Friends House Retirement Community

Retirement Community in Sandy Spring

CMS overall rating Info 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

Retirement Community in Sandy Spring

CMS overall rating Info 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.
Calculator: See prices in your area
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.

(301) 924-5100

Quality ratings

Measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Overall rating Info 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.
5/5 ▲ 1.6 Maryland average: 3.4/5
Health Inspection Info 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.
4/5 ▲ 0.8 Maryland average: 3.2/5
Staffing Info 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.
5/5 ▲ 1.5 Maryland average: 3.5/5
Quality Measures Info 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.
4/5 ▲ 0.3 Maryland average: 3.7/5

Staffing hours breakdown

Info 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.

Hours per resident per day — compared to Maryland state averages

Total nursing care / resident Info This home is ranked 20th out of 106 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 #20 / 106Nurse hours — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 20th out of 106 homes in Maryland.Shows adjusted nurse hours per resident per day benchmarked to the Maryland average, with a ranking across 106 Maryland SNFs. More hours mean more direct care. The national average is about 3.5 hrs; below 3.0 is a red flag.
This facility Maryland avg (4h 17m per day)
vs Maryland avg
-1%
Staff typeHours / dayvs state avg
Total Nursing (Weekend) Info 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

Capacity and availability

This home usually has availability

Occupancy lower than 85% suggests more openings may be available.

Lower occupancy than the Maryland average: 82.4%
Occupancy rate 75.2% Rank #73 / 109Occupancy rate — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 73rd out of 109 homes in Maryland.Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the Maryland average, with its statewide rank out of 109. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.
Avg. Length of Stay 90 days
Occupancy rate
75.2% Rank #73 / 109Occupancy rate — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 73rd out of 109 homes in Maryland.Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the Maryland average, with its statewide rank out of 109. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.
Avg. Length of Stay
90 days

Who this home usually serves

TYPE OF STAY

Mostly short-term rehab stays

Most residents typically stay for a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on.

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

Finances and operations

Voluntary non-profit community
Home revenue
$17.9M
Operating deficit
-$707.2K
Voluntary non-profit community
Home revenue
$17.9M Rank #81 / 109Revenue — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 81st out of 109 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 %.
Operating deficit
-$707.2K
Payroll costs Info The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations. Rank #34 / 109Payroll — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 34th out of 109 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.
$7.2M
39.9% of revenue Rank #8 / 109Payroll % — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 8th out of 109 homes in Maryland.Shows payroll as a percentage of revenue versus the Maryland average. Well-run SNFs often land around 55–65%. Below 25% may signal understaffing or heavy agency use — read with Staffing ratings.
Other operating costs Info All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$11.5M
Total costs $18.7M
Bed community size
24-bed community
A smaller, more intimate setting that may offer a quieter environment and closer staff-resident interactions.
Years in operation
20 years in operation
A longer operating history, which may indicate experience navigating regulations and delivering ongoing care.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 6 / 100 Rank #90 / 91Walk Score — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 90th out of 91 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.
Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

Services

24-hour Awake Staff
Alzheimer's Care
Barber Services
Beauty Services
Behavioral Management
Catheter Care
Colostomy Care
Decubitus Care

About this community

License Details

CountyMontgomery

Ownership & Operating Entity

Profit Statusfalse

Room costs

Private Room $220 - $220 per day
Semi-Private Room $180 - $180 per day

Hospice Affiliations

Holy Cross Home Care & Hospice
Montgomery Hospice & Prince George's Hospice

Staffing

Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.

Leadership

CNA Training Program

Memory & Specialized Care

3 services
Mild Alzheimer's Level
Moderate Alzheimer's Level
Severe Alzheimer's Level

Additional Policies & Features

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

Amenities & Lifestyle

Dining
Activities
Artspace
Elephant Shop
Support
Community Resources
Specific ProgramsEvents

Types of Care at Friends House Retirement Community

Assisted Living Skilled Nursing

Contact Friends House Retirement Community

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%

Health Inspection History

Inspections
Total health inspections 4

Maryland average 3.9


Last Health inspection on May 2025

Total health citations
17 Rank #7 / 108Health citations — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 7th out of 108 homes in Maryland.Shows this facility's total health deficiency citations benchmarked to the Maryland state average, with a ranking across all 108 MD SNFs. Lower citation counts earn a better rank.

