Background and Lawsuit
A 44-year-old woman with a history of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder was admitted to Albany Care, a psychiatric facility in Evanston, in 2023 for health and safety reasons. In October of the same year, she was allegedly left unsupervised and raped by a fellow resident. Following this, she was taken to a hospital where tests confirmed sexual assault, leading to charges of home invasion and aggravated sexual assault against the suspect. The woman’s lawsuit accused Albany Care of negligence.
History of Incidents and License Revocation
The incident was part of a larger pattern. From 2020 to May 2025, Albany Care was connected to 657 emergency calls, including instances of gun threats, overdoses, disorderly conduct, and more. Five resident deaths were reported over four years. The Illinois Department of Public Health has since revoked Albany Care’s license, but the facility remains open while managers appeal the decision.
Resident Experiences
Residents have mixed feelings. Some praise Albany Care as a refuge, fearing the loss of their home. Aliya Ferguson, a resident, expressed satisfaction with the facility and reluctance to leave. Meanwhile, another resident, Mark Williams, who came from transitional housing, highlighted the positive aspects, such as counseling programs and support groups.
Community Concerns
The facility’s presence in Evanston has sparked community backlash. Neighbors report concerns about safety and crime, leading nearly 1,500 people to sign a petition for an investigation and a pause on new resident admittances. The city has even sued Albany Care, claiming it drains public services and calling the situation “a horror.”
Operational Challenges
Albany Care, previously at capacity with 417 beds, now houses approximately 170 residents. The facility has faced citations and probation due to repeated violations. A notable case involved neglect leading to the death of a 72-year-old man. Albany Care argues it met all possible requirements in this case.
Facility Management and Criticisms
Management consulting firm S.I.R. Management, linked to past legal troubles, manages Albany Care. The city criticizes the facility for poor management, insufficient staffing, and inadequate resident screening. Reports indicate arrests related to drug activities and the presence of dangerous items.
Response from Albany Care
Shayne Schumacher, Albany Care’s Executive Director, emphasized the facility’s commitment to handling complex mental health cases amid challenges like insufficient Medicaid funding. She argued for more funding to enhance treatment for residents.
Future of Albany Care and Similar Facilities
Specialized mental health rehabilitation facilities (SMHRFs) like Albany Care aim to assist residents in becoming independent and integrated into the community. With around 20 such facilities in Illinois housing 2,500 residents, discussions about their effectiveness and future continue.
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is exploring alternative placements should Albany Care cease operations. Meanwhile, discussions revolve around the broader issues of mental healthcare systems and the necessity for enhanced funding and regulations.
Facility Tour and Community Hopes
A tour of Albany Care reveals a clean environment with staff and residents engaging positively. Facility offerings include therapy sessions, a dining hall, and resident activities. Some community members hope Albany Care can return to its former status as a neighborhood asset.
Efforts from local officials press for better oversight, though challenges persist. They emphasize the need for adequate treatment facilities to curb associated crime and nuisance, highlighting systemic issues like profit-driven mental healthcare systems.