MyLivingChoice

Buckingham's Choice

3200 Baker Circle

4.1(24 ratings)

Buckingham's Choice, photo 11 / 5

Quick Facts

Total units
42
Medicare rating
5 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
Non profit, Corporation
Certified beds
42
Fee structure
Monthly fee stays fixed even if care needs increase
Campus type
Independent living, assisted living, and skilled care on one campus

What Families Think

Reviews of Buckingham's Choice are mixed, with praise for the campus setting, dining variety, and amenities in independent and assisted living, but real concerns raised about dining service management and about the quality of care in the skilled nursing/infirmary area. Several reviewers describe a decline after a change in management, and one described unresolved financial/estate issues.

The Good

  • Scenic 42-acre campus with walking trails and pond
  • Full-service dining room with multiple meal options
  • On-site gym, pool, and arts & crafts
  • Some residents report decades of happy tenure
  • Continuum of care from independent living to skilled nursing

The Bad

  • Multiple reviewers cite rude, dismissive restaurant staff and reservation problems
  • Reports of declining food quality and inconsistent portions since a management change
  • One report of unsanitary conditions and neglect in the infirmary/skilled care area
  • One report of long delays and unreturned calls regarding estate fund disbursement

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Buckingham's Choice is a senior living community in Adamstown, Maryland offering Assisted Living, Independent Living and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Guest Meals, Restaurant style Dining Room and Outdoor Patio. Families rate it 4.1 out of 5 across 24 reviews.

About Buckingham's Choice

Buckingham's Choice is a retirement community in Adamstown, Maryland, operated by Acts Retirement-Life Communities. The community offers independent living for adults 55 and older, with assisted living and skilled care available on campus for those who require supportive health services.

The community is situated on 42 scenic acres with panoramic views of the Sugarloaf and Catoctin Mountains, featuring beautiful walking trails and a private pond. Its location provides convenient access to both downtown Frederick and Washington, D.C., while maintaining a quiet, nature-focused setting removed from urban life.

Residents can choose from a variety of senior apartments and cottage homes, ranging from 835 square feet to over 3,000 square feet. Healthcare services including assisted living and skilled care are included in the existing monthly fee and provided directly on campus, with a dedicated medical team available for both short- and long-term care needs.

Monthly fees remain fixed regardless of any future transition to higher levels of care, protecting residents from increases due to healthcare needs. The community handles maintenance, snow removal, lawn care, and seasonal home ownership concerns on behalf of residents.

Acts Retirement-Life Communities, a not-for-profit organization, reports a 96% satisfaction rating among current residents. The community provides activities and social opportunities designed to engage residents' minds, bodies, and spirits as part of a flexible lifestyle focused on pursuing individual passions and enriching daily living.

Types of Care at Buckingham's Choice

Assisted LivingIndependent LivingSkilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Emergency Call System
  • Private Bathroom
  • Private Rooms
  • Washer & Dryer
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Meals & Dining

  • Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
  • Guest Meals
  • Restaurant style Dining Room

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Chapel / Religious Services
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry Service
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Nurse (RN)
  • Outdoor Patio
  • Salon / Barber
  • Security
  • Transportation Services
  • Walking Paths

Activities

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Birthday / Holiday Parties
  • Day Trips and Outings
  • Gardening Club
  • Grocery Shopping and Errands
  • Religious Services
  • Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)

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Help Me Choose

Reviews of Buckingham's Choice

4.1overall · 24 ratings combined

4.1★ on Google (24)

Merry Nicole

Oct 2024

via Google

Update 2: 10/29/24. Cottage has not sold, and the beneficiaries are still waiting. EDIT: I called the number provided below on 9/27 at 10:12 ET. I will update again after I receive a response. I am involved in an estate. The deceased passed in early 2022 and beneficiaries are still waiting for the funds to be released. It's been over a year and a half. Additionally, they won't return phone calls regarding the disposition of the funds. It's likely time to speak with an attorney and see if charges can be entered for fraud or theft.