Maryland average 49.9

Citations per inspection
4.25 Rank #3 / 108Citations per inspection — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 3rd out of 108 homes in Maryland.Shows average deficiency citations per CMS inspection for this facility versus the Maryland mean across 108 SNFs with citation data. Lower is better.

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 3 years)
Critical Health citations More info
0
100% better than Maryland average

Maryland average: 0.5


Serious Health citations More info 0
100% better than Maryland average

Maryland average: 0.6

0 critical citations More info Maryland average: 0.5

0 serious citations More info Maryland average: 0.6

14 moderate citations More info Maryland average: 47.2

3 minor citations More info Maryland average: 1.7
Citations history (last 3 years)
Abuse/Neglect moderate citation Info Issues related to protecting resident's from harm, including abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. May 14, 2025
Corrected

Environmental moderate citation Info Issues related to building safety, cleanliness, maintenance, and overall living conditions. May 14, 2025
Corrected

Infection Control moderate citation Info Issues related to preventing and controlling infections, including hygiene practices and safety protocols. May 14, 2025
Corrected

Nutrition moderate citation Info Issues related to food quality, meal service, and resident's nutritional needs. May 14, 2025
Corrected

Financial Assistance for
Retirement Community in Maryland

Friends House Retirement Community is located in Sandy Spring, Maryland.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Maryland.

Get Financial aid guidance

Community Options Waiver

Maryland Medicaid Community Options Waiver

Age 65+ or disabled
General Maryland resident, Medicaid- eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple) (excludes home, car).
MD

High urban demand; rural outreach efforts.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day, e.g., bathing, dressing) Respite care (up to 240 hours/year) Adult day care ($70/day) Home modifications ($1,500 avg.)

Senior Care Program

Maryland Senior Care

Age 65+
General Maryland resident, at risk of nursing home placement.
Income Limits ~$2,000/month individual, varies by county
Asset Limits $11,000 individual
MD

Limited funding; waitlists common in high-demand areas.

Benefits
In-home care (3-5 hours/week) Respite care (up to 10 days/year) Meals (~$6/meal) Transportation (~5 trips/month) Case management

Maryland Nursing Home Medicaid

Maryland Medical Assistance (Medicaid) Nursing Home Program

Age 65+
General Maryland resident, Medicaid-eligible, requires nursing home-level care.
Income Limits (2025) $943/month (individual); most income applied to care costs.
Asset Limits $2,500 (individual), $3,000 (couple); spousal protections up to $155,356.
MD

Home equity limit $636,000; estate recovery applies post-55.

Benefits
24/7 nursing care Meals Therapy Medications (unlimited per medical need)

Senior Assisted Living Subsidy Program

Maryland Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy

Age 62+
General Maryland resident, in or moving to approved assisted living, low/moderate income.
Income Limits (2025) ~$34,000/year individual, varies by county
Asset Limits Not strict; prioritizes low-income.
MD

Not available statewide; facility must be licensed by MDH.

Benefits
Personal care Meals 24-hour supervision (up to $1,500/month subsidy typical)

Veterans Aid and Attendance (A&A) Benefit

Maryland VA Aid and Attendance

Age
General Wartime veteran/spouse, age 65+ or disabled, needs ADL help, Maryland resident.
Income Limits (2025) Net income minus medical expenses < $1,984/month individual with A&A
Asset Limits $155,356 net worth limit
MD

High veteran population in suburban/rural areas.

Benefits
Cash benefit ($1,478-$2,471/month, varies by status) for care costs

Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP)

Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program

Age 65+
General Maryland resident (6+ months), Medicare Part D enrolled.
Income Limits (2025) $48,560/year individual, 300% FPL
Asset Limits None specified.
MD

Supplements Medicare Part D; annual enrollment required.

