MyLivingChoice

Friends House Retirement Community

17340 Quaker Lane

3.9(36 ratings)· Sandy Spring average: 4

Friends House Retirement Community, photo 11 / 5

Quick Facts

Total units
82
Medicare rating
5 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
Non profit, Church related
Certified beds
82
Religious affiliation
Quaker-founded community with Quaker philosophy
On-site therapy services
In-house physical, occupational and speech therapy
On-site physician
In-house physician oversees resident medical care

What Families Think

Friends House Retirement Community is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in Sandy Spring, Maryland, with a 3.9 out of 5 rating from 36 Google reviews. Reviewers consistently praise the compassionate, skilled nursing and therapy staff, the Quaker-rooted values that shape daily life, and a genuine sense of community for both rehab patients and long-term residents. A few mention that the physical building itself could use updating even though it's kept clean.

The Good

  • Compassionate, attentive nursing and rehab staff
  • Physical, occupational and speech therapy praised by families
  • Quaker-based values create a caring community culture
  • Life enrichment program with varied activities for residents
  • Accommodating dietary needs, including vegetarian meals
  • Hosts community wellness events with outside health vendors

The Bad

  • One reviewer noted the building's windows and bathrooms need updating

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Friends House Retirement Community is a senior living community in Sandy Spring, Maryland offering Independent Living and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Gathering / Activity Spaces, Social Activities and Housekeeping. Families rate it 3.9 out of 5 across 36 reviews.

About Friends House Retirement Community

Friends House Retirement Community is a skilled nursing and long-term care facility in Sandy Spring, Maryland, with capacity for 82 residents. It provides rehabilitation and ongoing nursing care for older adults recovering from acute illnesses and those with chronic conditions including dementia.

Families consistently praise the staff's compassion and clinical competence. Reviewers highlight nurses and aides who are patient, gentle, and attentive, one family noted the staff "surrounded her with compassion, skill, and genuine kindness" during their mother's recovery from pneumonia. Multiple families emphasized that the community prioritizes qualified personnel over surface-level aesthetics, with therapy departments delivering skilled rehabilitation alongside direct care. The facility also hosts community events like wellness expos that bring together health services and social connection.

Residents themselves report meaningful life changes, describing the community as fostering genuine connection with others who share similar values. The overall atmosphere reflects investment in both clinical quality and resident well-being. Friends House holds a 3.9 out of 5 Google rating based on 36 reviews.

Types of Care at Friends House Retirement Community

Independent LivingSkilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Emergency Call System
  • Private Rooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Meals & Dining

  • Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry Service
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Nurse (RN)

Activities

  • Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)

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Help Me Choose

Reviews of Friends House Retirement Community

3.9overall · 36 ratings combined

3.9★ on Google (36)

Karen Fink

May 2026

via Google

Thank you, Friends, for investing in high quality and compassionate health care providers. You are above and beyond so many other local facilities that stretch their staff thin and invest in surface level aesthetics over qualified personnel. From start to finish, the highly professional and empathetic staff in the rehab program treated my dad, their patient and my mom, his primary caregiver, with compassion. Intake with the director of nursing whose name begins with an “M”(sorry, we were all so stressed we couldn’t remember your name) was thorough and efficient. Nurses Dora, and Peter gave the most comprehensive care my dad has ever received over his last 5+ years of surgeries and rehab stints. Their deeply caring natures were palpable and put my parents at ease. In addition, the nurse practitioner whose child will be attending college in the fall (sorry, can’t remember her name, just her backstory and how incredibly knowledgeable, caring and humble she is) was beyond thorough and made both my parents feel supported and reassured. Thank you, Friends, for your thoughtful, thorough and compassionate care. Tom and Barb and both their daughters are eternally grateful.

Susan Sullivan

Mar 2026

via Google

My family has now had two experiences with Friends Rehabilitation Center, and I cannot say enough positive things about the care they provided to my Mom. My 87-year-old mother arrived there after a very serious case of pneumonia—she was extremely weak and weighed only 98 pounds. From the moment she arrived, the staff surrounded her with compassion, skill, and genuine kindness. The physical therapy, speech therapy, and nursing teams worked together beautifully to help her regain her strength. They didn’t just focus on her physical recovery—they helped restore her spirit as well. Thanks to their dedication, she gained weight, improved significantly, and truly began to feel like herself again. Friend’s has a Quaker philosophy and the community they have built truly sets them apart from other rehabilitation centers in the area. Also, my Mom is a vegetarian and so is the executive chef at Friends. He made meals for vegetarians that were appealing, delicious, nutritious and a nice variety. What also stands out is their life enrichment program. They offer a wide variety of activities for both rehab patients and long-term residents, creating a warm, engaging environment that goes far beyond basic care. It’s clear they care deeply about quality of life. The only downside is the facility itself, which could use some updates—particularly the windows and bathrooms. That said, everything is kept very clean, and the incredible staff more than make up for any physical shortcomings. In short, the people who work here are truly angels on earth. I am deeply grateful for the care they gave my mother.