Robert Balser

Sep 2023

via Google

The restaurant management (hostess and manager) are horrible! They are dismissive and rude. I am extremely upset they don't fulfill their promises to my mom when she moved in last year!!!Their reservation system is atrocious and antiquated. They continuously blame "corporate policies". They don't take responsibility for their failures. Mom moved into Buckingham's Choice several months ago. They had a policy of reservations @ the restaurant and Mom had a standing reservation @ 1700 hours for several weeks until the interim manager took over and cancelled that, claiming corporate policy. If she does not have a reservation she is often turned away and sent to the small cafe down the hall. Their food is not the same quality at all ... Portion control is inconsistent the overall quality is substandard. When she moved in, her meals were consistent and of good quality... as a result, her A1C decreased, along with her weight and Blood Pressure . I will not tolerate this substandard level of care for my mom!!! She does not hesitate to live up to her financial commitment monthly and your company should NOT fail to provide a promised service! Since the management team has faltered in the mission, mom's healthy eating has deteriorated significantly. The staff are so rude and dismissive that she feels intimidated and limits her restaurant time. She grocery shops and cooks for her self. as a result, NOT HEALTHY EATING!!! I was promised a call/email from your "Regional Manager" to discuss... THAT NEVER HAPPENED!!! ... My mom is soft spoken and quiet... I am not and I will stand up for her and her friends and neighbors who tell me when I visit they have the same concerns... If you people think an 80 year old can consistently remember to make a reservation for dinner you people need to be in a different line of work!!! I get it, staffing the restaurant is a problem, since... NOT MY MOTHERS PROBLEM!!! Although this is a 1 star rating, there is room for improvement and an amendment to this rating. Get your house in order people!!!

Callie C

Apr 2019

via Google

Beautiful, well maintained retirement community. Many activities available, gym, pool, gardening center, arts and crafts. On site coffee shop, bank, doctor's office by appointment. Dining room with full service has several options for each meal. Apartments in main building or bungalows surrounding amid landscaped gardens.

Rita Nambi McKee

Aug 2017

via Google

This place is a living hell. I have orientated there for three weeks and honestly, i don't know how they passed the state requirements. Most residents don't get proper care. There is no activities at all for them and from 2:30 pm. through 5:30 pm, Residents are just wondering all over the halls for what to do. The food is handled by almost every staff member. Residents complained about the food every evening and really it was nasty. This is not a good place for your parent, especially in long term care.

Eleanor Best

Mar 2017

via Google

I have had the privilege of visiting this facility to see a friend. 2 months ago She went there and loves it. It is clean, beautiful, wonderful, tasty, visually appealing menu and food. She has gained weight since joined them due to the food choices. Fresh fruits, vegetables not canned. Lovely dinning rooms, a place you look forward to going to eat. Rooms are bright and clean. Staff pleasant and ready to help. Now this is the assisted living area so can't comment on the skilled care side. Met someone that has been there 17yrs with her husband and loves it. I would highly recommend this facility for your loved one. By the way, the price is only a very slight increase over the very poor facilities in Frederick. Well worth it. ********* After my friend has been there for 2 yrs now and it recently went under new management I have seen a decline in care for my friend. She has deteriorated and has been in the infirmary part several times over the summer and in and out of the hosp. The care in the infirmary lacks alot. Dirty clothes, smelly left in bathroom. Found her in a wet bed up her back at 10am. This is unacceptable since she is dependent on their care. The people at the desk kept me standing several minutes when I tried to ask if she could get ready to go to an outside dr appointment. The conversation was obviously not work related. I just feel when they pay to have care and are elderly they need to get and expect prompt and good care..

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Government Inspection History

3 inspection visits in the last three years, 37 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Feb 17, 2026Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard11 citations
  • 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 Apr 2, 2026

  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Apr 2, 2026

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

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 2, 2026

  • Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 26, 2026

  • Construct fire resistant interior walls.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 2, 2026

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

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 2, 2026

  • Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 2, 2026

  • Meet other general requirements.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 2, 2026

  • Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 26, 2026

  • Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 26, 2026

  • Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 26, 2026

Nov 22, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard10 citations
  • To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 7, 2025

  • Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 7, 2025

  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 7, 2025

  • Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 7, 2025

  • Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 13, 2024

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

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 13, 2024

  • Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 13, 2024

  • 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 Dec 13, 2024

  • 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 Dec 13, 2024

  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 13, 2024

Aug 19, 2019Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard16 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 Oct 17, 2019

  • 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 Oct 17, 2019

  • Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 17, 2019

  • Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 17, 2019

  • 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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 17, 2019

  • Assure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 17, 2019

  • 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 Oct 17, 2019

  • 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 Oct 17, 2019

  • 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 Oct 17, 2019

  • Ensure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 17, 2019

  • 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 Oct 17, 2019

  • Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 17, 2019

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 17, 2019

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

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 30, 2019

  • Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 30, 2019

  • Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.

    Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 30, 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 Buckingham's Choice offer?

Buckingham's Choice offers Assisted Living, Independent Living and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is Buckingham's Choice located?

Buckingham's Choice is located at 3200 Baker Circle in Adamstown, Maryland.

What do families say about Buckingham's Choice?

Reviews of Buckingham's Choice are mixed, with praise for the campus setting, dining variety, and amenities in independent and assisted living, but real concerns raised about dining service management and about the quality of care in the skilled nursing/infirmary area. Several reviewers describe a decline after a change in management, and one described unresolved financial/estate issues.

How did Buckingham's Choice do on recent health and safety inspections?

Buckingham's Choice had 3 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 37 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 Buckingham's Choice?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Buckingham's Choice and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

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