Benefits
Up to $40/month premium subsidy Reducing drug costs

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)

Maryland Medicare Savings Programs

Age 65+
General Maryland resident, Medicare Part A/B enrollee.
Income Limits (2025) $2,014/month (QMB), $2,706/month (SLMB/QI, individual).
Asset Limits $9,090 (individual), $13,630 (couple).
MD

Includes QMB, SLMB, QI categories.

Benefits
Covers premiums (up to $174.70/month Part B) Co-pays Deductibles

Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS)

Maryland Medicaid Community Personal Assistance Services

Age 65+
General Maryland resident, Medicaid-eligible, needs ADL assistance.
Income Limits (2025) $943/month (individual); spend-down available.
Asset Limits $2,500 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
MD

Consumer-directed option allows hiring family caregivers.

Benefits
Personal care (hours vary, typically 20-30/week) Chores Nurse supervision

Places of interest near Friends House Retirement Community

Address 0.9 miles from city center Info 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

Add your location

Address

Staffing Data (Q2 2025)

This data corresponds to Q2 2025 and is based on CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

Total staff 117
Employees 102
Contractors 15
Staff to resident ratio 1.72:1
5% worse than Maryland average

Maryland average ratio: 1.81:1

Avg staff/day 43
Average shift 7.3 hours
9% worse than Maryland average

Maryland average: 8 hours

Total staff hours (quarter) 28,750
Nursing staff breakdown
Registered Nurse

Manages medical care and health needs.

Total count 12
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 7.7 hours

No contractors work on this role.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Assists with medical care and medications.

Total count 23
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 7.9 hours

No contractors work on this role.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Helps with daily care and mobility.

Total count 50
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 7.3 hours

No contractors work on this role.

Contractor staffing

Total hours from contractors

8.7%

2,489 contractor hours this quarter

Respiratory Therapy Technician: 4 Physical Therapy Assistant: 3 Qualified Social Worker: 3 Mental Health Service Worker: 2 Physical Therapy Aide: 1 Occupational Therapy Assistant: 1 Medical Director: 1
Staff by category
Certified Nursing Assistant5005013,90691100%7.3
Licensed Practical Nurse230235,55791100%7.9
Registered Nurse120122,39491100%7.7
Other Dietary Services Staff8081,87591100%7.9
Respiratory Therapy Technician0441,3118088%5.6
Clinical Nurse Specialist5051,1818796%8.4
Physical Therapy Aide0114746369%7.5
Physical Therapy Assistant0334616976%6.6
Administrator1014435965%7.5
Nurse Practitioner1014055459%7.5
Dental Services Staff1012913134%9.4
Occupational Therapy Aide1012105156%4.1
Qualified Social Worker0331604549%3.5
Mental Health Service Worker02235910%3.9
Medical Director011261011%2.6
Occupational Therapy Assistant0112433%8
50 Certified Nursing Assistant
% of Days 100%
23 Licensed Practical Nurse
% of Days 100%
12 Registered Nurse
% of Days 100%
8 Other Dietary Services Staff
% of Days 100%
4 Respiratory Therapy Technician
% of Days 88%
5 Clinical Nurse Specialist
% of Days 96%
1 Physical Therapy Aide
% of Days 69%
3 Physical Therapy Assistant
% of Days 76%
1 Administrator
% of Days 65%
1 Nurse Practitioner
% of Days 59%
1 Dental Services Staff
% of Days 34%
1 Occupational Therapy Aide
% of Days 56%
3 Qualified Social Worker
% of Days 49%
2 Mental Health Service Worker
% of Days 10%
1 Medical Director
% of Days 11%
1 Occupational Therapy Assistant
% of Days 3%

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.

