DuPage Care Center reports construction progress, strong health-survey results; life-safety review delayed by shutdown

Janelle, DuPage Care Center staff, told the Human Services Committee the construction work on 2 North, 2 Center and 2 South is progressing and that the county expects to finish those areas within roughly 30 days, pending regulatory reviews.

She said the facility’s recent annual survey produced "a really good survey" on the health side and that inspectors found no deficiencies related to care provided by certified nursing assistants, including infection control and related procedures. She read a letter sent by a family member praising staff professionalism, compassion and coordination of care.

Janelle cautioned that the federal government shutdown has paused some reviews that are required for architect and construction approvals: "With the government shutdown, that stops any process of review for architect, or construction approvals," she said. She added that life-safety and code-related survey activities will not be reviewed until surveyors return to work, although the health-side review was completed before the shutdown.

Facility leadership explained that some construction milestones and final approvals are contingent on those reviews. Committee members asked clarifying questions about whether state or federal staff were affected; staff confirmed the state-contracted surveyors performing Medicare/Medicaid surveys were ordered out of buildings and that certain reviews will resume once surveyors return.

Why it matters The construction work and survey results affect resident care areas and project timelines at the county-operated DuPage Care Center. Delays in life-safety and code reviews can hold up final occupancy approvals and other construction milestones.

Next steps Staff said they will continue construction where possible, submit required documentation for outstanding life-safety reviews and provide updates to the committee if federal personnel remain unavailable.