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Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek

All states › Maryland › Frederick › Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek

347 Ballenger Drive Frederick, MD 21701 · Frederick County

(301) 663-5181

All 6 nursing homes in Frederick, MD (6 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 130 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 215001 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

Ratings come from CMS and are updated monthly; these are from October 2026. Check the latest inspection report and visit in person before you decide.

Is Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record

There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 3 out of 5 stars overall, about the same as the Maryland average of 3.2. Inspectors issued 71 citations in the last three years. CMS reports no fines or payment denials in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 5 out of 5; for long-term residents, 4 out of 5.

Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.

Staffing

Nursing staff spend about 3.71 hours per resident per day at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek, about the same as the Maryland median of 3.70 (US median: 3.72). About 0.66 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.38 hours, 9% below its all-week average. 32.1% of nursing staff left within a year (Maryland median 40.9%).

Nursing care per resident per day 3.71 hours
About the Maryland median Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.66 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.38 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 32.1% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 25% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 0 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds130
Residents per day 114 About 88% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Individual
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceDecember 1969
Part of a chainAutumn Lake Healthcare
Legal business name347 BALLENGER OPCO LLC

Paying for care at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek: Medicare and Medicaid

Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet Maryland's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.

In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.

Health inspections

The most recent standard inspection was on June 30, 2026 and found 16 deficiencies, plus 6 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 71 citations in the last three years.

Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.

What the inspections found

Over the last three years, inspectors issued 71 citations at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek across 5 inspection dates, 11 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on November 15, 2022. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (17) and resident assessment and care planning (16). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors" (tag F0760, level J, November 15, 2022). 7 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

June 30, 2026 · 16 citations

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

DHonor 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

DAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0636 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

DAssess the resident when there is a significant change in condition

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0637 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

DEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0805 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 14, 2026)

June 4, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

EEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 10, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 10, 2026)

November 20, 2025 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection

DHonor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0585 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2026)

DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2026)

DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2026)

June 30, 2025 · 25 citations · includes complaint inspection

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

FEducate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0887 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

ERespond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

EAssess the resident when there is a significant change in condition

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0637 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

EEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

EProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

EEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

DHonor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0557 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

DHonor 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

DHonor 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

DHonor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0585 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

DAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0636 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

DEnsure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0740 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

DEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0756 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

DKeep all essential equipment working safely.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0908 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 1, 2025)

November 15, 2022 · 24 citations, includes immediate jeopardy

JEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Immediate jeopardy · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Past Non-Compliance (Jun 15, 2022)

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

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

FDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0607 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0730 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 16, 2023)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

EProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

DHonor 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

DHonor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0585 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 16, 2023)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

DEnsure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0680 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

DEnsure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0711 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

DEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0756 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

DImplement 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

DHave a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0865 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

CPost nurse staffing information every day.

Potential for minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0732 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

BLet each resident or the resident's legal representative access or purchase copies of all the resident's records.

Potential for minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0573 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 16, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on November 15, 2022 under the rule on pharmacy service. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on November 20, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  4. When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?

Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.

Fines and payment denials

CMS reports no fines or payment denials for this home in the last three years.

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 3/5 2/5 3/5 5/5
August 2026 2/5 1/5 3/5 5/5
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Location

Hospitals near Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek

The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.

Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.

Nearby nursing homes

Northampton Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Frederick · 3.7 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 4/5 196 beds · Medicaid
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Glade Valley Walkersville · 4.2 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 124 beds · Medicaid
Frederick Crossing of Journey Frederick · 5.2 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 2/5 120 beds · Medicaid
Homewood Living Frederick Frederick · 5.3 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 5/5 120 beds · Medicaid
Citizens Care and Rehabilitation Center of Frederi Frederick · 5.5 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 4/5 170 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek ›   All nursing homes in Frederick ›

Compare Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

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Other Autumn Lake Healthcare nursing homes in Maryland

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 59 Autumn Lake Healthcare nursing homes ›

Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.

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https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/maryland/frederick/autumn-lake-healthcare-at-ballenger-creek/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.