Best Nursing Homes in Chicago, IL

Overview of Warren Barr Gold Coast

Positioned in downtown Chicago’s walkable Gold Coast neighborhood, Warren Barr Gold Coast operates as a 271-bed skilled nursing facility serving a balanced population of short-term rehabilitation and longer-stay residents. The Jack Rajchenbach Family Trust owns the community; Kate administers day-to-day operations.

With an average resident stay of 47 days and incoming admissions split nearly equally between Medicare (48 percent) and private-pay (48 percent) patients, the facility balances acute post-hospital transitions alongside extended care needs.

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital sits 0.5 miles away.

CMS health inspections place the facility 8.1 percent above state performance, with an overall rating 19 percent higher than the Illinois average. Long-stay quality measures earn a 5-star CMS rating; hospitalizations run 26 percent below state averages. Joint Commission awarded both Gold Seal of Approval for Post-Acute Care and Nursing Care Accreditation; the facility earned recognition as Best Nursing Home 2024.

Registered nurses average 1 hour 9 minutes per resident daily, nearly 60 percent above Illinois benchmarks. Weekend RN presence, at 1 hour 10 minutes per resident, more than doubles the state norm, reflecting intentional coverage outside standard business hours. Physical therapy runs at 6 minutes per resident per day, double the state average. The facility fields 124 RNs, 58 LPNs, and 141 CNAs, yielding a staff-to-resident ratio 14 percent better than the state benchmark.

Operating financials show a $2.5 million loss against $53 million in gross revenue. Federal enforcement is light: $27,000 in cumulative fines across three actions; 81 percent below the state average.

Eight specialized programs address post-acute complexity: orthopedic and cardiac rehabilitation, post-transplant management, peritoneal dialysis, LVAD support, pulmonary care, and specialized wound management.

The facility serves short-term rehabilitation and complex post-acute care placements where specialized programming and elevated clinical staffing are operational priorities.

Overview of Astoria Place

Patricia Davis owns Astoria Place, a 164-bed nursing home at 6300 North California Avenue in Chicago’s West Ridge neighborhood. Administrator Ezra directs operations. The facility serves Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay residents with an average length of stay of 124 days. Occupancy reaches 90.1%, substantially exceeding the Illinois average of 69.3%. Newsweek named Astoria Place among America’s Best Nursing Homes 2026 and awarded a Gold Seal of Approval for Best Nursing Home 2024.

The facility provides rehabilitation services, respite care, memory care, and 24-hour staffing. Specialized programs include healthcare services, short-term rehabilitation, enrichment activities with concierge service, and Russian and Cantonese language programming. Amenities include a library, family dining room, beauty salon, hospitality rooms, personal storage, and cable television. Services encompass wound care, pain management, neuromuscular therapy, and strength-building programs.

The location ranks 28th statewide for walkability (score 92), permitting daily errands without a car. Ascension Saint Joseph hospital sits 5.36 miles away.

CMS ratings stand at 3 stars overall (19.0% above state), 3 stars for health inspection (8.1% above state), and 4 stars for Quality Measures (42.1% above state); an exceptional outcome.

Staffing rates 3 stars despite complexity in composition: total nursing hours average 2 hours 22 minutes daily (23% below state average), yet registered nurse hours reach 57 minutes daily, 30% above state, with weekend RN coverage at 1 hour daily (76% above state). The 372-person workforce includes 257 contractors (69.1% contractor use).

Functional decline of 12.2 runs 35% better than peers. Walking ability worsens in 6.2% of long-stay residents (66% better). Pressure ulcers affect 3.6% (32% better); urinary tract infections occur in 0.6% (69% better).

Yet depressive symptoms present in 94.8% of long-stay residents; 97% above state average. Hospitalizations run 42% lower than peers, and ED visits run 35% lower.

Short-stay discharge outcomes show strength: 57.9% return successfully to home (14% better), and 67.4% achieve expected self-care ability at discharge (25% better). Falls with major injury remain at 0.0%.

A $7,000 federal penalty was assessed March 27, 2025.

Financial data shows operating loss of $1.7 million with payroll at 33.8% of revenue, which is substantially below well-run benchmarks of 54–67%.

Astoria Place combines strong rehabilitation outcomes and excellent walkability with severe long-stay depression prevalence and ongoing financial deficits.

Overview of The Grove La Grange Park

Situated at 701 North La Grange Road in La Grange Park, Illinois, The Grove operates as a 131-bed skilled nursing home under the ownership of Marie Derzsy. The facility serves Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay residents and maintains 85.8% occupancy, substantially exceeding the Illinois average of 69.3%. Residents typically stay 81 days on average.

The facility carries a 3-star overall CMS rating (19.0% above state), with 3-star health inspection (8.1% above state) and 3-star staffing ratings (40.4% above state).

