Board Committee Approves Rate Hike for Private Pay Residents at Sunny Hill Nursing Home

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | December 11, 2025

Article Summary: To address operating deficits and rising costs, the Executive Committee approved a rate increase for private pay residents at the county-owned Sunny Hill Nursing Home. The committee voted to amend the administration’s initial request, raising the daily rate for a skilled care private room to $435 to better align with the facility’s actual costs.

Sunny Hill Rate Increase Key Points:

• New Rate: The daily rate for a skilled care private room will increase from $365 to $435.

• Cost vs. Revenue: The facility’s cost per patient day was reported at $434.58 for 2024, while the previous rate was $365, creating a deficit.

• Market Comparison: Even with the increase, Sunny Hill’s rates remain significantly lower than comparable private and county facilities in the region, some of which charge over $600 per day.

• Inclusive Pricing: Unlike competitors, Sunny Hill’s rate is all-inclusive, covering ancillary items like oxygen and medical supplies.

The Will County Board Executive Committee on Thursday, December 11, 2025, approved a significant rate increase for private pay residents at Sunny Hill Nursing Home to help the facility recoup its operating costs.

Administrator Maggie McDowell originally presented a proposal to increase the daily rate for a skilled care private room by $50, moving it from $365 to $415. McDowell explained that the majority of the facility’s residents are on skilled care, and the average daily cost to the county per patient was $434.58 based on the 2024 cost report.

“There is a substantial cost involved and there are hard decisions that have to be made,” McDowell said. She noted that while the facility is a non-profit, the deficit between the cost of care and the daily rate was unsustainable.

McDowell provided data showing that Sunny Hill’s rates are drastically lower than local competitors. For example, the DuPage Care Center charges $668 per day, and private facilities like Lemont Rehab charge $575. Additionally, Sunny Hill offers an all-inclusive rate, while other facilities charge extra for ancillary items.

Board Member Jim Richmond proposed amending the resolution to increase the rate further than the administration’s request. Richmond moved to set the new rate at $435 per day to match the facility’s reported daily cost.

“$100, $200 less per night times 157 beds… that adds up to millions of dollars,” Richmond said. “If we can at least get to break even… we’re a lot closer than that $3 million gap.”

Member Daniel Butler supported the amendment, emphasizing the need for financial viability. “We have to continue to be financially viable. If we don’t, then Sunny Hill as we know it may cease to exist,” Butler said.

The committee unanimously approved the amendment to raise the rate to $435, with proportional increases to be calculated for other room categories such as semi-private and intermediate care. The measure now moves to the full County Board for final approval.