All states › Maryland › Frederick › Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek
347 Ballenger Drive Frederick, MD 21701 · Frederick County
All 6 nursing homes in Frederick, MD (6 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 215001 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
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.
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%).
About this nursing home
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.
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.
DAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
DAssess the resident when there is a significant change in condition
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
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.
DEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
June 4, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
EEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
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.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
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.
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.
ERespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
EAssess the resident when there is a significant change in condition
EEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
EProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
EEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
ESafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DHonor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
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.
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.
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.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
DEnsure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
DEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
DKeep all essential equipment working safely.
November 15, 2022 · 24 citations, includes immediate jeopardy
JEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
FDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
FObserve each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
EDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
EProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
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.
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.
DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
DEnsure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.
DEnsure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.
DEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
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.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
DHave a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
CPost nurse staffing information every day.
BLet each resident or the resident's legal representative access or purchase copies of all the resident's records.
Questions to ask on a tour of Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek
- 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?
- CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on November 20, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
- 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 month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
-
4.2 mi
Frederick Memorial Hospital FrederickEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 3h 50m for patients treated and sent home
-
17.1 mi
Holy Cross Germantown Hospital GermantownEmergency room ★☆☆☆☆ Medicare overall 1 of 5Median ER visit 3h 53m for patients treated and sent home
- 20.1 mi
Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.
Nearby nursing homes
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 ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Homewood Living Frederick · Frederick · 5 stars · 5.3 mi
- Citizens Care and Rehabilitation Center of Frederi · Frederick · 5 stars · 5.5 mi
- Willowbrooke CT Skilled Care Buckingham's Choice · Adamstown · 5 stars · 8.3 mi
- Autumn Lake Healthcare at Braddock Heights · Frederick · 4 stars · 9.3 mi
Other Autumn Lake Healthcare nursing homes in Maryland
- Advanced Rehab at Autumn Lake Healthcare · Lutherville · 5 stars
- Autumn Lake Healthcare at Pikesville · Pikesville · 5 stars
- Autumn Lake Healthcare at Waugh Chapel · Gambrills · 5 stars
- Autumn Lake Healthcare at Cherry Lane · Laurel · 5 stars
- Autumn Lake Healthcare at Parkville · Baltimore · 5 stars
- Autumn Lake Healthcare at Long View · Manchester · 4 stars
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.