Overview of HeartLands Senior Living at Ellicott City HeartLands Senior Living at Ellicott City operates as a skilled nursing facility in Ellicott City, Maryland, with certification for Medicare and Medicaid services. The facility is part of Discovery Senior Living’s portfolio of 45 senior living communities across multiple states. Located at 3004 North Ridge Road in Howard County, the operation has maintained licensed capacity for 182 beds and is currently serving residents at 87.8% occupancy, above the Maryland average; with an average length of stay of 103 days.
Nursing staff totals 27 registered nurses, 30 licensed practical nurses, and 64 certified nursing assistants among 174 total personnel. The facility provides 3 hours 27 minutes of nursing care per resident daily, below Maryland’s 4 hours 17 minutes standard. Contractor staffing represents 7% of total hours (3,896 hours quarterly), with specialists including physical therapy assistants, speech-language pathologists, respiratory therapy technicians, and qualified social workers supplementing core staff.
CMS assigns a 1-star overall rating, placing the facility 70.7% below Maryland average. Health inspection performance falls 68.8% below state benchmark. Quality measures register 7.2% above Maryland average for clinical outcomes including pressure ulcers, activities of daily living decline, walking ability, urinary tract infection rates, and depressive symptoms. The facility achieved pneumococcal vaccine administration at 99.7% of long-stay residents, and antipsychotic use at 7.8%, favorably below Maryland average of 12.9%.
Between September 2019 and November 2025, the facility accumulated 104 health citations: 1 critical, 2 serious, 101 moderate. Deficiencies concentrated in resident rights (24), quality of life/care (23), administration (8), abuse/neglect (8), and pharmacy services (7). No federal civil money penalties were assessed in the three-year review period. Complaint investigations from March 2025 through June 2025 identified systemic issues in resident dignity, environmental maintenance, care planning, activities of daily living assistance, medical records accuracy, and infection control practices.
Fiscal year 2024 generated $27.4 million gross revenue with net operating loss of $1.8 million and -6.4% profit margin. Payroll comprised $11.9 million (43.6% of revenue), ranked 31st statewide in total investment but 78th in payroll percentage. Payer mix reflects Medicaid dominance at 78.8%, private pay at 12.0%, and Medicare at 9.1%.
The facility accommodates mixed-stay residents through skilled nursing, independent living, and respite care service lines.
Dining emphasizes restaurant-style preparation with executive chef direction. Programs include recreational activities, exercise, beauty services, transportation, and housekeeping.
The car-dependent neighborhood (walk score 14) necessitates facility-provided transportation for community access.
HeartLands Senior Living at Ellicott City provides skilled nursing services within a mixed-pay model, sustained by substantial staffing investment but facing quality and efficiency performance gaps relative to Maryland standards and a persistent operating deficit.