All states › Maryland › Sykesville › Autumn Lake Healthcare at Birch Manor
7309 Second Avenue Sykesville, MD 21784 · Carroll County
All 3 nursing homes in Sykesville, MD (3 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 215136 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Autumn Lake Healthcare at Birch Manor 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 Birch Manor 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 3.21 hours per resident per day at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Birch Manor, below the Maryland median of 3.70 (US median: 3.72). About 0.46 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 2.87 hours, 11% below its all-week average. 31.9% of nursing staff left within a year (Maryland median 40.9%).
About this nursing home
Paying for care at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Birch Manor: Medicare and Medicaid
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Birch Manor 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 11, 2025 and found 17 deficiencies, plus 8 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 87 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 87 citations at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Birch Manor across 6 inspection dates, 10 of them from complaint investigations. None were at the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy levels; 84 were "potential for more than minimal harm" (D–F) and 3 were minimal (A–C). The most common areas cited were resident rights (24) and quality of life and care (16). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals" (tag F0657, level F, June 11, 2025). 7 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
July 16, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
November 20, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
June 11, 2025 · 22 citations · includes complaint inspection
FDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
EHonor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.
EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
EProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DProperly hold, secure, and manage each resident's personal money which is deposited with the nursing home.
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.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
DProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
DProvide or obtain dental services for each resident.
DEnsure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
DProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
DSet up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.
DHave the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
DProvide enough power supply for lighting all entrances and exits; equipment for fire detection and alarm systems, and extinguishers.
November 4, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
EHonor 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.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
June 9, 2021 · 22 citations
ECreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
EDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
ESafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DGive residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
DKeep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
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.
DNot transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.
DProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
DPrepare residents for a safe transfer or discharge from the nursing home.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DProvide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
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 each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
DConduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.
DHave enough outside ventilation via a window or mechanical ventilation, or both.
DGive their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
August 3, 2018 · 38 citations
FCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
FDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
FDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
FSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
FKeep all essential equipment working safely.
EImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
EHonor 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.
EEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
EImplement 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.
EEnsure 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.
EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
EHave the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
EImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
DAllow resident to participate in the development and implementation of his or her person-centered plan of care.
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
DHonor the resident's right to share a room with spouse or roommate of choice and receive written notice before a change is made.
DProperly hold, secure, and manage each resident's personal money which is deposited with the nursing home.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
DNot transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.
DProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
DPrepare residents for a safe transfer or discharge from the nursing home.
DEncode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
DEnsure a qualified health professional conducts resident assessments.
DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
DProvide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
DEnsure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.
DProvide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia.
DEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
DMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
CNotify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
CPost nurse staffing information every day.
CEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
Questions to ask on a tour of Autumn Lake Healthcare at Birch Manor
- CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on July 16, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- CMS rates staffing 2 out of 5. How many residents does each nurse aide care for on day, evening and night shifts?
- 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 | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| August 2026 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Add this rating badge to your websiteFree. Shows Autumn Lake Healthcare at Birch Manor's Medicare star rating and updates itself.
Size and colour
Preview
Paste it where the badge should appear: in WordPress, a Custom HTML block or a footer widget; on other sites, any spot that accepts HTML. The badge updates itself when CMS publishes new ratings.
Location
Hospitals near Autumn Lake Healthcare at Birch Manor
The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.
- 1.0 mi
-
10.3 mi
Northwest Hospital Center RandallstownEmergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5Median ER visit 4h 11m for patients treated and sent home
-
12.1 mi
Howard County General Hospital ColumbiaEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 4h 26m for patients treated and sent home
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 Birch Manor › All nursing homes in Sykesville ›
Compare Autumn Lake Healthcare at Birch Manor with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Future Care Cherrywood · Reisterstown · 5 stars · 9.7 mi
- Willowbrooke Court Skilled Care Center Fairhaven · Sykesville · 4 stars · 0.1 mi
- Encore at Turf Valley · Ellicott City · 4 stars · 6.5 mi
- Lorien Health Systems Mt Airy · Mount Airy · 4 stars · 9.7 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.