Whiteside County, Illinois · Nursing home
La Bella of Sterling
2 of 5 overall from CMS
3601 Sixteenth Avenue, Sterling, IL 61081
At a glance
- Overall rating 2 of 5 Below the state average of 2.5
- Nurse time per resident, per day 2.48 hours Below the state average of 3.45
- Nursing staff who left in a year Not reported
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 20 1 at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years None None listed by CMS
- Certified beds in use 56.3% of 70 beds, on an average day
Arrows only show whether a figure is above or below the state average. They are not a judgment of the home.
La Bella of Sterling is a 70-bed nursing home in Sterling, Illinois (Whiteside County). CMS rates it 2 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 2.48 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, below the Illinois average of 3.45. CMS lists no fines in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 70
- Residents per day (average)
- 39.4
- Certified since
- 1975 (51 yrs)
For profit - Limited Liability company Participates in Medicaid
Bed use is this site's calculation: average residents per day divided by certified beds. It is an average, so it does not show today's openings.
Terms used on this page
- CMS
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that publishes the ratings, staffing figures, inspection results and penalties shown here.
- Certified beds
- The number of federally certified beds CMS lists for the home.
- Deficiency or citation
- A federal requirement that inspectors found the home did not meet. Each one gets a letter from A to L for how serious it was and how many residents were affected. What the letters mean
- Actual harm
- Letters G, H and I: actual harm to a resident that is not immediate jeopardy.
- Immediate jeopardy
- Letters J, K and L: the problem caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment or death to a resident.
- Inspection cycle
- A standard inspection plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to it. This page shows the three most recent cycles.
- Special Focus Facility (SFF)
- A home CMS has placed under closer oversight because of its inspection record. More about the program
Questions to ask La Bella of Sterling
Chosen from this home's public data.
- CMS counts 14 health deficiencies in the latest inspection cycle (the standard inspection on Mar 12, 2025 plus complaint and infection-control inspections); the Illinois average is 12.6. Which have been corrected?Inspection results in CMS data
- Reported nurse staffing is 2.23 hours per resident on weekends against 2.48 overall. Who covers Saturdays and Sundays?Weekend staffing in CMS data
- About 56.3% of certified beds are in use on an average day. Are any units closed, or are admissions limited?Certified beds and average residents in CMS data
More in what to ask on a nursing home tour.
CMS star ratings
- Overall 2 of 5 Illinois average 2.5
- Health inspections 3 of 5 Illinois average 2.7
- Staffing 1 of 5 Illinois average 2.1
- Quality measures 3 of 5 Illinois average 3.0
The vertical line marks the Illinois average. Ratings run from 1 to 5. How to read CMS star ratings
Nurse staffing
Hours of care per resident per day, as the home reported to CMS.
What these roles do
Nurse aides give most hands-on daily care, such as help with bathing, dressing and meals. Licensed practical nurses give medications and routine nursing care. Registered nurses assess residents and direct their care.
- All nursing staff 2.48 h Illinois average 3.45
- Nurse aides 1.56 h Illinois average 2.09
- Licensed practical nurses 0.24 h Illinois average 0.64
- Registered nurses 0.68 h Illinois average 0.72
- All staff, weekends 2.23 h Illinois average 3.07
How much nurse staffing is enough? All bars share one scale, 0 to 8 hours. The vertical line marks the Illinois average; the national average for all nursing staff is 3.86 hours.
- Nursing staff turnoverNot reported
- Illinois average44.5%
- Registered nurse turnoverNot reported
- Illinois average41.8%
- Administrators who left1
Quality measures
CMS calculates these from residents' assessments and Medicare claims. They are shown as published, next to the Illinois and national averages. marks the measures CMS uses in its quality star rating; for those, the rating gives more points for a lower rate.
