Mercy Circle Named Best Short-Term Rehab By US News & World Report

CHICAGO — For a fifth in a row, Mercy Circle earned a high performing rating for its short-term rehabilitation program by U.S. News & World Report. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the ranking highlights Mercy Circle’s dedication to helping residents achieve their highest level of independence and quality of life.

U.S. News Short-Term Rehabilitation Ratings evaluate eligible nursing homes that are caring for people in need of skilled nursing or rehabilitation services following hospitalization for surgery, heart attack, stroke, injury or other conditions. The data used to evaluate these facilities comes primarily from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS). Included are metrics related to patient outcomes, nurse staffing, facility deficiencies, and processes of care such as the appropriate use of some hypnotic medications.

Frances Lachowicz, executive director of Mercy Circle, praised the care facility’s therapy staff and nursing team for their dedication in helping neighbors and residents benefit from Mercy Circle’s short-term rehab.

“They tailor each person’s program so they can regain independence and achieve their best health,” Lachowicz said in a news release. “Their commitment is also key to our continued five-star CMS rating.”

The US News & World 2025 Best Nursing Home ratings was created to help consumers select a nursing home for themselves or a family member in need of either Short-Term Rehabilitation or Long-Term Care. Mercy Circle, 3659 W. 99th St., Chicago, across the street from Evergreen Park, scored an overall rating of 5 out of 5 earning a short-term rehabilitation rating of “High Performing.”

Further, 67.1 percent of residents were able to return home after being discharged, compared to 47.1 percent in Illinois, and 50 percent nationally indicating a successful rehabilitation, according to US News. The care facility also had 0.0 percent fall rate causing a major injury when stacked up side by side with Illinois (1.1 percent) and nationally (1.1 percent).

In addition, Mercy Circle was recently named one of the top small business workplace in 2024 for a fifth consecutive year, according to the Chicago Tribune, which conducts an annual year-end survey. This distinction is shared by less than 16 percent of the evaluated workplaces. This recognition celebrates organizations that demonstrate excellence in employee satisfaction, with a focus on leadership, commitment to a people-first culture, professional development, work environment and compensation.

“Our staff sustains its highest level of commitment to everyone who lives here or takes advantage of Mercy Circle’s short-term stay rehab program,” said Susan Tirpak, director of human resources at Mercy Circle. “Because of them, we can boast about Mercy Circle’s top
rating by CMS, as well as accolades from U.S. News & World Report and the Chicago
Tribune’s Top Workplaces survey.”