
Report
TheVardellReport
Axiom Healthcare of West Frankfort
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
601 North Columbia
West Frankfort, IL 62896

TheVardellReport
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
601 North Columbia
West Frankfort, IL 62896
Life by Vardell Presents
The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.
This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.
The Essentials
Across 11 inspections from March 2024 to August 2026, state surveyors documented 67 findings at Axiom Healthcare of West Frankfort; 67 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 6 enforcement actions in the window.
* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.
| Year | Inspections | Findings | Of which, actual harm (level G or above) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 17 | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 | 24 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 | 26 | 2 |
Chronology
Every inspection in the record window, newest first. A finding is a deficiency an inspector cited. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
8 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
15 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $154,800 imposed April 16, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of April 16, 2026, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Denial of payment imposed April 16, 2026. Status: Closed, June 23, 2026. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of April 16, 2026, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
13 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
3 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
7 findings
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $12,438 imposed August 19, 2025. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of March 14, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
5 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
10 findings
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $67,363 imposed March 22, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of March 22, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Denial of payment imposed March 22, 2024. Status: Closed, June 26, 2024. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of March 22, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $92,647 imposed December 20, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of March 22, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Severity levels follow the CMS scope and severity grid. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy.
Context
A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.
Inspectors cited F550 in September 2025, January 2026, April 2026 and May 2026. This citation covers residents’ right to dignity, to make their own choices and to communicate. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F584 in March 2024, September 2025, April 2026 and May 2026. This citation covers whether rooms and shared spaces are kept safe, clean, comfortable and homelike. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F727 in March 2024, March 2025, August 2025 and April 2026. The agency describes it this way: Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F609 in May 2024, March 2025 and September 2025. This citation covers whether suspected abuse, neglect or theft is reported to the authorities on time, with the results of the home’s investigation. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F689 in September 2025, April 2026 and May 2026. This citation covers whether residents are protected from accident hazards and supervised closely enough to prevent accidents, including falls. The most serious of these was recorded at level G (actual harm). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F812 in March 2024, March 2025 and May 2026. This citation covers how food is stored, prepared and served. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F558 in September 2025 and April 2026. This citation covers whether the home reasonably accommodates each resident’s needs and preferences. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F600 in May 2024 and September 2025. This citation covers whether residents are protected from abuse and neglect by anyone. The most serious of these was recorded at level J (immediate jeopardy). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F610 in May 2024 and September 2025. This citation covers how the home responds to and investigates an allegation of abuse, neglect or mistreatment. The most serious of these was recorded at level G (actual harm). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F692 in March 2025 and April 2026. This citation covers whether residents get enough food and fluids to stay healthy. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F725 in April 2026 and May 2026. This citation covers whether there are enough nurses and aides to meet residents’ needs, with a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F755 in December 2024 and August 2025. This citation covers pharmacy services and the licensed pharmacist who oversees them. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F803 in September 2025 and April 2026. The agency describes it this way: Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F804 in January 2026 and May 2026. This citation covers whether food and drink are palatable, attractive and served at a safe temperature. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F883 in March 2024 and April 2026. The agency describes it this way: Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F925 in March 2024 and April 2026. The agency describes it this way: Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
For Your Next Visit
Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.
How do staff learn each resident’s preferences, and how is a complaint about dignity handled?
Dignity and Resident Rights: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level E.
What was done about the cleanliness citation, and how are rooms and shared spaces checked now?
A Clean, Homelike Setting: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level E.
What changed after F727 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F727: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level F.
How are staff trained to report suspected abuse or neglect, and who reports it to the state?
Reporting Suspected Abuse: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.
What changed in fall prevention and supervision after the last citation, and how do you check that it is still working?
Accident Hazards and Supervision: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level G.
May we see the kitchen, and what do your own sanitation checks look like week to week?
Kitchen and Food Safety: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level F.
How do you adjust rooms, schedules and routines to a resident’s needs and preferences?
Needs and Preferences: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
What happened after the abuse or neglect citation, and what changed in training or supervision?
Protection From Abuse and Neglect: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level J.
When an allegation is made, who investigates it, and how are residents protected in the meantime?
Investigating Alleged Violations: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level G.
How are weight and fluid intake tracked, and what happens when a resident starts losing weight?
Nutrition and Hydration: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
How many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, for the unit we are considering?
Nursing Staff Levels: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
How often does the consultant pharmacist review each resident’s medications?
Pharmacy Services: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
What changed after F803 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F803: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
May we try a meal, and how do you check food temperature by the time it reaches residents?
Food Quality and Temperature: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
What changed after F883 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F883: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
What changed after F925 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F925: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
What led to the 2026 fine, and has it been paid?
A $154,800 civil money penalty was imposed April 16, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds six enforcement actions in the window.
The Evidence
Inspection results and penalties are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from surveys conducted by the Illinois state survey agency.
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Mar 22, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection May 21, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Dec 20, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Mar 14, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Jun 2, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Aug 19, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Sep 16, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Jan 9, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Apr 16, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection May 12, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Aug 19, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 145664
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Record windowMarch 22, 2024 – October 1, 2026
Historical coverage varies by agency and location. Missing records do not mean that no complaint or violation occurred.
Data architecture: Cierto supplies the source-backed machine-readable bundle. Life by Vardell independently creates the narrative, design, and consumer report.