Total health inspections
4
Maryland average 3.9
Last Health inspection on May 2025
Mostly short-term rehab stays
Most residents typically stay for a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on.
Friends House Retirement Community
Nursing Home, Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing · Maryland, MD
CMS overall rating
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Friends House Retirement Community
Nursing Home, Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing · Maryland, MD
CMS overall rating
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Friends House Retirement Community accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.
Overview of Friends House Retirement Community
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.
Quality ratings
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Based on the results of the facility's three most recent standard inspections and any complaint investigations. CMS reviews the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies, with more recent findings weighted more heavily.
Measures average nursing staff hours per resident per day, including Registered Nurses (RNs) and total nursing staff. Ratings are adjusted based on the level of care residents require and are compared to state and national benchmarks.
Based on clinical and physical health indicators reported to CMS, such as hospital readmissions, falls, pressure ulcers, and improvements in mobility. These measures reflect how well residents' health needs are being managed.
Staffing hours breakdown
Daily nursing hours per resident by staff type, reported to CMS. Higher is generally better — compare this facility to state and national averages to see where staffing stands.
Total nursing care / resident
This home is ranked 26th out of 144 homes in Maryland. Total adjusted nursing hours per resident per day, combining RN, LPN, and aide time. CMS adjusts this for case-mix so facilities can be fairly compared.
This home is ranked 26th out of 144 homes in Maryland. Total adjusted nursing hours per resident per day, combining RN, LPN, and aide time. CMS adjusts this for case-mix so facilities can be fairly compared.
4h 15m per day
Rank #26 / 144Nurse hours — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 26th out of 144 homes in Maryland. Shows adjusted nurse hours per resident per day benchmarked to the Maryland average, with a ranking across 144 Maryland SNFs. More hours mean more direct care. The national average is about 3.5 hrs; below 3.0 is a red flag.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
vs Maryland avg
-1%
| Staff type | Hours / Day / Resident | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
|
Weekend Total Nursing
Combined nursing hours (RN + LPN + Nurse Aide) per resident per day on weekends. Staffing often drops on weekends — this figure reveals whether the facility maintains adequate coverage outside of weekday hours.
| 3h 49m per day |
Types of Care at Friends House Retirement Community
Assisted Living
Skilled Nursing
Capacity and availability
This home usually has availability
Occupancy lower than 85% suggests more openings may be available.
Occupancy rate
75.2%
Rank #99 / 146Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 99th out of 146 homes in Maryland. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the Maryland average, with its Statewide rank out of 146. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Avg. Length of Stay
90 days
Occupancy rate
75.2%
Rank #99 / 146Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 99th out of 146 homes in Maryland. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the Maryland average, with its Statewide rank out of 146. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Avg. Length of Stay
90 days
24-bed community Rank #256 / 705Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 256th out of 705 homes in Maryland. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other Maryland SNFs. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A smaller, more intimate setting that may offer a quieter environment and closer staff-resident interactions.
20 years in operation Rank #111 / 209Years in operation — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 111th out of 209 homes in Maryland. Shows how long this facility has been in operation compared to other Maryland SNFs. Longer operating histories may benefit residents, families, and staff.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A longer operating history, which may indicate experience navigating regulations and delivering ongoing care.
Walk Score: 6 / 100 Rank #892 / 986Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 892nd out of 986 homes in Maryland. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across Maryland SNFs. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.
About this community
CountyMontgomery
Services
Profit StatusFalse
Private Room
$220 - $220 per day
Semi-Private Room
$180 - $180 per day
Hospice Affiliations
Staffing
Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.
No CNA training program
Mild Alzheimer's Level
Moderate Alzheimer's Level
No severe Alzheimer's level
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Dining
Activities
Artspace
Elephant Shop
Support
Community Resources
Health Inspection History
Inspections
Total health citations
17
Rank #8 / 146Health citations — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 8th out of 146 homes in Maryland. Shows this facility's total health deficiency citations benchmarked to the Maryland State average, with a ranking across all 146 MD SNFs. Lower citation counts earn a better rank.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Maryland average 49.9
Citations per inspection
4.25
Rank #3 / 146Citations per inspection — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 3rd out of 146 homes in Maryland. Shows average deficiency citations per CMS inspection for this facility versus the Maryland mean across 146 SNFs with citation data. Lower is better.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Maryland average 12.81
Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.
14 of 17 citations resulted from standard inspections; 2 of 17 resulted from complaint investigations; and 1 of 17 came from combined inspections (standard and complaint).
Breakdown of citation severity (last 7 years)
Critical Health citations
0
100% better than Maryland averageMaryland average: 0.5
Serious Health citations
0
100% better than Maryland averageMaryland average: 0.6
Citations history (last 7 years)
Abuse/Neglect moderate citation
May 14, 2025
Corrected
Environmental moderate citation
May 14, 2025
Corrected
Infection Control moderate citation
May 14, 2025
Corrected
Nutrition moderate citation
May 14, 2025
Corrected
Demographics
Resident demographic information for this facility.
