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Nursing HomeMedicaid Investigative

Carlton at the Lake, the

Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.

725 West Montrose Avenue, Uptown · Chicago, IL 60613244 bedsLicensed & Active
2/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
4.2/5

based on 36 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1
Carlton at the Lake, the Nursing Home in Chicago, IL — Street View
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4/ 10
moderate Risk

Quality Concerns Identified

Medicare inspection and quality data reveal areas that families should carefully evaluate before choosing this facility.

  • Low overall rating (2/5 stars)
  • Low staffing rating (2/5 stars)
  • Above-median deficiencies (18 vs median 11.0)

Below average in IL · Meets national RN staffing standard · Below chain average · $241,131 in fines

Source: Medicare data

What this means for your family

The Admiral offers an exceptional social environment and beautiful amenities that are ideal for active seniors. However, families should closely monitor the quality of care in the Harbor Building and ask specific questions about staff training and consistency in the memory care units.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

36 reviews on Google
The Admiral at the Lake is widely praised for its beautiful lakeside views, vibrant social community, and high-quality amenities. While many families highlight the engaging activities and warm culture, some reviewers have raised serious concerns regarding inconsistent care quality in specific buildings and potential staffing issues.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
FoodN/AStaff7.0CleanN/AActivities10.0MedsN/AMemory3.0Comms8.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Stunning lakeside views and beautiful facilities
  • Vibrant social life and diverse activities
  • Strong sense of community and Quaker values
  • Excellent transportation options

Concerns

  • Inconsistent care quality in the Harbor Building (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
  • Staff training and compassion issues (mentioned by 2 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

2344.02017(4)4.82018(5)4.22021(10)5.02023(4)1.02024(1)5.02025(2)4.32026(4)

Distribution · 30 analyzed

5
23
4
2
3
1
2
0
1
4

How They Respond to Reviews

43%response rate

This facility responds to some reviews.

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1With the recent updates to the facility, what specific improvements are being made to the staffing levels to ensure residents get consistent care?
  • 2I noticed the facility is quite large with 244 residents; how do you ensure that each person receives personalized attention and doesn't feel lost in the crowd?
  • 3What is the protocol for handling medical emergencies or sudden changes in health during the overnight hours?
  • 4Could you tell me more about the daily activity calendar and how you keep residents engaged with the local community and nature near the lake?
  • 5I saw that the team is very active in responding to feedback; how does the administration involve families in the process of addressing facility concerns?
  • 6What steps are being taken to address the specific areas noted in recent health inspections to ensure the highest standard of safety for residents?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

The culture is for residents to engage with each other in new endeavors that interest them. Her experience reminds me a bit of college - opportunity to explore new interests and make new friends.

Long-term resident's family · 2021★★★★★

The nursing staff and caregivers in the Harbors have delivered the best possible care and keep us well informed and involved.

Long-term resident's family · 2021★★★★★

We have lived here for about 1-1/2 years. The warmth and welcoming of the residents for new arrivals has been wonderful. Transportation options something that we didn't really consider are especially good--10 minutes to Michigan Avenue on a bus that stops at the front door.

Resident · 2018★★★★★
Source: 36 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.74hrs
98%
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
3.15hrs
77%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
36%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
44%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)

Both RN and total nursing hours are below national benchmarks. This can mean less clinical attention per resident, so ask about their staffing plan.

Quality Measures

Quality Measures

Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 17 measures

Medicare Rating
3/ 5
Better Than Avg

6

measures

Worse Than Avg

7

measures

Mixed Results

4

measures

Long-Stay Residents
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility99.7%
Worse than Avg
Here
99.7%
US
12.1%
IL
52.5%
Cook
74.9%

Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.

🚿

Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility2.4%
Better than Avg
Here
2.4%
US
19.4%
IL
21.1%
Cook
17.3%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility2.7%
Better than Avg
Here
2.7%
US
15.3%
IL
15.9%
Cook
9.2%
🛏️

Residents needing more daily help over time

↓ Lower is better
This Facility3.9%
Better than Avg
Here
3.9%
US
14.4%
IL
14.2%
Cook
8.9%
💉

Residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility97.2%
Better than Avg
Here
97.2%
US
95.5%
IL
91.8%
Cook
87.9%
💊

Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility11.4%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
11.4%
US
19.5%
IL
18.3%
Cook
10.4%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility32.5%
Worse than Avg
Here
32.5%
US
81.8%
IL
69.0%
Cook
55.3%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility70.5%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
70.5%
US
79.7%
IL
63.1%
Cook
55.4%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility2.5%
Worse than Avg
Here
2.5%
US
1.6%
IL
2.4%
Cook
2.5%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

23deficiencies
5penalties
Well above state avg (12.0)
41 complaint-triggered
$241,131 in fines

Multiple families have filed complaints about this facility, particularly regarding safety hazards, abuse reporting failures, and treatment issues. The most recurring problems involve accident prevention and supervision, abuse/neglect reporting, and medication management. Recent violations include serious concerns about timely reporting of suspected abuse and maintaining safe environments free from hazards. While all deficiencies show correction dates, the persistent pattern of similar safety and care issues across multiple complaint-driven inspections warrants careful consideration before placement.

Mar 5, 2026Complaint
5
0755Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

0558Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

0584Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.

0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0806Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.

Nov 21, 2025Complaint
2
0607Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

0609Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Nov 7, 2025Complaint
1
0609Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Sep 8, 2025Complaint
2
0609Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

0689Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

Aug 25, 2025Complaint
2
0925Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Environmental Deficiencies

Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.

0557Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.

May 2, 2025Complaint
2
0689Actual harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0755Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Federal Penalties

Fine

Mar 15, 2024

$16,822

Fine

Jan 19, 2024

$16,052

Fine

Nov 2, 2023

$11,180

Payment Denial

Nov 2, 2023

25-day denial

Fine

Oct 4, 2023

$197,077

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Carlton at the Lake, the

Organization Type

for profit

Chain Affiliation

Chain Name

Legacy Healthcare

Chain Size

89 facilities nationwide

Chain avg rating: 3.0/5 · Rank 58 of 89

Ownership & Management

Owners

Doros Generation Trust U/a/d 1/3/12

Owner · Organization

50%

Gpn Fam Tr Ua 04282008

Owner · Organization

50%

Key personnel

Carlton Associates Limited Partnership5% or Greater Security InterestVentrella, JoanneW-2 Managing EmployeeShabat, MenachemOfficer / Director
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

Get in Touch

Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.

References & Resources

EveryPlace is a research directory. Facility information is compiled from public sources — Medicare.gov, state licensing portals, Google Places, and publicly available street-level imagery. Listings do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or advertisement, and we do not accept payment for placement. Families should verify all details directly with the facility and the original sources linked above before making any care decisions. See our Research Policy for our editorial standards, correction process, and image-removal policy.

Safer Alternatives Nearby

Based on current clinical data, we identified 6 nearby facilities within 10 miles that may offer a stronger care environment. We encourage families to compare options carefully.

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