Nursing Homes in Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham, Washington, is a coastal city about 30 minutes from the Canadian border. The results of the 2020 Census found 15.7% of its almost 91,500 residents are seniors, which is around 1% below the national average. Sperling's BestPlaces ranks Bellingham as the 3rd most secure midsize city to live in the country. It also gives it a commendable health cost index of 78.9, which is below the U.S. average of 100. Bellingham's main hospital is St. Joseph Medical Center, which U.S. News and World Report ranks #5 in Washington.
Nursing home residents are seniors requiring long-term or palliative care, and those transitioning from hospital stays. Skilled nursing staff operates 24/7, a licensed physician manages the resident's care program and trained staff assists with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. The environment is homier than a hospital, with residents living in private or semiprivate rooms. Seniors who don't need 24/7 medical care may want to consider assisted living or home care.
In this guide, you'll find a review of Bellingham's pros and cons and information on the city's median nursing home fee and comparisons with other Washington cities. To finish, there's a list of senior-friendly resources for families.
The SeniorScore™ for Bellingham, Washington
A SeniorScore results from an algorithm that measures more than 100 data points to represent a city's potential livability for older citizens. Bellingham's SeniorScore is 70, which is two points below the national average but two points above Washington's. The SeniorScore is divided into four categories with individual scores to help families identify Bellingham’s strengths. They are Health & Safety (62), Recreation & Leisure (65), Finances (52) and General Quality of Life (61).
Several factors add points to the Health & Safety category, including the city's high number of Medicare-registered physicians and its above-average life expectancy of 79.9. The area's almost 40 senior living facilities also help, although some factors lose points, such as the high rate of property crime. Points given in the Recreation & Leisure category come from the city's 26 golf clubs, 5 movie theaters and 25 health clubs. For those who prefer a slower pace and family atmosphere, they may make use of Bellingham's nine parks and 44 churches.
The Finances category scores the fewest points, partly because average property taxes of total income are 3.36% (the national average is 2.79%), and due to an average city sales tax of 8.3% (the national average is 6.97%). However, some of those points come back because Washington doesn't tax its residents' incomes, which also applies to withdrawals from retirement accounts, pensions and Social Security. The General Quality of Life category scores the most points because Bellingham's air quality is excellent, and it receives low levels of rainfall, so oppressively muggy days are uncommon. Winter weather can be harsh, but summer days are typically warm and pleasant.
Nursing Home Costs in Bellingham, Washington
The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey is the most authoritative source for nursing home care costs in the United States. It records Bellingham's median monthly fee for a semiprivate room as $9,277. The national average is $7,908, a 16% reduction on Bellingham's. The state's median fee is $9,429 per month, almost 2% more than Bellingham. This means the city's typical senior saves about $1,824 per year when compared to their peers throughout Washington.
As Bellingham's median monthly fee of $9,277 is on the more affordable end of the cost spectrum, families comparing it with other cities may find many are costlier. However, this isn't usually the case if they look beyond Washington's northwest. For example, Wenatchee's median is $8,365, Yakima's is $8,517 and Walla Walla's is $9,232 — although that saving may not be enough to justify relocating solely because of cost. Washington's most affordable city for nursing home care is Longview, which, at $7,817, could save families $1,460 per month when compared to Bellingham.
Seattle, with a monthly cost of $9,916, and Spokane, with a monthly cost of $9,429, are among the few places outside the Pacific Northwest that are more costly than Bellingham. Washington's most expensive city for nursing home care is Mount Vernon, at $11,163.
- Bellingham: $9,277
- Mount Vernon: $11,163
- Seattle: $9,916
- Wenatchee: $8,365
- Spokane: $9,429
- Longview: $7,817
- Yakima: $8,517
- Walla Walla: $9,232
Top Nursing Care in Bellingham, Washington
Shuksan Healthcare Center is a 52 room nursing home facility. It is situated within the York neighborhood of Bellingham, Washington. With a median family income of $37,035, the facility is in a mostly middle class area. It ...
