We arrange tours, appointments, and even moving support so you don’t have to
2
Ranked on Data, Not Dollars
We rank communities on objective measures like inspection records, quality scores, and care data, so you can find trusted options without the guesswork.
3
Personalized Guidance
From lifestyle matching to help with insurance and financial assistance, we make sure the community is the right fit
Explore Open Rooms
1Contact details
2What type of senior care service are you looking for?
3What budget do you have in mind for senior care?
4How soon do you need to find care?
5Additional details
Thank you for your interest!
Our team will be in touch shortly to help with next steps.
Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 151 nursing homes in MD using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in MD
Avg Overall CMS Rating:3.0/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Maryland. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating:3.0/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Maryland. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating:2.8/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Maryland. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the MD Dept. of Health (OHCQ), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.
Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.
The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This TableAL (Assisted Living):
Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing.
NH (Nursing Home):
24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs.
SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility):
Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness.
MC (Memory Care):
Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
RC (Respite Care):
Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break.
IL (Independent Living):
Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
HOS (Hospice Care):
Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
PC (Palliative Care):
Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The Maryland average is: 50.3% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
$10.5M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$5.0M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
47%*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$13.3M*Fiscal year ending 07/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$7.7M*Fiscal year ending 07/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
57.8%*Fiscal year ending 07/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
215212
Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every MD community we track that reports that metric, not just the 151 on this page.
Nestled in Sandy Spring, Maryland, Friends House Retirement Community stands as a welcoming Life Plan Community, offering a relaxed and laid-back living experience in an exceptional location. This warm-hearted community takes pride in the positive emotional impact it brings to the lives of seniors and their families, cherishing the interactions and contributions they share with residents, teammates, local partners, and the broader community each day. At Friends House, diversity thrives, and long-term care options cater to varied needs, ensuring residents receive the care they require while relishing the vibrant community they call home.
For over half a century, Friends House has been a cherished home for older adults from diverse backgrounds, cultures, skills, and stories, regardless of income level. As a nonprofit entity rooted in community and equality, Friends House is steadfastly committed to serving all senior adults, fostering an inclusive environment that values every individual. Devoted to providing a fulfilling lifestyle within a safe and caring atmosphere, Friends House embraces a campus adorned with abundant gardens, diverse committees, services, and amenities that cater to all residents. The picturesque grounds feature fruit orchards and offer excellent apartment living options for those seeking independent living.
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Cherry Lane proudly presents a modern nursing center infused with a genuine small-town spirit. Beyond their acclaimed sub-acute rehabilitation services, the center has earned a distinguished reputation for its unwavering dedication to long-term care. They deliver round-the-clock, skilled nursing support for a diverse array of complex medical conditions, ensuring residents receive exceptional care at all hours. Nestled between Washington DC and Baltimore away from the bustling road, this assisted living community is enveloped by lush trees, charming gardens, and verdant landscapes, inviting residents to find solace, serenity, and renewal under the compassionate care of their dedicated staff.
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Cherry Lane is an independently owned and operated healthcare center that is licensed to use the Autumn Lake Healthcare name and receive non-healthcare related services. All healthcare-related services are provided solely by Autumn Lake Healthcare at Cherry Lane.
Citizens Care Center is a nursing home in Havre de Grace, MD, offering memory care, hospice care, rehabilitation, respite care, and skilled nursing. Promoting a compassionate, home-like environment, the community ensures older adults are treated well throughout their stay. Exceptional services, including 24-hour care, nutritious meals, and social services, are also provided to improve residents’ quality of life. To meet residents’ needs and preferences, personalized care plans are also provided for their recovery and wellness.
Cooking classes, outings, and arts and crafts encourage residents to continue learning and have fun. Residents can also relax without hassles, as accessible amenities are also available. Situated near parks, restaurants, and public transportation in the quiet residential area of Havre de Grace, the community ensures quick access to leisure and necessities. As one of the trusted options for senior living in Maryland, this nursing home continuously provides exceptional care for older adults’ welfare.
