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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Bellingham, WA for 2024

Bellingham is a small city of fewer than 93,000 citizens situated near the Canadian border in the northwestern corner of Washington State. Its residents have the best of both worlds: classic small-town living with easy access to urban amenities in nearby Seattle. Bellingham is ideal for those who enjoy a cool maritime climate, with average summer highs in the 70s and winter lows in the 40s. Approximately 15.7% of Bellingham residents are seniors aged 65 and over. Bellingham has several top-quality agencies and assisted living facilities designed to provide a supportive living environment for those who can no longer live alone comfortably or safely.

Assisted living services typically include housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation and help with basic personal care and other aspects of daily living. Many assisted living facilities include on-site lifestyle amenities such as spas, salons, pools and putting greens. The average cost of assisted living in Bellingham is $4,600 per month, according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.

This guide provides an overview of assisted living in Bellingham. Seniors can learn more information on care costs, including cost comparisons with other Washington communities and other types of senior care.

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Assisted Living Facilities in Bellingham, Washington

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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Bellingham

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) licenses and monitors long-term care facilities in Washington. The department performs unannounced inspections every 15 months. Those with complaints and concerns can contact the DSHS Complaint Resolution Unit toll-free hotline or file a written complaint through its online portal. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Bellingham

  • Bellingham offers a classic Pacific Northwest climate, with cool, wet winters and warm, pleasant summers. The area receives slightly more rain than the national average, which helps keep everything green. However, it doesn’t have as many sunny days as other parts of the country and gets about 9 inches of snow per year. 
  • Bellingham has a higher cost of living than the state and national averages. However, health care costs are lower than the national average.
  • PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham has a high rating in nine adult conditions and procedures. The facility also has a same-day walk-in clinic. Those who require advanced medical care can find world-class facilities in nearby Seattle, including Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and the University of Washington Medical Center.
  • Violent crime in Bellingham is several points lower at 18.8 than the national average of 22.7 out of 100. On the other hand, property crime is more than twice the national average at 71.5 out of 100. However, assisted living facilities offer secure environments that are rarely the targets of burglary, vandalism and other property crimes. 
  • Bellingham has poor air quality, according to the American Lung Association. Those with respiratory illnesses may not find it the best retirement choice. 

Paying for Assisted Living in Bellingham

The average monthly cost of an assisted living facility in Bellingham is $4,600. However, the quality of the accommodations and the services and amenities available can affect prices.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Although the cost of assisted living in Bellingham is only $100 more than the national average of $4,500 per month, it’s $1,400 less than the overall Washington average of $6,000 per month. Seattle residents have the highest costs at $6,750 per month, while their rural counterparts in Walla Walla pay the least at $3,211 per month. In the southwestern community of Longview, assisted living costs average $5,300 per month. Residents of assisted living facilities in the opposite corner of the state in Spokane pay an average of $4,888 per month.  

Bellingham

$4,600

Washington

$6,000

United States

$4,500

Seattle

$6,750

Walla Walla

$3,211

Longview

$5,300

Spokane

$4,888

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Bellingham seniors pay $6,483 for both in-home care and home health care. Nursing home residents have the highest senior care costs in Washington, with a semiprivate room averaging $9,277 per month. Bellingham’s least expensive senior care option is assisted living care.

In-Home Care

$6,483

Home Health Care

$6,483

Assisted Living Facility

$4,600

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$9,277

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Bellingham

There are Medicaid programs offered by the state of Washington to pay for the cost of ALF services in Mountlake Terrace. Eligible seniors may qualify for the Community First Choice (CFC) State Plan or one of the Home and Community-Based Service 1915(c) waivers which are the Community Options Program Entry System (COPES), New Freedom and Residential Support waivers.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Washington page.

Paying for Assisted Living in Washington

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Washington page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Bellingham

Bellingham seniors have access to community-based programs and services designed specifically for older adults. The following resources provide information about wellness screenings, reduced or free transportation, applying for veterans benefits and other relevant services. 

ResourceContactService
Aging(360) 676-6749This organization provides services and referrals to help older adults retain their independence. Services include wellness screenings, balance workshops to minimize slip-and-fall accidents, health insurance counseling and case management. The agency also oversees the Senior Nutrition Program, which provides hot, nutritious congregate meals at senior centers and other community locations.
Bellingham Senior Activity Center(360) 733-4030Bellingham seniors can join their peers for community meals, card and board games, fitness classes, dances, group outings and other activities. There is an on-site coffee bar, dining room and gym. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Whatcom Transportation Authority(360) 676-7433Whatcom County residents are eligible to receive reduced fares from Whatcom Transit Authority. Those aged 75 and over can get a Gold Age card that allows them access to free transportation on fixed-route and paratransit buses.
Whatcom County Veterans Program (360) 778-6050Former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, spouses and qualifying survivors can access support and assistance programs from this organization. Staff and trained volunteers provide assistance accessing state and federal veterans benefits. It hosts a variety of events that provide opportunities to network and socialize. Those who qualify may be able to get emergency financial help.
Whatcom County(360) 734-3055Those aged 55 and over can put their valuable skills to use by finding volunteer opportunities through the Volunteer Center of Whatcom County. Mileage reimbursements may be possible for some volunteers, and the organization hosts fun monthly events such as potlucks and movie nights for volunteers to connect and socialize.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Bellingham

Bellingham Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Washington are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Washington page for more information about these laws.

Washington Laws and Regulations

Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Douglas

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of Brookdale Fairhaven

Brookdale Fairhaven has a great staff. The residents are well taken care of. My wife's been very happy. She's had a little bit of an issue with transferring, which to date has kept her in bed. I...

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Assisted Living

Reviewer#LD011524B

I visited this facility

Review of Spring Creek by Bonaventure

We had a very good tour of Spring Creek by Bonaventure. We were given a tour by Myan, and we had a meal as well. All of our questions were answered, and we really liked what we saw there. It was a...

Read more

Assisted Living

Dave

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of Rosewood Villa

My dad lives in Rosewood Villa. We chose them because they are a Medicaid facility. The atmosphere there is very good. The staff is just very helpful and understanding. His room is very cozy and...

Read more

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The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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