Staffing strengths concentrate in registered nurse coverage: 1 hour 3 minutes daily per resident exceeds state average by 43%, while weekend RN coverage at 53 minutes daily runs 56% above state norms. Conversely, licensed practical nurse hours total 16 minutes daily; 58% below state benchmark, and total adjusted nursing hours (2 hours 40 minutes) fall 14% below state average. Staff-to-resident ratio of 1.24:1 underperforms the state standard of 1.80:1 by 31%.

Payroll consumes 35.3% of revenue, well below the 54–67% range of well-managed facilities.

Quality Measures rate 3 stars, 6.6% above state average.

Functional decline scores outperform state benchmarks by 42%. Urinary tract infection rates run 69% below state levels, and falls with major injury show 17% improvement over peers.

Conversely, long-stay residents report depressive symptoms at 99.1%; more than double the state average of 48.1%. Long-stay hospitalization rates of 3.67 per 1,000 resident days exceed state norms by 79%. Short-stay pneumococcal vaccination lags state rates at 45.7% versus 68.3% state average.

Federal penalties total zero dollars with no fines in three years. The facility recorded one payment denial.

Financial operations show an operating loss of $1.4 million with profit margin declining to negative 6.5%.

Located 16.4 miles from Chicago and 2.93 miles from Maguire Center Hospital, the facility sits in a moderately walkable area with a walk score of 67.

The Grove maintains high-performing regulatory ratings and selected clinical strengths alongside critical mental health outcome deficiencies and significant financial strain despite strong occupancy performance.

Overview of Warren Barr North Shore

Located 27 miles north of Chicago in Highland Park’s Skokie Valley area, Warren Barr North Shore operates as a 215-bed skilled nursing community with mixed rehab and long-term care missions. Half Day Property Holdings LLC owns the facility; the 72-day average resident stay accommodates both post-acute transitions and extended care. Incoming admissions lean private-pay (54 percent) and Medicare (32 percent), though the current census reflects deep Medicaid utilization (84.9 percent).

Six specialized programs address cardiac, orthopedic, pulmonary, and respiratory needs, plus on-site dialysis.

CMS health inspections place the facility 8.1 percent above state norms, with overall ratings 19 percent higher than Illinois benchmarks. Quality measures score 6.6 percent above state performance.

Pneumococcal vaccination reaches 99.4 percent of long-stay residents (versus the Illinois average of 89.2 percent), and influenza vaccination hits 97.8 percent (versus 91.6 percent statewide).

Urinary tract infection rates run low at 0.2 percent. Functional decline scores outperform state averages by 38 percent, and high-risk clinical events run 18 percent better than state norms.

Falls with major injury affect 6.2 percent of long-stay residents, substantially above the 3.4 percent state average. Depressive symptoms affect 98.5 percent of long-stay residents.

Total nursing hours average 2 hours 28 minutes per resident daily; 21 percent below the state benchmark of 3 hours 6 minutes, placing the facility 125th of 167 Illinois SNFs. Sixty percent of clinical staffing consists of contracted employees. Physical therapy services run 33 percent above state averages at 4 minutes per resident per day.

The facility operates at 65.1 percent occupancy, below the state average, and reported an operating loss of $826,200 on $27.1 million in revenue.

Federal enforcement remains light: $24,000 in cumulative penalties across two 2024 actions which is 83 percent below the state average; it’s received zero payment denials.

Walk Score of 44 indicates suburban location with limited foot traffic.

Warren Barr North Shore orients toward mixed rehabilitation and long-term care in a suburban setting, where vacancy and specialized services reflect evolving financial and operational conditions.

Overview of Symphony Lincoln Park

In Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Symphony Lincoln Park operates a 248-bed skilled nursing facility at 1366 W Fullerton Ave, just 5.1 miles from downtown and steps from shopping, dining, and services (Walk Score 93; ranked among the state’s most walkable nursing homes). Louise Dihiansan owns the privately-operated community, which accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay residents and maintains.

The resident census of 209 tilts heavily toward Medicaid coverage (71.3%), with private pay accounting for 23% and Medicare 5.7%. Average length of stay runs 240 days; that’s eight months and it shows a pattern typical of long-term placements. Housing options include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with housekeeping and laundry. Community amenities span an executive-chef dining program, salon and barbershop, library, outdoor patio, and respite services.

The facility accepts skilled nursing, memory care, and respite-stay admissions.

The workforce totals 469 staff with an above-average staff-to-resident ratio of 2.24:1 (25% better than Illinois norms). However, daily nursing hours are at 2 hours 48 minutes per resident, running 10% below the Illinois average of 3 hours 6 minutes, placing the facility below the 3.0-hour threshold regulators flag as concerning for care adequacy. The facility relies heavily on contract labor, with 284 of 469 staff (60%) filling contractor roles. Nursing composition includes 90 RNs, 84 LPNs, and 248 CNAs.

The CMS rating is 2-star overall, 20.6% below Illinois average, with identical 2-star scores on Health Inspection (28% below state) and Staffing (6.4% below state). Quality Measures earned 3-star (6.6% above state average). The facility faced $139,000 in recent federal fines, which is in line with Illinois average, with and zero payment denials.