Gender
- Female 94.1%
- Male 5.9%
Age Distribution
- 85-94 52.9%
- 95+ 23.5%
- 75-84 17.7%
- 65-74 5.9%
Ethnicity
- White 94.1%
- Asian 5.9%
Staffing Data
Reporting period: October 1 – December 31, 2025 (Q4 2025). Source: CMS Payroll-Based Journal report.
Total staff
116
Employees
99
Contractors
17
Staff to resident ratio
1.71:1
6% worse than Maryland average
Avg staff/day
44
Average shift
7.2 hours
10% worse than Maryland average
Total staff hours (quarter)
29,169
Nursing staff breakdown
Q4 2025 · Oct 1 – Dec 31
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Registered Nurse
Manages medical care and health needs.
RN Staff
13
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.4 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.4 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Assists with medical care and medications.
LPN Staff
20
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.9 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.9 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Helps with daily care and mobility.
CNA Staff
49
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.1 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.1 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Contractor staffing
Q4 2025 · Oct 1 – Dec 31
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Total hours from contractors
8.8%
2,567 contractor hours this quarter
Respiratory Therapy Technician: 5
Physical Therapy Assistant: 4
Qualified Social Worker: 3
Mental Health Service Worker: 2
Physical Therapy Aide: 1
Occupational Therapy Assistant: 1
Medical Director: 1
Staff by category
Q4 2025 · Oct 1 – Dec 31
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 49 | 0 | 49 | 13,977 | 92 | 100% | 7.1 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 20 | 0 | 20 | 5,015 | 92 | 100% | 7.9 |
| Registered Nurse | 13 | 0 | 13 | 3,094 | 92 | 100% | 7.4 |
| Other Dietary Services Staff | 8 | 0 | 8 | 1,786 | 90 | 98% | 7.9 |
| Respiratory Therapy Technician | 0 | 5 | 5 | 1,407 | 84 | 91% | 5.6 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 5 | 0 | 5 | 1,106 | 78 | 85% | 8.1 |
| Dental Services Staff | 1 | 0 | 1 | 488 | 52 | 57% | 9.4 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 1 | 0 | 1 | 458 | 61 | 66% | 7.5 |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 0 | 1 | 1 | 453 | 59 | 64% | 7.7 |
| Administrator | 1 | 0 | 1 | 435 | 58 | 63% | 7.5 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 0 | 4 | 4 | 420 | 72 | 78% | 4.5 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | 1 | 0 | 1 | 243 | 55 | 60% | 4.4 |
| Qualified Social Worker | 0 | 3 | 3 | 225 | 50 | 54% | 4.5 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 0 | 1 | 1 | 24 | 3 | 3% | 8 |
| Medical Director | 0 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 10 | 11% | 2 |
| Mental Health Service Worker | 0 | 2 | 2 | 19 | 4 | 4% | 4.7 |
49 Certified Nursing Assistant
% of Days
100%
20 Licensed Practical Nurse
% of Days
100%
13 Registered Nurse
% of Days
100%
8 Other Dietary Services Staff
% of Days
98%
5 Respiratory Therapy Technician
% of Days
91%
5 Clinical Nurse Specialist
% of Days
85%
1 Dental Services Staff
% of Days
57%
1 Nurse Practitioner
% of Days
66%
1 Physical Therapy Aide
% of Days
64%
1 Administrator
% of Days
63%
4 Physical Therapy Assistant
% of Days
78%
1 Occupational Therapy Aide
% of Days
60%
3 Qualified Social Worker
% of Days
54%
1 Occupational Therapy Assistant
% of Days
3%
1 Medical Director
% of Days
11%
2 Mental Health Service Worker
% of Days
4%
Penalties and fines
Includes penalties issued in 2023
Federal penalties imposed by CMS for regulatory violations, including civil money penalties (fines) and denials of payment for new Medicare/Medicaid admissions.
Source: CMS Penalties Database (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total fines amount
$23K Rank #112 / 146Federal fines — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 112th out of 146 homes in Maryland. Shows this facility's cumulative CMS federal fine dollars versus the Maryland average among facilities with fines, and where it ranks among 146 skilled nursing facilities in the pool. Lower total dollars mean a better rank.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
63% lower than Maryland averageMaryland average: $61K
Number of fines
8
437% more fines than Maryland averageMaryland average: 1.5
Payment Denials
Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed.
0
Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed.
0
100% fewer payment denials than Maryland averageMaryland average: 0.1
Fines amount comparison
Fines amount comparison
This facility
$23K
Maryland average
$61K
Penalty History
Penalties are imposed by CMS for violations of federal nursing home regulations.
8 penalties in the past 3 years
Multiple penalties were reported in the last 3 years.
Civil Money Penalty
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Nov 20, 2023
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Nov 20, 2023
$4K
Civil Money Penalty
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Nov 13, 2023
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Nov 13, 2023
$3K
Civil Money Penalty
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Nov 6, 2023
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Nov 6, 2023
$3K
Civil Money Penalty
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Oct 30, 2023
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Oct 30, 2023
$3K
Last updated: Jan 2026
Quality of care over time
These measures show how residents usually do over time at this home, based on health outcomes and preventive care.
