Overview of Avonlea Cottage-Sterling

Avonlea Cottage of Sterling is a 30-bed assisted living and memory care community located at 2201 East LeFevre Road in Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois, at the city center. Owned and operated by Avonlea Cottage of Sterling, LLC and managed by Tutera Senior Living & Health Care, the community is licensed under Illinois’s Assisted Living and Shared Housing Establishment Act (license active as of August 2024). The facility is very walkable with a Walk Score of 80, providing strong neighborhood accessibility. As a state-licensed facility, Avonlea Cottage does not hold federal CMS star ratings.

Avonlea Cottage provides assisted living, memory care, and short-term respite care with 24-hour licensed nursing and certified nursing aide staffing. Specialized memory care programming serves residents with cognitive impairment and dementia. The facility features monitored security systems, an outdoor patio, structured activity programming, and individualized resident care plans. Professional management through Tutera Senior Living & Health Care brings operational oversight and corporate support infrastructure to the small-scale community model.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has conducted two inspections since August 2024, citing three total deficiencies—1.5 per year, 57% below the Illinois average of 3.5 deficiencies annually. The August 2024 initial licensure survey identified three modest deficiencies: tornado drills were not conducted on each shift during February 2024, with written evaluations missing for two of the scheduled drills. Three direct care employees, including the Director of Nursing and Activity Coordinator, lacked timely initial health evaluations within 30 days of hire or two-step TB testing within 10 days.

Service plans for three residents lacked required signatures and did not adequately document evacuation assistance needs, health services, or medication use. The February 13, 2025 complaint investigation found the facility in full compliance, with all allegations unsubstantiated. No fines, enforcement actions, or license suspensions appear in the record.

Avonlea Cottage of Sterling is a small, professionally managed assisted living and memory care option in Sterling with an early compliance trajectory showing promise: three documentation and administrative deficiencies resolved in the inaugural survey, followed by clean complaint investigation results. The combination of small scale (30 beds), strong walkability (Walk Score 80), Tutera management affiliation, and improving regulatory record make the community a well-positioned option for families in Whiteside County seeking a residential-model assisted living environment with professional operational support.

(815) 626-5439
Bed community size
30-bed community Rank #383 / 426Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 383rd out of 426 homes in Illinois for bed count. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other Illinois SNFs. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Years in operation
1 year in operation Rank #128 / 261Years in operation — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 128th out of 261 homes in Illinois for years in operation. Shows how long this facility has been in operation compared to other Illinois SNFs. Longer operating histories may benefit residents, families, and staff.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A newer community that may feature more recent facilities and programs.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 80 / 100 Rank #104 / 648Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 104th out of 648 homes in Illinois for walk score. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across Illinois SNFs. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.

About this community

License Details

Facility TypeAssisted Living/shared Housing Establishment
StatusActive
IssuanceSeptember 8, 2024
ExpirationJune 8, 2025
CountyWhiteside
License Number5100158

Ownership & Operating Entity

Owner NameAvonlea Cottage Of Sterling, LLC

Therapy & Rehabilitation

1 service
Respite Care

Staffing & Medical

2 services
Licensed Nurses/CNAs
24-Hour Staffing

Contact Information

Amenities & Lifestyle

24-Hour Nursing
Monitored Security Systems
Resident Care Programs
Activity Planners
Outdoor Patio
Specific ProgramsShort Term Respite

Contact Avonlea Cottage-Sterling

Inspection History

In Illinois, the Department of Public Health, Office of Health Care Regulation conducts annual unannounced surveys to assess compliance with state and federal healthcare facility standards.

Since 2024 · 2 years of data 3 deficiencies 3 inspections

Inspection Scorecard Info This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Illinois state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Since 2024 vs. Illinois state average
Overall vs. IL average 1 Worse Metrics worse than Illinois average:
• Deficiencies per inspection (11% above)
3 Better Metrics better than Illinois average:
• Total deficiencies (57% below)
• Deficiencies per year (57% below)
• Total inspections (63% below)
Latest Inspection February 13, 2025

Deficiencies Info Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

This FacilityIL Averagevs. IL Avg
Total deficiencies Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 37 This facility has 57% fewer total deficiencies than a typical Illinois assisted living residence (3 vs. IL avg 7).↓ 57% better
Deficiencies per year Info Average deficiencies per year since 2024. 1.53.5 This facility has 57% fewer deficiencies per year than a typical Illinois assisted living residence (1.5 vs. IL avg 3.5).↓ 57% better
Deficiencies per inspection Info Average deficiencies per inspection. 10.9 This facility has 11% more deficiencies per inspection than a typical Illinois assisted living residence (1 vs. IL avg 0.9).↑ 11% worse

Inspections Info State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.