Situated in the Guide Meridian neighborhood of Bellingham, Washington, North Cascades Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 122 bed nursing facility. The neighboring area is densely populated, with around 42,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 98226. ...
Situated in the Birchwood area of Bellingham, Washington, Alderwood Park Health and Rehabilitation is a 102 unit nursing home facility. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with approximately 47,000 residents in the zip code of 98225. With a ...
Avamere Bellingham Health Care and Rehabilitation Services is an 84 bed nursing care facility. It is situated within the Birchwood neighborhood of Bellingham, Washington. The facility is in a generally middle class area, with an average household income ...
Highland Health and Rehabilitation is situated in the South neighborhood of Bellingham, Washington. It is a 44 room nursing facility. With an average family income of $37,035, the community is in a primarily middle class area. It ...
Spring Creek By Bonaventure is a 162 bed senior care facility. It is located in the Downtown Business District area of Bellingham, Washington. With an average per-household income of $37,035, the community is in a generally middle income ...
Located within the Cornwall Park neighborhood of Bellingham, Washington, St. Francis of Bellingham is a 120 bed senior housing community. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with around 47,000 residents in the zip code of 98225. With an ...
Located within the South area of Bellingham, Washington, Mt Baker Care Center is a 70 room senior housing community. With roughly 47,000 individuals living in the zip code of 98225, the surrounding area is densely populated. It is ...
Located within the South area of the city, Parkway Chateau is a senior housing community serving Bellingham, Washington. The community is in a primarily middle income area, with an average per-household income of $37,035. With roughly 47,000 people ...
Birchwood Adult Family Home is a home care facility situated within the Mt. Baker area of Bellingham, Washington. The community is in a generally middle income area, with an average per-household income of $51,756. With roughly 42,000 individuals ...
Woodway Senior Living is a senior care facility situated in the Birchwood neighborhood of Bellingham, Washington. With a median per-household income of $37,035, the facility is in a largely middle income area. It has a dense population, with ...
Best Care Assisted Living is a senior community located at 2775 Cruse Road #1401 in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The encompassing area has a dense population, with around 81,000 poeple living in the 30044 zip code. With an average household ...
14 miles away from Bellingham, WA
Maple Park Adult Family Home is located at 319 South Park St in Lynden, Washington. It is a 6 room home care facility. With approximately 20,000 poeple living in the 98264 zip code, the encompassing area has a ...
14 miles away from Bellingham, WA
Christian Health Care Center is located at 855 Aaron Dr in Lynden, Washington. It is a 142 bed nursing facility. With approximately 20,000 individuals living in the 98264 zip code, the surrounding area has a medium-density population. ...
15 miles away from Bellingham, WA
San Juan Rehabilitation Center is a 52 unit nursing facility. It is located at 911 21st St in Anacortes, Washington. The community is in a mostly middle income area, with an average per-family income of $51,489. It ...
19 miles away from Bellingham, WA
Life Care Center of Skagit Valley is located at 1462 West State Route 20 in Sedro Woolley, Washington. It is a 150 bed senior community. The surrounding area has a dense population, with around 25,000 people residing in ...
19 miles away from Bellingham, WA
Fidalgo Care Center is a 44 bed senior housing facility. It is located at 1105 27th St in Anacortes, Washington. The community is in a largely middle income area, with a median family income of $51,489. It ...
19 miles away from Bellingham, WA
Located at 410 S Norris St, Where The Heart Is is a senior care community in Burlington, Washington. With a median per-household income of $55,440, the facility is in a predominantly middle income area. It has an average ...
19 miles away from Bellingham, WA
HomePlace at Burlington is a senior community located at 210 N Skagit St in Burlington, Washington. The community is in a largely middle income area, with an average household income of $55,440. With about 16,000 residents in the ...
