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Located in Bellingham, Washington at 4213 Rural Ave, Visiting Angels Bellingham is a senior home care provider that offers personal care services along with in-home nursing services. They can provide various personal services like assistance with reading, help with transportation, ...
Located at 401 Harris Avenue, #320 in Bellingham, WA, Signature Home Health - Bellingham is an in-home care company offering in-home medical services as well as in-home personal care services. For nearly 14 years, they have been serving clients in ...
477 West Horton Rd
Bellingham, WA 98226
Located in Bellingham, Washington at 477 West Horton Rd, Walgreens Infusion and Respiratory Services is a senior home care company that offers in-home health care as well as in-home personal care. They have been serving customers in Washington for nearly ...
Bellingham, around 20 miles south of the U.S. border with Canada, is home to more than 13,000 seniors aged 65 and older, making up 14.9% of the population. Its residents enjoy picture-worthy landscapes and majestic views of Mount Baker, as well as a relatively moderate climate with pleasant summers and little snowfall during the winter.
The SeniorScore is a livability index that helps older adults determine how comfortably they’ll live in a city by evaluating its cost of living, availability of hospitals and other relevant factors. Bellingham has a SeniorScore of 70, which is lower than the U.S. average but two points above the statewide score. Although temperatures can be harsh during the colder months, local air quality levels are good. Residents are close to 44 churches and nine parks, and the city has easy access to top-performing hospitals, including the regionally ranked PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. As for Finances, the overall cost of living in Bellingham is higher than the medians across Washington and the United States.
Although Bellingham residents can expect only 157 sunny days per year, much lower than the U.S. average, the city usually has pleasant temperatures in the summer and low snowfall levels. The lack of income tax means that pensions and Social Security benefits are exempt in Washington. In addition, elderly residents can take advantage of numerous services and state-funded programs, from affordable home-delivered meals to financial assistance for home modifications.
This guide is for older adults seeking to learn how they can benefit from home care services, as well as the average costs to expect for this type of care in Bellingham and nearby areas. Readers also have access to a list of resources available at little or no cost to help improve the life quality of city seniors and their families.
According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, home care costs in Bellingham average $6,197 per month, while those who require home health care can expect fees of $6,483. These rates are substantially higher than the statewide median of $5,941 for the former and $6,031 for the latter. City residents are also charged more than the average U.S. senior, who pays around $4,481 and $4,576 for home care and home health care, respectively. The price difference between both levels of care is due to the fact that home health aides can help control medications, monitor glucose levels and provide other medical services.
In Olympia, the capital of Washington, seniors pay a relatively low fee of $6,101 for either type of care. Mount Vernon’s home care rates align with Bellingham, but home health care is the same price as home care, making it more affordable by $286. Seattle, the largest city in the state, has one of the highest rates in Washington, with its residents budgeting $473 more for home care and $190 more for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care per Month
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
Bellingham | $6,197 | $6,483 |
Washington | $5,941 | $6,031 |
The United States | $4,481 | $4,576 |
Olympia | $6,101 | $6,101 |
Mount Vernon | $6,197 | $6,197 |
Seattle | $6,670 | $6,673 |
Seniors in Bellingham have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
This program helps local older adults gain access to various supportive services. Staff members can arrange in-home assistance, light housekeeping, personal care and low-cost transportation to remain independent for as long as safely possible. Counseling is available on Medicare and health insurance issues, and caregivers may also benefit from temporary relief through respite services and adult day care. Most programs are provided free of charge to Whatcom County residents aged 60 and over.
Contact Information
Seniors can request more information from the Northwest Regional Council’s Area Agency on Aging, which can be reached at (360) 738-2500.
The City of Bellingham provides low-interest loans to eligible households for select home modifications. After a home inspection, the program can fund structural repairs, maintenance to inadequate ventilation and defective HVAC systems, replacement of lead-based paint and other hazardous conditions. Applicants must have an income not exceeding 80% of Whatcom County’s median, and the loan interest rate may depend on the homeowner’s assets. Veterans and seniors over the age of 62 are given priority.
Contact Information
Residents can learn more about this program by writing an email to [email protected] or dialing (360) 778-8391.
This service provides one daily meal to county residents aged 6o and over. Each menu covers around one-third of daily requirements for older adults. Volunteers in charge of deliveries can also ensure the safety of homebound seniors. Additionally, congregate meals may be available at select sites. Although low-income recipients aren’t required to pay for the service, contributions are encouraged.
Contact Information
Individuals can call (360) 746-6480 to check their eligibility and apply for Meals on Wheels.
The Opportunity Council, a nonprofit agency, serves low-income households and older adults. Through its Basic Needs program, eligible residents can be referred to helpful services in their community, including guidance on prescription drug access and health care programs. Assistance to pay for energy costs is available in certain cases, and those who meet eligibility requirements may benefit from weatherization services, such as wall insulation and furnace repair, to help reduce electricity bills.
Contact Information
Seniors can learn about programs they’re eligible for by reaching out to the Opportunity Council at (360) 734-5121.
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