This FacilityIL Averagevs. IL Avg
Total inspections Info Combined count of all routine and focused inspections. Excludes complaint investigations. 38 This facility has 63% fewer total inspections than a typical Illinois assisted living residence (3 vs. IL avg 8).↓ 63% better

Inspection Reports Summary Info An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

  • August 6, 2024 annual inspection found three deficiencies in emergency drills, employee health evaluations, and incomplete resident service plans.
  • February 13, 2025 complaint investigation was unsubstantiated, with the facility found in compliance with all relevant assisted living regulations.
  • Deficiencies involved failure to conduct tornado drills each shift, missing health screenings for five employees, and incomplete service plans for three residents.

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Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Illinois

Avonlea Cottage-Sterling is located in Sterling, Illinois.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Illinois.

Get Financial aid guidance

Community Care Program

Illinois CCP

Age 60+
General Illinois resident, at risk of nursing home placement.
Income Limits (2025) ~$1,215/month individual
Asset Limits $17,500 individual, excludes home, car
IL

High demand in urban areas; waitlists possible.

Benefits
In-home care (3-5 hours/day) Adult day services ($65/day) Emergency home response systems ($30/month)

Illinois Respite Program

IL Respite (via NFCSP)

Age Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia)
General Illinois resident.
Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits Not applicable.
IL

Limited slots; urban/rural balance.

Benefits
In-home respite (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$65/day) Short-term facility care (up to 5 days)

Supportive Living Program (SLP)

Illinois Medicaid Supportive Living Program

Age 65+ or 22-64 with disability
General Illinois resident, Medicaid-eligible, needs moderate assistance (not nursing home-level).
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual); QIT allowed.
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple) (excludes home, car).
IL

~200 SLP sites statewide; room/board not covered.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day, e.g., bathing, mobility) Meals Housekeeping Medication management Respite (~240 hours/year)

Persons Who Are Elderly Waiver

Illinois Medicaid Elderly Waiver

Age 65+
General Illinois resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
IL

Part of HealthChoice Illinois; consumer-directed options available.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day, e.g., dressing, eating) Homemaker Adult day care (~$60/day) Respite (240 hours/year) Home mods ($1,000 avg.)

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Illinois Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General Illinois resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
IL

Three tiers; no waitlist.

Benefits
Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

Optional State Supplementation (OSS)

Illinois Optional State Supplementation

Age 65+ or disabled
General Illinois resident, in approved facility, SSI recipient or low-income.
Income Limits (2025) ~$1,004/month including SSI
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
IL

~$50-$500/month based on facility type.

Benefits
Cash (~$50-$500/month) for room/board in personal care homes or SLFs

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Illinois VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse
General Illinois resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth limit
IL

High veteran demand in urban/rural areas.

Benefits
Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living)

Compare Assisted Living around Sterling

The information below is reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Health Care Regulation.

Filter by care type
Morningside of Sterling
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Sterling
87
Facility 87
IL AVG 87
Rank #161 / 426
Yes
33
Facility 33
IL AVG 51
Rank #470 / 648
-
Facility -
IL AVG 12
Rank #128 / 261
Fve Managers, Inc9
3
Facility 3
IL AVG 7
Rank #152 / 308
0.3
Facility 0.3
IL AVG 0.9
Rank #139 / 308
2
Facility 2
IL AVG 1.8
Rank #1 / 308
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 1.2
Rank #139 / 308
Studio / 1 Bed
Avonlea Cottage-Sterling
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Sterling
30
Facility 30
IL AVG 87
Rank #383 / 426
No
80
Facility 80
IL AVG 51
Rank #104 / 648
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 12
Rank #128 / 261
-3
3
Facility 3
IL AVG 7
Rank #152 / 308
1.0
Facility 1.0
IL AVG 0.9
Rank #237 / 308
1
Facility 1
IL AVG 1.8
Rank #95 / 308
0
Facility 0
IL AVG 1.2
Rank #1 / 308
-
HarborChase of Naperville
MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Sterling-No
23
Facility 23
IL AVG 51
Rank #544 / 648
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Frequently Asked Questions about Avonlea Cottage-Sterling

Who is the owner of Avonlea Cottage-Sterling?

The legal owner and operator of Avonlea Cottage-Sterling is Avonlea Cottage Of Sterling, Llc.

Is Avonlea Cottage-Sterling in a walkable area?

Avonlea Cottage-Sterling has a walk score of 80. Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.

What is the license number of Avonlea Cottage-Sterling?

According to IL state health department records, Avonlea Cottage-Sterling's license number is 5100158.

When does Avonlea Cottage-Sterling's license expire?

According to IL state health department records, Avonlea Cottage-Sterling's license expires on June 8, 2025.

What is the best email address for Avonlea Cottage-Sterling?

The team at Avonlea Cottage-Sterling can be reached at [email protected].

How many beds does Avonlea Cottage-Sterling have?

Avonlea Cottage-Sterling has 30 beds.

Are there photos of Avonlea Cottage-Sterling?

Yes — there are 2 photos of Avonlea Cottage-Sterling in the photo gallery on this page.

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