Sterling Care Bethesda

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Sterling Care Bethesda, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF809Feb 5, 2026

  Based on observations and interviews, the facility failed to provide 3 (R24, R25, and R26) of the 3 sampled residents' meals at the designated normal mealtimes and in accordance with their needs, preferences, and requests. The facility census was 174.Record review of the facility's dietary policy, last revised 10/2022 and titled Frequency of Meals, documented that at least three daily meals will be provided, at regular times comparable to normal mealtimes in the community. The policy described the procedures as follows:Dietary Procedures:The Dining Service Director coordinates with the residents, Administrator, and/or Director of Nursing Services to establish the meal and snack times that are comparable with normal times in the community. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF921Feb 5, 2026

  Based on observations, records reviews and staff interviews, the facility failed to provide a functional, sanitary and comfortable environment for 5(R#3, R#20, R#21, R#22 and R#23) of 5 sampled residents when a toilet had rust and black mold around the seal of toilet along with leakage with water. The facility census was 174.Findings include:Record review of facility policy Resident/Patient Room Cleaning dated 2/2025, revealed Healthcare Services Group, Inc (HCSG) is committed to providing a safe, clean, and hygienic environment for residents, staff, and visitors in accordance with regulatory guidance and industry best practices. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF558Apr 27, 2026

  Based on interviews and record reviews, it was determined that the facility failed to accommodate a dependent resident's needs by not ensuring the resident's motorized wheelchair was in working condition. This was evident for 1(Resident #156) of 1 resident reviewed for reasonable accommodation of needs during the annual survey.The findings include:Resident #156 whose diagnoses include Quadriplegia, Contracture of the lower legs and Contracture of the left elbow and wrist, was admitted to the facility in 2014.On 4/20/26 at 11:10 AM in an interview Resident #156 stated that their customized motorized wheelchair had been broken for several months, and the facility neither repaired nor provided a substitute motorized wheelchair. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF580Apr 27, 2026

  Based on record review and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the Responsible Party (RP) and/or legal guardian was notified of changes in a resident's condition. This was evident for 2 of 3 changes of conditions reviewed for (Resident #6). The findings include: On 4/20/26 at 11:04 AM, the surveyor reviewed Resident #6's medical record. The review revealed that Resident #6 was unable to make medical decisions and had a legal guardian established in 2004. Next the surveyor conducted a phone interview with Resident #6's guardian and established the guardian was involved in Resident #6's care planning. On 4/21/26 at 10:22 AM, the surveyor reviewed Resident #6's change of conditions dated 8/20/25, 11/6/25 and 12/15/25. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF584Apr 27, 2026

  Based on observations and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment. This was evident for 2 (Chesapeake and Gateway) out of 5 units, rooms (240 and 252) and 1 of 1 driveway observed during the annual survey. The findings include: Adequate lighting means levels of illumination suitable to tasks the resident chooses to perform or the facility staff must perform. 1) On 04/20/26 at 7:05 AM, a flickering light was observed in the hallway by the conference room leading to the Chesapeake unit. The hallway was frequented by residents who traveled to other units, the dining room and the activity room. There was another flickering light observed in a common room at the end of the hall on the unit. […]