111,013 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 2 | 3 | 1 | Worse |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Illinois avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 50 | 128 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 30 | 95 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 60.6% | 75% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Illinois avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 4.7% | 3.1% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 2.7% | 4.8% | 4.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 0% | 1.5% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 1.4% | 0.9% | 0.8% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 19.2% | 13.4% | 13.9% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 3.8% | 6.3% | 5.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 0% | 54.2% | 12.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who were physically restrained (lower is better) | 0% | 0.1% | 0.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given anti-anxiety or sleep medication (lower is better) | 15.4% | 18.3% | 19.5% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 31.4% | 20.6% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 92.2% | 90.3% | 93.6% | Average |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Illinois avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 1.4% | 2.2% | 1.6% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 34.4% | 63.1% | 79.8% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 86.5% | 69.7% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 26 health deficiencies and 33 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 1 citation involved actual harm.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 26, 2026 Complaint | Employ staff that are licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with state laws. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0839 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 2, 2026 |
| December 16, 2025 Complaint | Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2026 |
| November 25, 2025 Standard | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected December 12, 2025 |
| November 25, 2025 Standard | Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 17, 2025 |
| November 25, 2025 Standard | Provide activities to meet all resident's needs. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 11, 2025 |
| November 25, 2025 Standard | Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0605 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 12, 2025 |
| November 25, 2025 Standard | Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 12, 2025 |
| November 25, 2025 Standard | Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 12, 2025 |
| November 25, 2025 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 12, 2025 |
| November 25, 2025 Standard | Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 12, 2025 |
| November 25, 2025 Standard | Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 12, 2025 |
| November 15, 2025 Complaint | Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 12, 2025 |
| November 15, 2025 Complaint | Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0602 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 26, 2025 |
| January 28, 2025 Complaint | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 10, 2025 |
| January 28, 2025 Complaint | Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 10, 2025 |
| September 24, 2024 Complaint | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 10, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Install an approved automatic sprinkler system. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0351 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 25, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0923 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 25, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0918 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 25, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0712 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 25, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 25, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Conduct testing and exercise requirements. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0039 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 25, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Have elevators that firefighters can control in the event of a fire. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0531 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 25, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0223 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 25, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Install proper backup exit lighting. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0281 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 25, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 25, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 25, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 6, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Standard | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 13, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Standard | Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 6, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Standard | Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 13, 2024 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0761 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0712 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Conduct testing and exercise requirements. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0039 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 30, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0291 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Establish roles under a Waiver declared by secretary. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0026 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Address subsistence needs for staff and patients. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0015 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0918 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0923 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Have properly installed hallway dispensers for alcohol-based hand rub. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0325 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0324 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0321 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | 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. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0222 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0211 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 26, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 4, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 4, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 4, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 4, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 4, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 4, 2023 |
| July 20, 2022 Fire safety | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0918 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected September 9, 2022 |
| July 20, 2022 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected September 9, 2022 |
| July 20, 2022 Fire safety | Establish staff and initial training requirements. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0037 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected September 9, 2022 |
| July 20, 2022 Fire safety | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0324 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 9, 2022 |
| July 20, 2022 Fire safety | Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0311 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 9, 2022 |
| July 20, 2022 Fire safety | Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0374 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 9, 2022 |
Severity letters follow the CMS scope-and-severity grid: A–C no actual harm with 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. How to read inspection citations.
Fines and payment denials
CMS reports 2 federal penalties in the past three years, including $12,909 in fines.
| Date | Penalty | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| November 15, 2025 | Payment Denial | 15 days from December 18, 2025 |
| December 11, 2023 | Fine | $12,909 |
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| DITTMER, HELEN Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/01/2021 |
| DITTMER, HELEN Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/01/2021 |
| NELSON, BRETT Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/01/2021 |
| SALINAS, FRANCES Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/01/2022 |
| SALINAS, FRANCES Individual | w-2 managing employee | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/01/2022 |
Other nursing homes near Willows Health Center
River Bluff Nursing Home
4401 North Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103 · under 1 mi
Government · 304 beds
★★★★★2Below averageRock River Health Care
707 West Riverside Boulevard, Rockford, IL 61103 · 1.2 mi
For-profit · 130 beds · Part of Saba Healthcare
★★★★★3Average- ★★★★★4Above average
Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital -SNF
2400 N Rockton Ave, Rockford, IL 61103 · 1.5 mi
Non-profit · 17 beds · Part of Mercyhealth System
★★★★★4Above averageAmberwood Care Centre
2313 North Rockton Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103 · 1.5 mi
For-profit · 135 beds · Part of Citadel Healthcare
★★★★★3AveragePa Peterson at the Citadel
1311 Parkview Avenue, Rockford, IL 61107 · 3.2 mi
For-profit · 129 beds · Part of Citadel Healthcare
- Abuse citation
★★★★★1Much below average
Frequently asked questions
What is Willows Health Center's rating?
Willows Health Center has 3 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Illinois nursing homes is 2.5 stars.
How many inspection citations did Willows Health Center receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 12 citations, compared with a Illinois average of 12.5. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Willows Health Center accept Medicare and Medicaid?
CMS lists it as certified for: Medicare and Medicaid. Call the facility to confirm bed availability and whether it accepts your specific plan.
Who owns Willows Health Center?
It is non profit - corporation. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Willows Health Center and how do I contact it?
Willows Health Center is at 4054 Albright Lane, Rockford, IL 61103. Phone: (815) 316-1500.
About this data
Ratings and measures come from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. They're based on state inspections, patient surveys and facility reports, and they describe the past. Facilities change, so visit in person and confirm details directly. About our data · Spotted an error? Let us know.