Overview of Autumn Lake Healthcare at Waugh Chapel
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Waugh Chapel, strategically located in Gambrills, Maryland, proudly stands as a top-tier skilled nursing facility. This home specializes in providing exemplary short-term care, round-the-clock skilled nursing services, and comprehensive post-acute rehabilitation, making it a trusted choice among nursing homes near you. Situated conveniently with access to Annapolis and Washington DC, this facility offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and suburban beauty.
In addition to its core services, Autumn Lake Healthcare at Waugh Chapel also extends its care offerings to include IV therapy, stroke recovery, joint replacement, and orthopedic care. It is important to note that this is a non-smoking facility, and it pays tribute to veterans through a dedicated recognition. Featuring a total of 58 private rooms and spacious semi-private accommodations, residents have the freedom to choose their preferred living arrangements. The availability of full salon services further enhances the overall experience, making Autumn Lake Healthcare at Waugh Chapel a distinguished choice for those seeking exceptional care in a picturesque and active setting.
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Waugh Chapel is an independently owned and operated healthcare center that is licensed to use the Autumn Lake Healthcare name and receive non-healthcare related services. All healthcare-related services are provided solely by Autumn Lake Healthcare at Waugh Chapel.
Buckingham’s Choice provides exceptional service for seniors of independent living, assisted, and memory care living. The nurturing environment empowers and enhances the quality of life for residents by tailored care to each unique individual. Personalized care caters to each individual’s needs while maintaining independence and individuality. Buckingham’s Choice offers a vibrant lifestyle for a graceful senior living experience.
They pride themselves on their unmatched level of care thanks to their remarkable staff who offer compassionate service. Community features include 24-hour care, delicious meals served three times daily, social activities, engaging events, housekeeping and laundry services, and optimum security provided.
Lorien Bulle Rock is a highly regarded nursing home in Havre de Grace, MD, offering long-term care and rehabilitation. Promoting a nurturing and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults are treated well throughout their stay. Residents also experience maintenance-free living with 24-hour care, well-balanced meals, and recreational activities. Through personalized care plans, residents receive the utmost attention and care for their unique needs and habits.
Light exercises, fun gatherings, and games provide residents with more opportunities to interact with friends and explore interests. Spacious common areas and thoughtfully furnished rooms also ensure residents’ relaxation and wellness. Set along Pulaski Highway, near bus stops and restaurants, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. This nursing home is a good option for senior living in Maryland, especially with high standards of care and well-maintained amenities.
If you’re looking at Ingleside at King Farm in Rockville, you’re looking at a pretty well-organized facility. It’s located right in the King Farm neighborhood, and with a Walk Score of 73, it’s actually walkable; a rare and appreciated feature for a facility like this. Plus, it’s less than a mile and a half from Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, which is a major comfort factor if health needs shift suddenly.
The facility itself is a 45-bed building managed by the Westminster Ingleside King Farm team. They handle everything from nursing and assisted living to memory care and independent living, which is helpful because you don’t have to move if your care needs change. Their occupancy is at 92.2%, and the average stay is 139 days, suggesting they balance short-term rehab with long-term residents.
Most telling are the care hours: they provide 6 hours and 21 minutes of nursing care per resident every day. That’s a significant amount of attention for a facility this size. Kenya Bryant, the Executive Director, is currently working toward her license as a nursing home administrator, which adds another layer of professional oversight.
Financially, studios start at $3,638 per month, and you can scale up to $5,812 for a two-bedroom unit. They offer one-bedroom and one-bedroom-plus-den options in between, with units reaching up to 1,799 square feet. They accept both Medicare and private pay.
