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Nursing HomeMedicaid Top Rated

Friends Nursing Home

Strong Medicare quality ratings; families often praise compassionate and skilled rehabilitation/therapy teams. Still worth an in-person visit.

17340 Quaker Lane, Sandy Spring · Sandy Spring, MD 2086082 bedsLicensed & Active
5/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
3.9/5

based on 35 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1

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What this means for your family

This facility is an excellent choice for short-term rehabilitation and post-surgical recovery due to their highly-rated therapy and nursing teams. However, if you are planning a transition into assisted living, we recommend verifying all contractual terms in writing and ensuring you have a direct line of communication with the admissions office to avoid the administrative delays noted by other families.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

35 reviews on Google
Families considering Friends House can expect exceptional rehabilitation services and a highly compassionate nursing staff, particularly for post-surgery and post-injury recovery. While many residents praise the strong sense of community and professional therapy teams, some families have reported significant issues with administrative communication and contract disputes during transitions of care.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
Food9.0Staff9.0Clean8.0Activities9.0MedsN/AMemory8.0Comms4.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Compassionate and skilled rehabilitation/therapy teams
  • Friendly and attentive nursing and CNA staff
  • Responsive and knowledgeable maintenance crew
  • Strong sense of community and social engagement

Concerns

  • Administrative communication and responsiveness (mentioned by 3 reviewers)
  • Issues with transitions and contractual obligations (mentioned by 2 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

234'18(2)'20(2)'22(1)'24(7)'26(2)

Distribution · 30 analyzed

5
20
4
2
3
2
2
0
1
6

How They Respond to Reviews

63%response rate

This facility responds to some reviews.

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1We've heard wonderful things about the compassion of your therapy and rehab teams; could you tell us more about how they work with residents to meet their mobility goals?
  • 2Since your nursing and CNA staff are often described as so attentive, how do you ensure that level of care remains consistent during shift changes?
  • 3What is the best way for our family to stay in regular contact with the administration to ensure we are always updated on our loved one's progress?
  • 4Could you walk us through the protocols in place for handling medical emergencies or unexpected health changes during the night?
  • 5We love the idea of a strong sense of community here; what kind of social activities or group engagements are available to help residents stay connected?
  • 6How does the maintenance team work with residents to ensure their living spaces are always comfortable and well-kept?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

The physical therapy, speech therapy, and nursing teams worked together beautifully to help her regain her strength.

Long-term resident's family · 2026★★★★★

My 86 year old mom who suffers from dementia was at Friends House Rehabilitation/Nursing Home for six weeks after breaking her hip. What a wonderful place! I cannot say enough about the staff.

Rehab patient's family · 2025★★★★★

The staff was exceptionally friendly, courteous, accommodating and professionally competent. We thank you for great experience.

Long-term resident's family · 2025★★★★★
Source: 35 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.77hrs
OK
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
3.94hrs
96%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
18%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
0%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)

Total nursing hours are below minimum, though RN coverage is adequate. This may mean fewer aides for daily tasks like bathing and mobility.

Quality Measures

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

8deficiencies
8penalties
Well below state avg (18.9)
3 complaint-triggered
$22,965 in fines

Families filed complaints that led to findings about failure to properly report suspected abuse and neglect, with the same reporting issue cited twice in recent years. The facility shows recurring problems with fire safety systems, electrical equipment, and care planning across multiple surveys. While all deficiencies have correction dates, the pattern of repeated issues with safety systems and the complaint-triggered findings about abuse reporting warrant careful consideration during your visit.

May 14, 2025Routine
19
0914Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.

0918Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

0812Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

0353Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0761Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.

0584Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.

0004Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).

0100Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Construction Deficiencies

Meet other general requirements.

0211Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.

0223Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.

0355Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.

0362Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Ensure that corridors are separated from use areas by walls constructed to limit the passage of smoke.

0363Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

0923Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

0656Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

0657Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

0697Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

0880Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

0908Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Environmental Deficiencies

Keep all essential equipment working safely.

May 14, 2025Complaint
1
0609Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Nov 8, 2024Complaint
2
0609Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

May 20, 2021Routine
8
0331Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Construct fire resistant interior walls.

0919Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.

0655Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

0658Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

0353Minimal · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0355Minimal · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.

0923Minimal · PatternCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

0730Minimal · PatternCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.

Nov 21, 2019Routine
8
0812Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

0911Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.

0758Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

0321Minimal · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

0923Minimal · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

0291Minimal · PatternCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.

0551Minimal · PatternCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.

0641Minimal · PatternCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Federal Penalties

Fine

Nov 20, 2023

$3,904

Fine

Nov 13, 2023

$3,496

Fine

Nov 6, 2023

$3,208

Fine

Oct 30, 2023

$2,857

Fine

Oct 23, 2023

$2,447

Fine

Oct 17, 2023

$2,098

Fine

Oct 10, 2023

$1,810

Fine

Sep 18, 2023

$3,145

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Friends Nursing Home

Organization Type

nonprofit

Ownership & Management

Key personnel

Harrington, KevinW-2 Managing EmployeeRuff, VirginiaW-2 Managing EmployeeAnthony, KendallOfficer / DirectorBell, JamesOfficer / DirectorGibian, BarbaraOfficer / Director
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

Get in Touch

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References & Resources

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