Joe Rainey

Jan 2026

via Google

As I write this, I have just celebrated my first six months of life at Friends House. It has been a beautifully life-changing move. I had decided several months earlier that I was ready to sell my comfortable condo in Fairfax County Virginia where I had lived for 25 years, and find a home much closer to nature where I could experience real community with others who share my values, are active and engaged, and with whom I could build meaningful friendships. When a dear friend told me about Friends House, grounded in values that ground me, including simplicity, peace, equality, sustainability and stewardship, I was eager to see it for myself. When I came for my first visit, I felt a very clear leading, that this was what I was to do. Once I moved into my new home, I soon realized that the statement "Community through Caring" is much more than just a marketing slogan. It is actually a shared way of life here that includes those who live here and those who work here. Many people who know me have commented that, while I had seemed quite happy before, I somehow looked noticeably happier since I moved to Friends House. And I am. I am very grateful to be here as I begin this new chapter of my journey. Joe R., Friends House resident

Nick Porter

Apr 2025

via Google

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Friends House Wellness Expo—what a special event! The variety of vendors was truly impressive, ranging from home care to acupuncture, massage therapy, mobile prescriptions, and mental health services. Catia and Marie thought of everything—from shuttle services to a delicious homemade lunch. There was even a free sound bath demo! It was such a fantastic resource for the community, and I’m grateful to have been a part of the festivities. Not all communities go the extra mile to showcase such meaningful support for their residents the way Friends House does. Truly inspiring!

Donna Stocker

Feb 2025

via Google

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. Nurse Dora was so sweet and patient. She had a calming disposition and was easy to talk to. All the nursing aides who cared for her were kind and gentle.The physical therapy/occupational therapy department was amazing. Teresita, Linda and staff went out of their way to work with my mom. The in house physician Dr. Kim was very thorough and explained all aspects of her care and treatments. Everyone made sure she was as comfortable as possible during her stay. I would highly recommend Friends House!

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Government Inspection History

5 inspection visits in the last three years, 39 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

May 26, 2026Health Complaint1 citation
  • Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction

May 14, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard20 citations
  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 10, 2025

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

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 10, 2025

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

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 15, 2025

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

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 15, 2025

  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 15, 2025

  • 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.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 10, 2025

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 10, 2025

  • Keep all essential equipment working safely.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 10, 2025

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

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 10, 2025

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

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 10, 2025

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

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 10, 2025

  • Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 10, 2025

  • Meet other general requirements.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 15, 2025

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

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 15, 2025

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

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 15, 2025

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

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 15, 2025

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

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 15, 2025

  • Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 15, 2025

  • Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 15, 2025

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

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 10, 2025

Nov 8, 2024Health Complaint2 citations
  • Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 12, 2024

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

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 12, 2024

May 20, 2021Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard8 citations
  • Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 30, 2021

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

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 3, 2021

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

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 3, 2021

  • Construct fire resistant interior walls.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 30, 2021

  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

    Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jun 30, 2021

  • Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

    Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Jun 30, 2021

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

    Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Jun 30, 2021

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

    Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 3, 2021

Nov 21, 2019Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard8 citations
  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 15, 2020

  • 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.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 15, 2020

  • Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 31, 2019

  • Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

    Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 31, 2019

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

    Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 31, 2019

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

    Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 15, 2020

  • Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

    Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 15, 2020

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

    Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 31, 2019

Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does Friends House Retirement Community offer?

Friends House Retirement Community offers Independent Living and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is Friends House Retirement Community located?

Friends House Retirement Community is located at 17340 Quaker Lane in Sandy Spring, Maryland.

What do families say about Friends House Retirement Community?

Friends House Retirement Community is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in Sandy Spring, Maryland, with a 3.9 out of 5 rating from 36 Google reviews. Reviewers consistently praise the compassionate, skilled nursing and therapy staff, the Quaker-rooted values that shape daily life, and a genuine sense of community for both rehab patients and long-term residents. A few mention that the physical building itself could use updating even though it's kept clean.

How did Friends House Retirement Community do on recent health and safety inspections?

Friends House Retirement Community had 5 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 39 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.

How can families visit Friends House Retirement Community?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Friends House Retirement Community and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

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