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Illinois | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 28.8% | 13.4% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 0.0% | 6.3% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 0.0% | 0.9% | 0.8% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 0.6% | 1.5% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 13.2% | 54.2% | 12.8% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | 1.2% | 3.1% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 98.8% | 90.3% | 93.6% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 21.3% | 14.3% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 52.8% | 18.3% | 19.5% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 92.9% | 91.8% | 95.5% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 0.0% | 4.8% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 3.6% | 20.6% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 100.0% | 21.7% | 15.4% |
| ★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | Too few residents or stays to report | 2.02 | 1.90 |
| ★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | Too few residents or stays to report | 2.22 | 1.78 |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Illinois | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 37.5% | 69.7% | 82.0% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | Too few residents or stays to report | 2.2% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | Too few residents or stays to report | 63.1% | 79.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | Too few residents or stays to report | 26.1% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | Too few residents or stays to report | 13.9% | 12.0% |
Measure periods: April 2025 to March 2026 for most measures; July 2024 to June 2025 for the flu vaccine measures; January to December 2025 for the hospital and emergency department measures, which CMS risk-adjusts. See the measures on Medicare.gov
Inspection history
Inspectors cited 20 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. Of these, 1 involved actual harm; the rest were graded as no actual harm. 5 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation. The most recent citation at the harm level or above was on Oct 3, 2025: Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 12, 2025 | 14 | 0 |
| May 9, 2024 | 3 | 0 |
| Apr 6, 2023 | 3 | 7 |
Illinois homes averaged 12.6 health deficiencies in the latest cycle; the national average is 9.2. Each cycle's health count covers the standard inspection on that date plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to that cycle.
Health citations, three most recent inspection cycles (20)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 7, 2026)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
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.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 18, 2025)
-
GActual harm, isolated
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 4, 2025)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Ensure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 2, 2025)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2025)
Show 15 more
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 26, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
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.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
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.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
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.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Complaint investigation · Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 13, 2024)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.
Administration · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 24, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 24, 2024)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 17, 2024)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 10, 2023)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 10, 2023)
What severity letters A to L mean
Each sentence above is the requirement that was not met, in CMS's wording. For the inspection results as Medicare publishes them, open this home's page on Medicare.gov and look under "Health inspections".
Penalties, past three years
CMS lists no fines or payment denials for this home in the past three years.
Illinois homes averaged 2.2 fines and $111,013 in fine amounts; the national averages are 0.9 and $30,972.
Cost
Not in the public data. CMS does not publish what a nursing home charges.
Ask the home for its daily private-pay rate and whether a bed is open for your coverage. See what Medicare covers and how Medicaid pays for a nursing home.
Compared within Illinois
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for La Bella of Sterling?
La Bella of Sterling has an overall rating of 2 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 3, staffing is 1 and quality measures is 3.
How many beds does La Bella of Sterling have?
La Bella of Sterling has 70 certified beds. It averages 39.4 residents per day, about 56.3% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at La Bella of Sterling?
The home reports 2.48 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 0.68 hours from registered nurses. The Illinois average is 3.45 hours and 0.72 hours from registered nurses.
Has La Bella of Sterling been fined?
CMS lists no fines for this home in the past three years.
Does La Bella of Sterling accept Medicare or Medicaid?
CMS lists its participation as "Medicaid". Ask the home whether a bed is open for your coverage.
Guides for families looking at this home
- Understanding the recordWhat to ask on a nursing home tourQuestions that turn a home's public record into a useful conversation when you tour, plus what to look for yourself.
- Understanding the recordInspection severity letters A to LHow inspectors grade each deficiency by harm and by how many residents were affected.
- Understanding the recordHow to read CMS star ratingsWhat the overall, health inspection, staffing and quality measure ratings cover, and what they leave out.
Nearest nursing homes
- 3 of 5 Citadel of Sterling,the 121beds 72.6%in use 3.20nurse hours a day
- 1 of 5 Allure of Sterling 130beds 68.5%in use 3.88nurse hours a day
- 4 of 5 Heritage Square 27beds 85.6%in use 6.85nurse hours a day
Sorted by straight-line distance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation. Compare all homes in Whiteside County
Who to call in Illinois
These offices serve residents of every nursing home in Illinois.
- Long-term care ombudsman Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program 1-800-252-8966 (Senior HelpLine) An advocate for residents and their families.
- File a complaint about a nursing home Central Complaint Registry 1-800-252-4343 The state agency that inspects nursing homes.
Illinois staffing, bed-hold and Medicaid rules · Residents' rights in every state
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog, nursing home datasets processed Sep 1, 2026. CMS Certification Number 14E579. See this home's official record on Medicare.gov
See something shown incorrectly? Tell us. This site shows each record as CMS publishes it and cannot change the underlying record.