WILLOWBROOKE CT SKILLED CARE BUCKINGHAM'S CHOICE
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Willowbrooke Ct Skilled Care in Adamstown, Maryland, has a Trust Grade of B+, indicating it is above average and recommended for families considering care options. It ranks #48 out of 219 facilities in Maryland, placing it in the top half, and #2 out of 8 in Frederick County, meaning only one local facility is rated higher. The facility is improving, with issues decreasing from 13 in 2019 to just 6 in 2024. Staffing is a strong point, with a 5-star rating and only 5% turnover, far below the state average of 40%, which suggests stable and experienced staff. While there have been no fines, there were some concerns identified in inspections. For example, staff failed to label and date food items in the kitchen, which could pose safety risks. Additionally, the facility did not accurately code assessments for some residents, affecting their care plans. Overall, Willowbrooke Ct has notable strengths in staffing and overall ratings, but families should be aware of the areas needing improvement.
- Trust Score
- B+
- In Maryland
- #48/219
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 5% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 43 points below Maryland's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Maryland facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 88 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Maryland nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 29 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Low Staff Turnover (5%) · Staff stability means consistent care
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (5%)
43 points below Maryland average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 29 deficiencies on record
Nov 2024
6 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interviews, record reviews and observations, it was determined that the facility failed to: 1) have quarterly care plan...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on review of the facility investigation, record review, observation and interview. It was determined that the facility failed to provide a safe environment to prevent an elopement incident from ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** :
Based on record reviews, interviews and a review of the facility's investigation, it was determined that the facility failed t...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record reviews and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive person...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and observation, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that food was delivered to residents at an appropriate and palatable temperature. This was evident for 1 out of...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to store and label food items to maintain the integrity of the specific item. This was evident during the initial t...
Read full inspector narrative →
Aug 2019
13 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed ensure that a resident's cu...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed to immediately notify the physician of multiple resident refusal of a prescribed treatment. This wa...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed to provide residents with a clean, homelike environment. This was evident for 2 (#8 and #230) of 28 residents...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0638
(Tag F0638)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined the facility staff failed to conduct an accurate, assessment by failing to assess a resident's cognition and mood on a quarterly M...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0655
(Tag F0655)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on medical record and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed to develop baseline care plans tha...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2) On [DATE] at 8:35 AM, review of Resident #1's medical record revealed that Resident #1 often refused to wear a left palm prot...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3) A record review on 8/16/19 at 9:25 PM, revealed a progress note, dated 3/24/2019 at 7:53AM, that documented Resident #6 was f...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interview, it was determined that facility staff failed to provide care and treatment to a resi...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0661
(Tag F0661)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that a pertinent medical discha...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff, 1) failed to ensure a physician provide documented clinical rational for residents receiving psychotropic...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to document in the medical record when a resident refused neurological checks after an unwitnessed fall. This was...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on facility documentation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to have all infection control policies and procedures updated on an annual basis. This was evident for t...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on surveyor observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed to properly label, and date food items stored in the main kitchen. This was evident during the initi...
Read full inspector narrative →
Jun 2018
10 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on surveyor observation, it was determined that the facility staff failed to maintain all wall surfaces free of disrepair. This was observed in one resident room (#11) and hallway corridor durin...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined the facility staff failed to ensure Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments were accurately coded. This was evident for 1 (#16, #20, #2...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0645
(Tag F0645)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to re-screen a resident for mental ill...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on review of the medical record and interview with staff, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the residents' drug regimens were free from unnecessary psychotropic drugs by ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to keep complete and accurate med...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, medical record review, resident and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive person-centered care plans. This was evident for...
Read full inspector narrative →
MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0577
(Tag F0577)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to have the results of the most recent complaint survey posted in the survey binder that was accessible to residents, fa...
Read full inspector narrative →
MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to notify the resident/resident representative in writing of a transfer/discharge of a resident along wit...
Read full inspector narrative →
MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0655
(Tag F0655)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to provide a resident/resident represe...
Read full inspector narrative →
MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on observations of the facility's kitchen and food services, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain food service equipment in a manner that ensured sanitary food service operatio...
Read full inspector narrative →
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • Grade B+ (85/100). Above average facility, better than most options in Maryland.
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Maryland facilities.
- • 5% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 43 points below Maryland's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 29 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Willowbrooke Ct Skilled Care Buckingham'S Choice's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns WILLOWBROOKE CT SKILLED CARE BUCKINGHAM'S CHOICE an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Maryland, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This rating reflects solid performance across the metrics CMS uses to evaluate nursing home quality.
How is Willowbrooke Ct Skilled Care Buckingham'S Choice Staffed?
CMS rates WILLOWBROOKE CT SKILLED CARE BUCKINGHAM'S CHOICE's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 5%, compared to the Maryland average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Willowbrooke Ct Skilled Care Buckingham'S Choice?
State health inspectors documented 29 deficiencies at WILLOWBROOKE CT SKILLED CARE BUCKINGHAM'S CHOICE during 2018 to 2024. These included: 25 with potential for harm and 4 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Willowbrooke Ct Skilled Care Buckingham'S Choice?
WILLOWBROOKE CT SKILLED CARE BUCKINGHAM'S CHOICE is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility is operated by ACTS RETIREMENT-LIFE COMMUNITIES, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 42 certified beds and approximately 25 residents (about 60% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in ADAMSTOWN, Maryland.
How Does Willowbrooke Ct Skilled Care Buckingham'S Choice Compare to Other Maryland Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Maryland, WILLOWBROOKE CT SKILLED CARE BUCKINGHAM'S CHOICE's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (5%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (4 stars) is above the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Willowbrooke Ct Skilled Care Buckingham'S Choice?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?"
Is Willowbrooke Ct Skilled Care Buckingham'S Choice Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, WILLOWBROOKE CT SKILLED CARE BUCKINGHAM'S CHOICE has a clean safety record: no substantiated abuse findings (meaning no confirmed cases of resident harm), no Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death), and is not on the Special Focus Facility watch list (a federal program monitoring the lowest-performing 1% of nursing homes). The facility has a 5-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in Maryland. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Willowbrooke Ct Skilled Care Buckingham'S Choice Stick Around?
Staff at WILLOWBROOKE CT SKILLED CARE BUCKINGHAM'S CHOICE tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 5%, the facility is 41 percentage points below the Maryland average of 46%. Low turnover is a positive sign. It means caregivers have time to learn each resident's needs, medications, and personal preferences. Consistent staff also notice subtle changes in a resident's condition more quickly. Registered Nurse turnover is also low at 17%, meaning experienced RNs are available to handle complex medical needs.
Was Willowbrooke Ct Skilled Care Buckingham'S Choice Ever Fined?
WILLOWBROOKE CT SKILLED CARE BUCKINGHAM'S CHOICE has no federal fines on record. CMS issues fines when nursing homes fail to meet care standards or don't correct problems found during inspections. The absence of fines suggests the facility has either maintained compliance or corrected any issues before penalties were assessed. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review recent inspection reports for the full picture.
Is Willowbrooke Ct Skilled Care Buckingham'S Choice on Any Federal Watch List?
WILLOWBROOKE CT SKILLED CARE BUCKINGHAM'S CHOICE is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.