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 her safety. In October of that year, a fellow resident entered her room unsupervised and raped her. A lawsuit filed in Cook County accused Albany Care of negligence. Tests confirmed she was sexually assaulted, and the suspect faced charges of home invasion and aggravated criminal sexual assault.
The incident was not isolated. Between 2020 and May 2025, Albany Care had 657 emergency calls involving residents. These included reports of a gun-bearing individual, drug overdoses, disorderly conduct, batteries, and robberies. Other serious incidents included a stabbing and multiple deaths of residents.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has since revoked Albany Care’s license, although the facility remains open pending an appeal. Albany Care management asserts compliance with health and safety regulations, citing their efforts in assisting residents with mental illness and substance abuse issues. However, city officials and a group of nearly 1,500 petitioners demand an investigation.
Evanston city officials describe Albany Care as a public nuisance. The seven-story building is near a residential area, causing neighbors to report break-ins, verbal assaults, and illegal drug use. Neighbor and attorney Joan Lebow criticized the facility for admitting dangerous individuals while maintaining insufficient security.
Concerns about Albany Care highlight the broader issues facing similar facilities. These institutions are expected to support independence and community integration for adults with serious mental health conditions. Yet, challenges persist in delivering adequate care and ensuring safety.
Resident Mark Williams, who moved to Albany Care from transitional housing, expressed gratitude for the facility. He praised the support he received and hoped it would not close. He viewed Albany Care as a safer alternative to a shelter.
The state’s repeated citations have put Albany Care on probation, preventing them from accepting new residents. Instances of inadequate care, like the death of a man who collapsed after elevated pulse readings, have fueled criticism. Evanston officials claim Albany Care provides inadequate care, leading to antisocial behavior without repercussions.
S.I.R. Management, co-founded by Eric Rothner, Bryan Barrish, and Michael Giannini, manages the facility. Barrish and Giannini previously settled a fraud case for $2 million related to nursing homes. Drug sales and weapon seizures near Albany Care have heightened tensions.
Albany Care Director Shayne Schumacher defends the facility, emphasizing its regulation and the difficult nature of treating residents with extensive mental health needs. Schumacher calls for increased funding and support for mental health services, citing insufficient Medicaid reimbursement rates and funding cuts.
Specialized mental health rehabilitation facilities (SMHRFs) like Albany Care aim to transition residents from institutional settings to rehabilitative care. Twenty such facilities in Illinois house around 2,500 residents. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is exploring alternative placements should Albany Care close, aligning with residents’ preferences.
During a tour of Albany Care, the facility appeared clean, and staff engaged positively with residents. The residence offers therapy sessions, and residents live in shared rooms equipped with basic amenities. The facility holds activities such as talent shows and arts and crafts.
City officials note the increase in 911 calls began around the COVID pandemic when staff numbers declined. Evanston authorities previously urged Albany Care to improve oversight, but administrators claimed offsite behavior was outside their control. City Council member Jonathan Nieuwsma advocated for better treatment to eliminate the local drug market and restore community harmony.
Nieuwsma believes residents can find quality care if Albany Care shuts down, but he sees the root problem as part of a flawed national healthcare system. He criticized profit motives that prioritize filling beds over adequate mental health services.