CARRIAGE HILL BETHESDA
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Carriage Hill Bethesda has a Trust Grade of C+, indicating it is slightly above average, but still has room for improvement. It ranks #98 out of 219 nursing homes in Maryland, placing it in the top half of facilities in the state, and #21 out of 34 in Montgomery County, meaning only a few local options are better. Unfortunately, the facility's trend is worsening, with issues increasing from 7 in 2020 to 19 in 2025. Staffing is a strong point with a 4 out of 5 rating and a turnover rate of 30%, which is lower than the state average, suggesting that staff are likely to stay long-term and know the residents well. There have been no fines on record, which is a good sign, but specific incidents of concern include failures to complete necessary resident assessments for many residents, issues with water temperatures being excessively high, and problems with the living environment not meeting residents' needs, such as damaged walls and missing call bells in several rooms. While the facility shows some strengths, these weaknesses indicate areas that need significant attention and improvement.
- Trust Score
- C+
- In Maryland
- #98/219
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 30% turnover. Near Maryland's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Maryland facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 47 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Maryland. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 33 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (30%)
18 points below Maryland average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Maryland average (3.0)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
16pts below Maryland avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 33 deficiencies on record
Jan 2025
19 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations and interviews it was determined that the facility failed to ensure the dignity of the residents as evidenced by the nursing staff not knocking on resident room door before enter...
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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
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure a resident was free of neglect. This was found to be evident for 1 (Resident #165) out of 1 Resident reviewed for ...
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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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on a review of facility-reported incident investigation, record review and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to thoroughly investigate an allegation of abuse. This was eviden...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to accurately code the resident's discharge sta...
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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** Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive care p...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0679
(Tag F0679)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, clinical record review and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility staff failed to provide an ongoing activities program to meet the needs and preferences of reside...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record reviews and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to follow up on recommendations for specialty...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, medical record review and interviews it was determined that the facility failed to follow appropriate respiratory care and services. This was found to be evident in 1 (Resident #...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0757
(Tag F0757)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to discontinue a medication in a timely manner ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0790
(Tag F0790)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, observation and record review it, was determined that the facility staff failed to promptly provide or obtai...
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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
Deficiency F0800
(Tag F0800)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to 1) ensure a diet met the need of the resident and 2) pr...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0806
(Tag F0806)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, interviews and record review it was determined that the facility failed to adhere to menus and food provi...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0558
(Tag F0558)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, staff interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a homelike enviro...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Assessments
(Tag F0636)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to complete comprehensive MDS (Min...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0638
(Tag F0638)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to complete the Quarterly MDS (Minimum Data Set) assessments within the required timeframe. This was evident for 18 (Re...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and medical record review it was determined that the facility failed to provide an invitation to...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 7) Maryland Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) order is a portable and enduring medical order form covering op...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
MDS Data Transmission
(Tag F0640)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to complete and transmit the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. This was evident for 27 (Residents #4, #6, #9, #11, #2...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0921)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations and interviews it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a safe environment. This was found to ...
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Feb 2020
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0655
(Tag F0655)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on surveyor review of the clinical record and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed to develop a baseline care plan pertinent to the needs of the resident within 48 h...
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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
Based on surveyor review of the clinical records and facility staff interviews it was determined that the facility staff failed to develop a comprehensive resident centered care plan. This finding was...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on surveyor observation, the review of the clinical record and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility staff failed to provide appropriate equipment or services to prevent further ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on surveyor observation and review of the clinical record, it was determined that the facility staff failed to properly secure an indwelling catheter to prevent urinary catheter associated compl...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on surveyor observation, review of the clinical records, staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed to administer drugs that are labeled in accordance with acceptable stan...
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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 surveyor observation during the initial kitchen tour it was determined that the facility staff failed to properly store items in a manner consistent with regulatory requirements. The facility...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0730
(Tag F0730)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on facility staff interview and administrative record review, it was determined that the facility staff failed to complete performance review of nurse aides at least once every 12 months. This f...
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Jan 2019
7 deficiencies
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 surveyor review of the clinical record and interview of facility staff, it was determined that the facility failed to d...
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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 surveyor review of the closed clinical record and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed to ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on clinical record review and surveyor interview with residents and staff, it was determined that the facility failed to provide medication to resident #62 as ordered by the attending physician....
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on surveyor observation and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to store all drugs and biologicals in locked compartments. This finding was evident for 1 of 2 (2nd floor...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0582
(Tag F0582)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on record reviews and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to provide periodic notification to residents of change in coverage made to items and services covered by Medic...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on surveyor review of clinical records and interviews with staff and residents, it was determined that the facility failed...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0625
(Tag F0625)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review and facility staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to provide written noti...
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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
- • 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.
- • 30% turnover. Below Maryland's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 33 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Carriage Hill Bethesda's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns CARRIAGE HILL BETHESDA an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Maryland, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This mid-range rating indicates the facility meets federal standards but may have areas for improvement.
How is Carriage Hill Bethesda Staffed?
CMS rates CARRIAGE HILL BETHESDA's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 30%, compared to the Maryland average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Carriage Hill Bethesda?
State health inspectors documented 33 deficiencies at CARRIAGE HILL BETHESDA during 2019 to 2025. These included: 29 with potential for harm and 4 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Carriage Hill Bethesda?
CARRIAGE HILL BETHESDA is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility is operated by VIERRA COMMUNITIES, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 108 certified beds and approximately 102 residents (about 94% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in BETHESDA, Maryland.
How Does Carriage Hill Bethesda Compare to Other Maryland Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Maryland, CARRIAGE HILL BETHESDA's overall rating (3 stars) is below the state average of 3.0, staff turnover (30%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Carriage Hill Bethesda?
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 Carriage Hill Bethesda Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, CARRIAGE HILL BETHESDA 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 3-star overall rating and ranks #100 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 Carriage Hill Bethesda Stick Around?
CARRIAGE HILL BETHESDA has a staff turnover rate of 30%, which is about average for Maryland nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.
Was Carriage Hill Bethesda Ever Fined?
CARRIAGE HILL BETHESDA 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 Carriage Hill Bethesda on Any Federal Watch List?
CARRIAGE HILL BETHESDA 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.