Bellingham is a large city in the far northwestern corner of Washington state. Seattle is approximately 80 miles south of the city and the Canadian border is 20 miles to the north. Health care costs are 21.1% lower than the national average and the city’s biggest hospital, PeaceHealth St. Joseph, receives high grades for many important services. Although the overall cost of living is slightly higher than that of Washington, it’s the price of housing in Bellingham that pushes up the average and this doesn’t translate to higher nursing facility costs. Nursing homes in Bellingham cost less than the state average at $8,517 per month, according to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey.
Seniors who have ongoing medical needs and/or complex conditions often transition from a hospital to a nursing home for treatment and 24/7 professional oversight. Other types of senior care, such as in-home care and assisted living, are more affordable and appropriate for people with fewer medical needs.
This guide helps locals and those thinking about moving here for nursing home care by comparing regional, statewide and national costs and providing a list of resources.
7 Results
4680 Cordata Parkway, Bellingham, WA, 98226
5.0
(2 reviews)
" These facilities are like brand new and very well kept. Clean- liness was amazing. As was air quality within the spacious walls. Staff was awesome their care extremely professional. To my shame I did the leadership of the facility a gr..."
READ MORE1530 JAMES STREET, Bellingham, WA, 98225
5.0
(2 reviews)
"Shuksan Healthcare Center was the first place we wanted to send my stepmom, but they didn't have an opening the day that she was released from the hospital, so she had to wait four or five days. She finally got in, and the place was fabulous. They ha..."
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2905 CONNELLY AVENUE, Bellingham, WA, 98225
4.4
(7 reviews)
"My dad had two visits at the facility in several months. The first was for two months of skilled nursing care that allowed him to go home and spend his last two months with my mom. His last visit was for a few days of hospice care before he died. The..."
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1200 Birchwood Avenue, Bellingham, WA, 98225
5.0
(1 reviews)
"The facility was very clean. It has open airy and homey feeling. The staff is always helpful and responsive to family and patience needs. They are caring and loving. ..."
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2400 SAMISH WAY, Bellingham, WA, 98225
3.0
(3 reviews)
"My mother passed away from Alzheimer's last October. Highland staff were so amazing. Mom dodn't want to be there, where ever there was. The staff cared for her, looked after her, cherished her in all her stubborn ways. They were wonderful. After she ..."
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3121 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA, 98225
2.0
(3 reviews)
"I like St. Francis of Bellingham, but it was just chaotic. There were two to a room. It was dinnertime when I went, and it looked like they overflowed in the dining rooms. They were changing their physical therapy room to another room. It's right nex..."
READ MORECaring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.
2726 ALDERWOOD AVENUE, Bellingham, WA, 98225
1.0
(1 reviews)
"I was there for congestive heart failure rehab and while there I got a respiratory infection, a yeast/fungal infection, I became dehydrated, they lied about filing important paperwork, I never saw a doctor, they allowed patients with cognitive disfu..."
READ MOREThe average cost for semiprivate rooms in Bellingham’s nursing homes is $8,517. Private rooms add another $1,186 to the average, totaling $9,703.
Nursing care facilities in Bellingham are relatively affordable when compared to the state average of $9,581 per month, which is over $1,000 higher. The U.S. average is significantly lower than both at $7,756 per month.
All surveyed cities within 150 miles are more expensive than Bellingham for nursing home care. Mount Vernon’s average cost is $1,840 per month higher, at $10,357. Average costs in Seattle and Bremerton are higher still, with monthly rates of $10,624 and $10,646, respectively. Nursing homes in Wenatchee are more expensive than those in Bellingham by just over $500 per month.
Bellingham
$8,517
Washington
$9,581
The United States
$7,756
Mount Vernon
$10,357
Seattle
$10,624
Bremerton
$10,646
Wenatchee
$9,034
Nursing home care is the most expensive of all senior care options available, at $8,517 per month for a semiprivate room in Bellingham and a significant increase to $9,703 for a private room. In-home care for seniors is much more affordable, with average costs of $6,197 and $6,483 per month, respectively. Assisted living is priced even lower, at $4,738 per month, and is generally the most comparable type of care to what’s provided in nursing homes. There was insufficient reporting of adult day health care costs in Bellingham.
Home care
$6,197
Home health care
$6,483
Adult day health care
0
Assisted living
$4,738
Nursing home (semiprivate room)
$8,517
Nursing home (private room)
$9,703
Many seniors and their families use some form of financial assistance to help them pay for nursing care. The main options available are Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits. These programs can be complicated, especially when it comes to benefit terms. Below, we give a brief overview of how these programs may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care.
If these options aren’t available to you, check if your loved one has long-term care insurance or contact your Area Agency on Aging to ask about any local financial assistance programs for seniors.
There are many specialized programs, services and general information available to help the elderly residents of Bellingham find what they need. The organizations listed here provide services directly and some can make referrals to other appropriate agencies in the region. Residents who need nursing home care may be eligible for financial assistance and help making the transition.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Regional Council Area Agency on Aging | (360) 676-6749 | The NWRC is responsible for providing many services for seniors in Bellingham and Whatcom County as a whole. It operates the Area Agency on Aging and the Aging and Disability Resources Program in the region. Residents may be eligible for various assistance programs that make it safer to continue living in the community, such as in-home support services (IHSS), Medicaid transportation and paratransit, tax relief and long-term care counseling. The agency can also provide case management for those who qualify for state-funded long-term care. Locals who aren't sure of their options and how to apply for benefits or other programs should contact the NWRC first. |
| Bellingham Senior Activity Center and Meals on Wheels | BSAC: (360) 733-4030MOW: (360) 746-6480 | The BSAC serves residents aged 50+ and has over 1,600 members who visit the center located near City Hall. It's managed by the Whatcom Council on Aging, which also provides congregate dining at several locations and the Meals on Wheels program for eligible seniors (60+) and people with disabilities who can't get to a center in person. Aside from the usual fun and games for older residents, the BSAC offers health and wellness programs and clinics, fall prevention and strength training. |
| Law Advocates of Whatcom County | (360) 671-6079 | With its main office in Bellingham, Law Advocates can provide low-income residents with free legal assistance and representation for civil issues. Seniors who can't afford to hire an attorney may be eligible with various common issues, including access to health care, public benefits and long-term care facilities, as well as family law problems and procedures. |
| Washington 211 | 211 | This is a phone service that connects people in Washington with health and human services in their local area. Staff are available 24/7 to direct calls and answer questions. The website also provides a wealth of information via searchable listings that allow residents to find the closest and most appropriate resources. |
Nursing Homes
"Humbled"
5
Review of North Cascades Health and Rehabilitation Center
These facilities are like brand new and very well kept. Clean- liness was amazing. As was air quality within the spacious walls. Staff was awesome their care extremely professional. ...
Nursing Homes
Comcerned126
1
Review of St. Francis of Bellingham
This facility is “For Profit”. My mother pays over 9000.00 a month for a private room. Only one light works. She asks everyday, but 2 weeks and her other lights do not function. Her clothes...
Nursing Homes
BHG
1
Review of Alderwood Park Conv Center
I was there for congestive heart failure rehab and while there I got a respiratory infection, a yeast/fungal infection, I became dehydrated, they lied about filing important paperwork, I never saw...
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