La Bella of Sterling
Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.
based on 28 Google reviews
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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 (1/5 stars)
- Above-median deficiencies (13 vs median 11.0)
Below average in IL · Below recommended RN staffing · Significantly below average staffing · $54,998 in fines
What this means for your family
While some families report excellent long-term care and robust activity programming, the facility has a pattern of inconsistent staff behavior. We recommend visiting in person to observe staff interactions and asking specifically about their protocols for securing resident belongings, as missing items have been a reported concern.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews
28 reviews on Google“La Bella of Sterling receives highly polarized feedback, with a significant number of generic five-star reviews contrasting with reports of rude staff and poor experiences. While some families praise the facility for its compassionate care and welcoming atmosphere, others report issues with staff behavior and the loss of personal belongings.”
Quality Themes
Tap a score for detailsStrengths
- Compassionate and friendly nursing staff
- Welcoming and calm environment
- Active engagement in resident activities and psychosocial support
Concerns
- Rude or unprofessional staff behavior (mentioned by 3 reviewers)
Rating Trends
Tap a year to see what changed
Distribution · 30 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
This facility rarely responds to reviews.
Questions for Your Tour
- 1Given the current staffing rating, what specific steps is the leadership team taking to ensure consistent, high-quality care for all 70 residents?
- 2I’ve read that the facility has had a number of recent state violations; could you walk me through the plan in place to address these concerns and improve your overall CMS rating?
- 3While the environment feels very calm and welcoming, how do you handle situations where staff might be perceived as unprofessional to ensure every resident feels respected and heard?
- 4I noticed that the facility doesn't respond to many online reviews; how do you prefer families to communicate their feedback or concerns directly to management?
- 5What are some of the most popular activities residents participate in, and how do you tailor these programs to keep everyone engaged and supported?
- 6In the event of a medical emergency, what is your protocol for notifying family members and coordinating with local hospitals?
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“My son has been here for over 10 years now. When he first came, his illness was in control of him. Thanks to the loving and professional care of the staff at the 'Rock', my son is now in control of his illness.”
“Such great atmosphere and management that go head over heels for residents as far as it comes activities, psychosocial groups, extended services once rehabbed back into the community, and communication with families and friends.”
“Calm, quiet, clean, and friendly.”
Staffing
Staffing Hours
per resident/day · Medicare 2026Both 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 · 15 measures
9
measures
5
measures
1
measures
Residents on antipsychotic medication
Residents with depression symptoms
Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.
Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication
Residents needing more daily help over time
Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse
Residents whose walking got worse
Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia
US average from Medicare published data
Inspection History
Medicare Inspection History
3-year lookback · Medicare 2026
Families have filed complaints that triggered 4 inspections, raising concerns about this facility's care quality. The most recurring issues involve medication management, safety hazards and accident prevention, and maintaining a clean homelike environment. While all deficiencies show correction dates, the pattern of repeated problems in medication safety and the facility environment, combined with multiple family complaints, suggests ongoing quality challenges that warrant careful consideration during any visit.
Dec 17, 2025Complaint1
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.
Oct 3, 2025Complaint1
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Mar 12, 2025Routine11
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
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.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with mental disorder or psychosocial adjustment difficulty, or who has a history of trauma and/or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.
Nov 7, 2024Complaint1
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
May 9, 2024Routine2
Administration Deficiencies
Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Jan 16, 2024Complaint1
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Ownership & Operations
Who Operates This Facility
La Bella of Sterling
for profit
Ownership & Management
Owners
Undisclosed
Ownership Data Not Available · Organization
Contact
Get in Touch
Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.
References & Resources
Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare quality ratings, inspections & staffing data
Google Maps
Photos, directions & neighborhood info
Google Reviews
28 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit labellaofsterling.com
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
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Safer Alternatives Nearby
Based on current clinical data, we identified 2 nearby facilities within 10 miles that may offer a stronger care environment. We encourage families to compare options carefully.