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 Info 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 average

Maryland average: 12.9

Functional decline score Info A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence. 29.6
15% worse than Maryland average

Maryland average: 25.7

Long-stay resident measures
Need for Help with Daily Activities Increased Info Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased 31.8%
34% worse than Maryland average

Maryland average: 23.7%

Walking Ability Worsened Info Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened 33.9%
22% worse than Maryland average

Maryland average: 27.7%

Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence Info Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder 23.0%
11% better than Maryland average

Maryland average: 25.9%

Falls with Major Injury Info Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury 1.9%
17% better than Maryland average

Maryland average: 2.3%

High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers Info Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers 4.9%
26% better than Maryland average

Maryland average: 6.5%

Urinary Tract Infection Info Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection 2.5%
53% worse than Maryland average

Maryland average: 1.6%

Lost Too Much Weight Info Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight 2.6%
55% better than Maryland average

Maryland average: 5.8%

Depressive Symptoms Info Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms 0.0%
100% better than Maryland average

Maryland average: 20.2%

Antipsychotic Use Info Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication 14.7%
14% worse than Maryland average

Maryland average: 12.9%

Pneumococcal Vaccine Info Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 97.6%
6% better than Maryland average

Maryland average: 92.0%

Influenza Vaccine Info Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 100.0%
In line with Maryland average

Maryland average: 96.6%

Short-stay resident measures
Pneumococcal Vaccine Info Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 80.5%
In line with Maryland average

Maryland average: 78.4%

Antipsychotic medication increase Info Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication 2.4%
75% worse than Maryland average

Maryland average: 1.4%

Influenza Vaccine Info Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 80.7%
In line with Maryland average

Maryland average: 80.6%

Penalties and fines

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
63% lower than Maryland average

Maryland average: $61K

Number of fines 8
437% more fines than Maryland average

Maryland average: 1.5

Payment Denials Info Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed. 0
100% fewer payment denials than Maryland average

Maryland 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 Info Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation. Nov 20, 2023
$4K
Civil Money Penalty Info Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation. Nov 13, 2023
$3K
Civil Money Penalty Info Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation. Nov 6, 2023
$3K
Civil Money Penalty Info Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation. Oct 30, 2023
$3K

Last updated: Jan 2026

Compare Retirement Community around Sandy Spring The information below is reported by the Maryland Department of Health, Office of Health Care Quality.

Filter by care type
Friends House Retirement Community
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Sandy Spring24No 6 -20
6%

Male Residents — State Benchmarked 6% of residents are male, compared to the Maryland average of 31%. This facility caters to a majority female resident pool (94% female), consistent with the broader assisted living trend where women significantly outnumber men.

94%

Female Residents — State Benchmarked 94% of residents are female, compared to the Maryland average of 69%. Women comprise the large majority, consistent with national assisted living demographics where women live longer and enter care facilities at higher rates.

94%

White Residents — State Benchmarked 94% of residents are reported as White, compared to the Maryland average of 81%. A higher White share than is typical for assisted living in Maryland in this dataset — compare with peer facilities for local context.

6%

Other Ethnicity Residents — State Benchmarked 6% of residents fall into categories other than White or African American (combined), compared to the Maryland average of 7%. This column aggregates Hispanic, Asian, multiracial, and any other labeled groups that are not classified as White or African American. Reported subgroups in this total: Asian (6%).

6%

Residents Age 65–74 — State Benchmarked 6% of residents are 65–74, compared to the Maryland average of 12%. Fewer younger seniors suggests the resident population skews older, likely requiring higher acuity care and more hands-on support.

18%

Residents Age 75–84 — State Benchmarked 18% of residents are 75–84, compared to the Maryland average of 31%. Below the state norm — the resident mix may skew either younger or older than this typical middle bracket.

53%

Residents Age 85–94 — State Benchmarked 53% of residents are 85–94, compared to the Maryland average of 44%. A high concentration of very elderly residents signals a higher-acuity facility with experience caring for advanced age-related needs.

24%

Residents Age 95+ — State Benchmarked 24% of residents are 95 or older, compared to the Maryland average of 16%. A high proportion of the oldest-old suggests strong end-of-life care experience and very-high-acuity capabilities.

Guides for Better Senior Living

Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area

Nursing Home Data Explorer

Don’t Wait Too Long: 7 Red Flag Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living Now

The True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025 – And How Families Are Paying For It

Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance

Explore Open Rooms
1 Contact details
2 What type of senior care service are you looking for?
3 What budget do you have in mind for senior care?
4 How soon do you need to find care?
5 Additional details

Thank you for your interest!

Our team will be in touch shortly to help with next steps.