Long-stay clinical outcomes reveal low functional decline; ADL needs increased by only 6.3% (60% better than state), yet report depressive symptoms at 98.8% (105% worse than Illinois average, a striking rate). Short-stay residents struggled with re-hospitalization at 40.7% (55% above state average) and community return at 46.6% (8% below state average).

The facility combines urban walkability and long-term Medicaid capacity with documented staffing hours and mental health outcome pressures.

Overview of Peterson Park Health Care Center

Peterson Park Health Care Center is a senior living home that prides itself on offering premier services and novel methods of clinical care. The healthcare professionals at the center are highly experienced and skilled in providing personalized care to each individual resident. The center offers 24-hour security and skilled nursing care, as well as social services and personal assistance with daily needs. They are also equipped to provide tube feedings, wound care, and physical therapy, with nurses who are trained to manage and treat pressure ulcers and wounds. Their critical therapy program includes in-house ultrasound studies of vascular wounds and wound VAC services.

The home boasts stylish dining settings and values family, celebrations, intimate gatherings, and holidays or festivities that make the residents feel at home. The center features spacious rooms and tranquil common areas, making it an ideal place for seniors to recover while being well taken care of. Families can trust that their loved ones are in a home that genuinely cares for them and provides the best possible service for their recovery.

Overview of The Carlton

The Carlton is an oasis of premier healthcare nestled in the heart of Chicago. This extraordinary residence on the far north side offers an experience that surpasses expectations, combining outstanding services with a serene and soothing atmosphere. Whether you seek short-term rehabilitation or long-term skilled nursing care, The Carlton’s commitment to clinical excellence is simply unmatched. The safety and well-being of residents are paramount. With 24-hour security and skilled nursing care, along with regular visits from trusted professionals such as dentists, podiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, every aspect of their health is attentively tended to. Pharmacy services are also seamlessly integrated, ensuring convenience and peace of mind.

The Carlton thrives on a daily tapestry of social and leisure activities, carefully curated to cater to diverse interests and passions. Engage in lively rounds of bingo, savor the aroma of freshly brewed coffee during cozy gatherings, or feel the rhythm of life pulsate through invigorating exercise sessions. Lose yourself in the melodies of soul-stirring music concerts, relish in delightful tea parties, or immerse yourself in the warmth of Sunday socials. Here, each resident is valued as an individual, and the team at The Carlton works tirelessly to provide personalized care that embraces their unique stories.

All American Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center stands as a beacon of compassionate care and community in Chicago, IL. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to providing exceptional rehabilitation services and long-term care for its residents. Boasting a team of highly skilled healthcare professionals, including experienced nurses, therapists, and support staff, the center offers personalized treatment plans tailored to meet each individual’s needs. From cutting-edge rehabilitation techniques to specialized memory care programs, All American Village fosters a warm, supportive environment that promotes healing and enhances the quality of life for all its residents.

Beyond its outstanding medical care, All American Village prides itself on fostering a vibrant community where residents feel valued and engaged. The center hosts a diverse range of activities and events, encouraging social interaction and meaningful connections among residents. Additionally, the facility prioritizes family involvement, recognizing the importance of a strong support network in the recovery and well-being of its residents. With its commitment to excellence and a warm, inclusive atmosphere, All American Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center stands as a trusted partner in providing top-tier care and support to those in need.

Symphony of Bronzeville, located in Chicago, IL, formerly known as Bronzeville Nursing and Rehab, is a large senior living community and nursing home providing post-acute care to its residents. This nursing home provides its residents 24 hour supervision, medication management, and round-the-clock nursing assistance. The residents are also provided assistance with daily living activities including bathing and toileting, as well as assistance with dining and transferring as needed.

Symphony of Bronzeville’s amenities are specifically designed to enhance their residents’ life and provide a comfortable and relaxing stay. These amenities include meal provisions that are carefully prepared with consideration to the residents dietary needs, housekeeping services, and regularly scheduled activities, providing resident with engagement opportunities where their bodies and minds stay active.

Nestled in a prime location with easy access to all the urban amenities, Ambassador Nursing and Rehabilitation Center boasts an array of services focused on providing comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their well-being. From IV services to nutritional support, respiratory care to in-house diagnostics, and pain management to wound care, Ambassador ensures that patients receive the highest standard from a dedicated team of professionals. Ambassador is also committed to inclusivity, with a bilingual staff fluent in English and Spanish, ensuring effective communication and personalized care for native Spanish speakers.
With 190 nursing beds, Ambassador can provide care to a diverse range of patients, offering a safe and supportive environment for their recovery and rehabilitation. The home also recognizes the importance of addressing the spiritual needs of patients, offering Christian and Catholic services to provide comfort and support during their stay. The friendly and compassionate staff at Ambassador create a warm and welcoming environment where patients feel at ease, and the multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to develop personalized care plans that meet the needs of each resident.