They have a heated indoor pool, a fitness center, and a cultural arts center. There’s an art studio, a library, and a dedicated meditation space. You’ll also find a coffee shop, a wellness center with an on-site doctor, and a courtyard with water features and a fire pit. It’s a pet-friendly community, and they even provide transportation and have a Social Day Program, which makes the whole living experience feel much more connected.
What really stands out, though, are the certifications. They have CARF accreditation, SageCare Platinum, and specific LGBTQ+ Long-Term Care Equality recognition. They’ve also landed on the “Great Place to Work” and “Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Aging Services” lists. If you’re prioritizing a place that has a full care continuum, keeps a dense amenity schedule, and has verified, institutional commitments to inclusive care, Ingleside is one of the more credible options in the Rockville area.
Recognized as the Best Senior Living Community by Bethesda Magazine readers for an impressive eleven consecutive years, Maplewood Park Place is the epitome of an exceptional living experience. Established in 1996 in Bethesda, Maryland, Maplewood stands as a resident-owned cooperative community exclusively designed for individuals aged 60 and above. With a wide array of spacious one-level floor plans, residents can choose their ideal living space tailored to their preferences. Nestled within a secure, wooded suburban neighborhood inside the Beltway, Maplewood offers an independent living experience characterized by a vibrant community atmosphere.
Maplewood Park Place prides itself on its rich activities, amenities, and superb dining options. With 24/7 security and concierge services, residents can enjoy peace of mind and feel fully attended to. The dedicated and engaging staff members are committed to ensuring a high level of care and attention. In addition to independent living, Maplewood also offers assisted living, skilled nursing care, personalized memory care, support, and on-site rehabilitation services to cater to the evolving needs of its resident owners. Qualified residents can benefit from the unique Lifecare Plan, which provides access to top-quality long-term health care and/or assisted living with manageable costs. At Maplewood Park Place, residents can embrace a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle surrounded by a welcoming community of peers.
Ideally situated in the charming neighborhood of Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD, Montcare Bethesda is a trusted community that offers nursing care. With comprehensive care services, including therapy services, short-term rehabilitation, palliative care, memory care, and hospice care, residents receive the care they need to live comfortably in their golden years. The community promotes a vibrant and nurturing environment, ensuring residents can easily adapt to their surroundings.
Aside from their healthcare needs, the community also strives to keep residents happy and well engaged through fun recreation and exciting outings. Anticipate a delightful dining experience with healthy and delightful meals that cater to dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those looking to find all the care they need in one place, with its wide range of care services.
Overview of Sterling Care Hillhaven Assisted Living and Memory Care
Situated in the heart of Adelphi, MD, the Sterling Care Hillhaven Assisted Living and Memory Care is an esteemed senior living community offering assisted living, independent living, memory care, long-term skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, and dialysis services. Beautifully appointed and spacious accommodations with several floor plans are available for its residents. In terms of memory care, those with cognitive conditions undergo their Life Engagement Programming which aims to foster meaningful conversations and promote a fulfilling lifestyle.
With its top-of-the-line amenities and services, residents can enjoy the following: family lounge, beauty salon, expansive wellness/rehabilitation gym, specialized diets, cable television/telephone, free wi-fi, and smoke-free community. Moreover, the community offers medical services such as diabetes management, orthopedic therapy, and medication administration. Engage in planned daily activities including outings religious services, music concerts, table games, and exercise. Meet new companions and create unforgettable memories within the amazing shared spaces of this community. Equipped with the right tools and people, seniors are guaranteed an all-encompassing living experience with Sterling Care Hillhaven Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.
How we're paid:If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Maryland
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Maryland?
Assisted living in Maryland is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.
Does Maryland Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — Maryland Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.
What is nursing home care?
Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.
How many nursing homes are listed on this page?
This page features 151 nursing homes in Maryland. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in Maryland?
Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Maryland, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.
What should I look for when visiting nursing homes in Maryland?
Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.
If you move into a community through us, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never changes your cost or which options we recommend. Learn more
Need Help?
Let us help you or a loved one find the perfect senior home.