High-risk clinical events score
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
15.0
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
15.0
16% worse than Maryland averageMaryland average: 12.9
Functional decline score
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
29.6
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
29.6
15% worse than Maryland averageMaryland average: 25.7
Long-stay resident measures
Need for Help with Daily Activities Increased
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
31.8%
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
31.8%
34% worse than Maryland averageMaryland average: 23.7%
Walking Ability Worsened
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
33.9%
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
33.9%
22% worse than Maryland averageMaryland average: 27.7%
Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
23.0%
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
23.0%
11% better than Maryland averageMaryland average: 25.9%
Falls with Major Injury
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
1.9%
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
1.9%
17% better than Maryland averageMaryland average: 2.3%
High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
4.9%
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
4.9%
26% better than Maryland averageMaryland average: 6.5%
Urinary Tract Infection
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
2.5%
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
2.5%
53% worse than Maryland averageMaryland average: 1.6%
Lost Too Much Weight
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
2.6%
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
2.6%
55% better than Maryland averageMaryland average: 5.8%
Depressive Symptoms
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
0.0%
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
0.0%
100% better than Maryland averageMaryland average: 20.2%
Antipsychotic Use
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
14.7%
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
14.7%
14% worse than Maryland averageMaryland average: 12.9%
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
97.6%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
97.6%
6% better than Maryland averageMaryland average: 92.0%
Influenza Vaccine
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
100.0%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
100.0%
In line with Maryland averageMaryland average: 96.6%
Short-stay resident measures
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
80.5%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
80.5%
In line with Maryland averageMaryland average: 78.4%
Antipsychotic medication increase
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
2.4%
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
2.4%
75% worse than Maryland averageMaryland average: 1.4%
Influenza Vaccine
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
80.7%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
80.7%
In line with Maryland averageMaryland average: 80.6%
Quality measures are calculated from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. For most measures, lower percentages indicate better care quality.
Breakdown by payment type
Medicare
91% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
Typical stay
28 days
Private pay
2% of new residents, often for short stays.
Typical stay
4 - 5 years
Medicaid
7% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.
Typical stay
2 years
Facility Characteristics
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total residents
68
Medicare
14
20.6% of residents
Medicaid
42
61.8% of residents
Private pay or other
12
17.6% of residents
Programs & Services
Residents Group
Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities
CCRC
Part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community offering multiple care levels
Active Resident Council
Organized group of residents that meets regularly to discuss facility policies, quality of life, and activities.
Data sourced from CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics quarterly report. Payer mix reflects the current resident census by primary payment source.
Financial Trends
Historical financial and operational data for Friends House Retirement Community based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.
Occupancy Rate
75.2%
↑ 5.5pp vs 2023
Net Income
-$707.2K
↑ ~$472.2K vs 2023
Total Payroll
$9.3M
↑ ~$1.7M vs 2023
Profit Margin
-5.6%
↑ 5.0pp vs 2023
Finances and operations
Voluntary non-profit community
Home revenue
$17.9M
Operating deficit
-$707.2K
Voluntary non-profit community
Home revenue
$17.9M Rank #76 / 145Revenue — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 76th out of 145 homes in Maryland. Shows this facility's annual revenue compared to the Maryland SNF average. Higher revenue generally means more resources for staffing and capital — read alongside Payroll %.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Operating deficit
-$707.2K
Payroll costs
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Rank #54 / 145Payroll — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 54th out of 145 homes in Maryland. Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the Maryland average. Higher payroll investment relative to peers often signals better staffing and less reliance on cheaper contract labor.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
$9.3M
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Rank #54 / 145Payroll — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 54th out of 145 homes in Maryland. Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the Maryland average. Higher payroll investment relative to peers often signals better staffing and less reliance on cheaper contract labor.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Other operating costs
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$9.4M
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
Total costs
$18.7M
Who this home usually serves
Show admissions and discharges
TYPE OF STAY
Places of interest near Friends House Retirement Community
0.9 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Sandy Spring's city center to Friends House Retirement Community's address, calculated via Google Maps.
— 8.7 miles to nearest hospital (UM Laurel Medical Center)
Calculate Travel Distance to Friends House Retirement Community
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Financial Assistance for
Nursing Home in Maryland
Friends House Retirement Community is located in Sandy Spring, Maryland.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions about Friends House Retirement Community
What neighborhood is Friends House Retirement Community in?
Friends House Retirement Community is in the Sandy Spring neighborhood of Sandy Spring.
Is Friends House Retirement Community in a walkable area?
Friends House Retirement Community has a walk score of 6. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.
How many beds does Friends House Retirement Community have?
Friends House Retirement Community has 24 beds.
Are there photos of Friends House Retirement Community?
Yes — there are 4 photos of Friends House Retirement Community in the photo gallery on this page.
What is the phone number of Friends House Retirement Community?
(301) 924-5100 will put you in contact with the team at Friends House Retirement Community.
What county is Friends House Retirement Community located in?
Friends House Retirement Community is in Montgomery County.
Is Friends House Retirement Community Medicare or Medicaid certified?
Yes — Friends House Retirement Community is a CMS-certified provider of Medicare and Medicaid.
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