19 miles away from Bellingham, WA
Prestige Care and Rehabilitation - Burlington is located at 1036 East Victoria Ave in Burlington, Washington. It is a 49 unit skilled nursing facility. The surrounding area has a medium-density population, with about 16,000 poeple living in the ...
19 miles away from Bellingham, WA
Senior Resources in Bellingham, Washington
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program The ombudsman is an advocate for the rights of seniors in licensed nursing homes. Families concerned about the quality of care their loved ones are receiving should contact the ombudsman, who will investigate and try to negotiate a resolution with the care provider. In some cases, such as abuse allegations, the ombudsman will escalate the complaint. 1200 South 336th Street, Federal Way, WA 98003 (800) 562-6028 waombudsman.org |
Whatcom County Veterans Program The Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) at Whatcom County Veterans Program serve U.S. military vets, their dependents and surviving spouses. They can help them apply for local, state and federal benefits, and some military benefits, such as VA Aid and Attendance. VSOs can also help with burial benefits and compensation claims for disabilities linked to military service. 509 Girard Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 778-6050 whatcomcounty.us |
Law Advocates of Whatcom County The Law Advocates of Whatcom County is a nonprofit that connects Bellingham residents on low incomes with local attorneys and paralegals who give their services for free. They can inform, advise and represent clients on civil law matters, but not criminal law. However, this covers multiple subjects, such as identity theft, consumer debt and power of attorney. 1415 Commercial Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 671-6079 lawadvocates.org |
Medicaid Seniors whose incomes can't cover their nursing home care costs and who have no other means of paying may qualify for Medicaid. It will pay 100% of their care fees. This includes associated costs, such as room and board and meals, if the Department of Social and Health Services deems nursing home care to be appropriate for their needs. 600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 676-6749 dshs.wa.gov
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Al Boe Wheelchair Warehouse Bellingham Central Lions Club operates the Al Boe Wheelchair Warehouse to provide residents with low incomes durable medical equipment they may otherwise struggle to afford. There's no fee for the loan, although the club gratefully accepts donations. Typical equipment in stock includes wheelchairs, crutches, canes and walkers. Bedside and bathroom helper devices are also available. 4137 Bennett Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226 (360) 752-5526 bellinghamcentrallions.org |
Bellingham Senior Activity Center Bellingham Senior Activity Center welcomes residents aged 50 and older. It operates several wellness programs focusing on strength and balance, as well as tai chi, dancing and walking groups. More sedate activities include arts & crafts, computer classes and talks on various current events. The center coordinates several health services, including flu shots. 315 Halleck Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-4030 whatcomcoa.org |
Northwest Regional Council Northwest Regional Council programs support older residents of Bellingham and the wider area. There are dedicated care coordinators who help seniors with complex medical needs and their families. This support typically involves helping them navigate the various healthcare options and supporting seniors' transitions to and from skilled nursing facilities. 600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 676-6749 nwrcwa.org |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
What is the cost of nursing care in the state of Washington?
Answer
The cost of nursing care in Washington averages approximately $253 per day, $7,590 monthly, and $92,345 per year. By comparison, the US averages are $212 per day, $6,360 monthly, and $77,380 per year.
Question
How much does nursing home care cost in Bellingham?
Answer
The price of nursing home care in Bellingham, Washington ranges from approximately $7,140 per month up to $8,670. The average cost is approximately $7,950 per month, or around $96,725 yearly.
Question
What services are included with nursing home care?
Answer
The services offered in nursing homes commonly include surgery rehabilitation, occupational therapy, catheter administration, 24-hour monitoring, and mental health care.
Question
Does Medicaid pay for nursing care in Bellingham?
Answer
There are several nursing homes in Bellingham that accept Medicaid, including St. Francis of Bellingham, Alderwood Park Health and Rehabilitation, Christian Health Care Center, North Cascades Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Mt Baker Care Center.
Question
What is the senior population of Bellingham?
Answer
The city has a population of 117,728, with 190,467 residents in the surrounding statistical area. The senior community makes up about 26% of the overall population.