
Report
TheVardellReport
Goldwater Care Peoria Heights
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
5533 North Galena Road
Peoria Heights, IL 61614

TheVardellReport
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
5533 North Galena Road
Peoria Heights, IL 61614
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 21 inspections from July 2023 to July 2026, state surveyors documented 117 findings at Goldwater Care Peoria Heights; 117 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 43 | 2 |
| 2024 | 8 | 24 | 3 |
| 2025 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| 2026 | 7 | 46 | 11 |
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)
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)
20 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $175,800 imposed April 29, 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 29, 2026, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Denial of payment imposed April 29, 2026. Status: Closed, June 25, 2026. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of April 29, 2026, the nearest before the penalty date.
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)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
19 findings
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)
2 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)
5 findings
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $225,242 imposed February 13, 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 October 1, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Denial of payment imposed February 13, 2026. Status: Closed, April 16, 2026. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of October 1, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
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)
5 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)
4 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)
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
7 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
4 findings
The same visit included an infection control inspection.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
4 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
28 findings
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $181,422 imposed November 30, 2023. 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 July 24, 2023, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Denial of payment imposed November 30, 2023. Status: Closed, May 10, 2024. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of July 24, 2023, 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 F686 in July 2023, December 2023, March 2024, February 2026, April 2026 and May 2026. This citation covers how the home prevents and treats pressure injuries (bedsores). 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 F689 in July 2023, October 2023, December 2023, February 2026, February 2026 and June 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 J (immediate jeopardy). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F880 in July 2023, October 2023, November 2023, October 2024 and April 2026. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. 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 F690 in July 2023, January 2024, March 2024 and April 2026. This citation covers continence care, catheter care and preventing urinary tract infections. 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 October 2023, December 2023, March 2024 and February 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 February 2024, May 2024, July 2024 and February 2026. This citation covers pharmacy services and the licensed pharmacist who oversees them. 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 F550 in May 2024, February 2026 and April 2026. This citation covers residents’ right to dignity, to make their own choices and to communicate. 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 F584 in July 2023, December 2024 and April 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 F657 in July 2023, October 2023 and December 2023. This citation covers whether care plans are written on time and revised by a team that includes the resident’s caregivers. 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 F679 in July 2023, February 2026 and April 2026. The agency describes it this way: Provide activities to meet all resident's needs. 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 F692 in July 2023, May 2024 and February 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 F727 in July 2023, November 2023 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 F759 in November 2023, February 2024 and April 2024. This citation covers whether medication errors stayed under 5 percent when inspectors watched medications being given. 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 F760 in July 2023, February 2024 and February 2026. This citation covers whether residents are free from significant medication errors. 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 F761 in July 2023, November 2023 and April 2026. This citation covers how drugs are labeled and kept locked, including controlled drugs. 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 F835 in July 2023, December 2023 and February 2026. This citation covers whether the home is run in a way that uses its resources effectively. The most serious of these was recorded at level L (immediate jeopardy). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F868 in July 2023, October 2024 and February 2026. The agency describes it this way: Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly. 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 July 2023 and December 2023. This citation covers whether the home reasonably accommodates each resident’s needs and preferences. 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 F600 in January 2024 and April 2026. This citation covers whether residents are protected from abuse and neglect by anyone. 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 F609 in December 2025 and April 2026. 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 F610 in August 2025 and April 2026. This citation covers how the home responds to and investigates an allegation of abuse, neglect or mistreatment. 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 F645 in October 2024 and April 2026. This citation covers the required screening for mental illness or intellectual disability before admission (PASARR). 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 F656 in July 2023 and April 2026. This citation covers whether each resident has a written care plan that meets their needs, with goals that can be measured. 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 F677 in December 2023 and February 2026. This citation covers help with bathing, dressing, eating and toileting for residents who cannot manage alone. 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 F684 in May 2024 and February 2026. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. 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 F695 in July 2023 and April 2026. This citation covers oxygen, breathing treatments and other respiratory care. 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 F812 in July 2023 and April 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 F881 in October 2024 and April 2026. This citation covers the home’s program for monitoring antibiotic use. 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 often are residents checked for pressure injuries and repositioned, and who is responsible for it?
Pressure Injury Care: cited in six inspections, most seriously at level J.
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 six inspections, most seriously at level J.
Who leads infection control here, and how often are hand-hygiene and isolation practices audited?
Infection Control: cited in five inspections, most seriously at level F.
How is continence care scheduled, and how do you prevent urinary infections?
Continence and Catheter Care: cited in four 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 four inspections, most seriously at level F.
How often does the consultant pharmacist review each resident’s medications?
Pharmacy Services: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level E.
How do staff learn each resident’s preferences, and how is a complaint about dignity handled?
Dignity and Resident Rights: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level G.
What was done about the cleanliness citation, and how are rooms and shared spaces checked now?
A Clean, Homelike Setting: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
How often are care plans revised, and who takes part in the review?
Care Plan Timing and Review: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.
What changed after F679 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level F.
How are weight and fluid intake tracked, and what happens when a resident starts losing weight?
Nutrition and Hydration: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
What changed after F727 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F727: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level F.
How are medication passes checked, and what happens when an error is found?
Medication Error Rate: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
What happened after the medication error citation, and how are high-risk drugs double-checked?
Significant Medication Errors: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level J.
How are medications stored and secured, and who checks the medication carts?
Medication Labeling and Storage: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
How long have the administrator and the director of nursing been in their roles?
Administration: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level L.
What changed after F868 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F868: 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 D.
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 D.
How are staff trained to report suspected abuse or neglect, and who reports it to the state?
Reporting Suspected Abuse: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
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 D.
Was the required pre-admission screening done for every resident, and how is it tracked?
Pre-Admission Screening: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
How is a care plan written and reviewed here, and how do families take part in it?
Care Plans: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
How long do residents usually wait for help with bathing, dressing or the bathroom, and how is that tracked?
Help With Daily Living: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
How do nurses make sure a doctor’s orders are carried out, and how are families told when something is missed?
Quality of Care: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level G.
Who manages oxygen and breathing treatments on each shift, and how is the equipment checked?
Respiratory Care: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
May we see the kitchen, and what do your own sanitation checks look like week to week?
Kitchen and Food Safety: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
How do you track antibiotic use and decide when one is needed?
Antibiotic Use: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
What led to the 2026 fine, and has it been paid?
A $175,800 civil money penalty was imposed April 29, 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 Jul 24, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Oct 31, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Nov 30, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Dec 21, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Jan 6, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Feb 27, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Mar 21, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Apr 24, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection May 18, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Jul 11, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Oct 1, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Dec 7, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Aug 6, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Dec 7, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Feb 13, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Feb 28, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Apr 15, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Apr 29, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection May 27, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Jun 17, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Illinois state survey agency
Inspection Jul 13, 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 · 145239
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Record windowJuly 24, 2023 – 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.