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.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Bellingham, WA
Spring Creek by Bonaventure wasn’t prepared for our visit, even though I had given a lot of information. The food was not good, just mushy and tasteless. They spoke to me rather than our friend who wa
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Spring Creek by Bonaventure wasn’t prepared for our visit, even though I had given a lot of information. The food was not good, just mushy and tasteless. They spoke to me rather than our friend who was right there. They talked about him like he wasn’t there. We were supposed to be visiting the independent living, but she showed us all of the assisted living first. We did get to see some of the independent living at the end.
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Spring Creek by Bonaventure wasn’t prepared for our visit, even though I had given a lot of information. The food was not good, just mushy and tasteless. They spoke to me rather than our friend who wa
… (read more)
Spring Creek by Bonaventure wasn’t prepared for our visit, even though I had given a lot of information. The food was not good, just mushy and tasteless. They spoke to me rather than our friend who was right there. They talked about him like he wasn’t there. We were supposed to be visiting the independent living, but she showed us all of the assisted living first. We did get to see some of the independent living at the end.
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Choosing an assisted living facility for your elderly loved one is a challenge—and one that residents and their families say Brookdale Fairhaven meets. Families specifically mention the nursing team
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Choosing an assisted living facility for your elderly loved one is a challenge—and one that residents and their families say Brookdale Fairhaven meets. Families specifically mention the nursing team, who are attentive in just the right way, and the consistently open, receptive and kind general staff. It is apparent to them that each tenant is cared for with compassion and respect. Residents note that nutritious meals, prepared onsite, are tasty and served in the community dining room. Scheduled activities encourage socialization, and off-site outings and shopping trips are special favorites of residents.
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Choosing an assisted living facility for your elderly loved one is a challenge—and one that residents and their families say Brookdale Fairhaven meets. Families specifically mention the nursing team
… (read more)
Choosing an assisted living facility for your elderly loved one is a challenge—and one that residents and their families say Brookdale Fairhaven meets. Families specifically mention the nursing team, who are attentive in just the right way, and the consistently open, receptive and kind general staff. It is apparent to them that each tenant is cared for with compassion and respect. Residents note that nutritious meals, prepared onsite, are tasty and served in the community dining room. Scheduled activities encourage socialization, and off-site outings and shopping trips are special favorites of residents.
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It is quiet, clean, and provides meals and everything my loved one needs. He has only been there for a couple of weeks, but it seems like a good fit for him. It looked very nice and gave me a positive
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It is quiet, clean, and provides meals and everything my loved one needs. He has only been there for a couple of weeks, but it seems like a good fit for him. It looked very nice and gave me a positive impression. They have dining rooms where they sit at their specific tables and give their orders. The food looked good. The staff is very caring and, if they have any concerns, they call. They keep track of everything. I like that he has his own room and bathroom that’s very adequate.
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It is quiet, clean, and provides meals and everything my loved one needs. He has only been there for a couple of weeks, but it seems like a good fit for him. It looked very nice and gave me a positive
… (read more)
It is quiet, clean, and provides meals and everything my loved one needs. He has only been there for a couple of weeks, but it seems like a good fit for him. It looked very nice and gave me a positive impression. They have dining rooms where they sit at their specific tables and give their orders. The food looked good. The staff is very caring and, if they have any concerns, they call. They keep track of everything. I like that he has his own room and bathroom that’s very adequate.
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My sister moved mom into this place 3 yrs ago. They are pleasant enough to my mom but… They take one bedroom units and turn them into 2 units by putting a curtain across the entry to the living room
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My sister moved mom into this place 3 yrs ago. They are pleasant enough to my mom but… They take one bedroom units and turn them into 2 units by putting a curtain across the entry to the living room. That was my moms "apt". The other lady locked herself in the bedroom that had a door. Very tight fit. No help with laundry down one floor. Cleaning of units was not good. Moms room mate was not nice person in her old age. We could not wait to get her out of there? Depressing place. The grounds were nice.
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My sister moved mom into this place 3 yrs ago. They are pleasant enough to my mom but… They take one bedroom units and turn them into 2 units by putting a curtain across the entry to the living room
… (read more)
My sister moved mom into this place 3 yrs ago. They are pleasant enough to my mom but… They take one bedroom units and turn them into 2 units by putting a curtain across the entry to the living room. That was my moms "apt". The other lady locked herself in the bedroom that had a door. Very tight fit. No help with laundry down one floor. Cleaning of units was not good. Moms room mate was not nice person in her old age. We could not wait to get her out of there? Depressing place. The grounds were nice.
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Brookdale Bellingham’s general appearance and layout were good. Overall, the facility was very good, but when I toured it, I felt like they didn’t have enough staff members on hand. There also didn’t
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Brookdale Bellingham’s general appearance and layout were good. Overall, the facility was very good, but when I toured it, I felt like they didn’t have enough staff members on hand. There also didn’t seem to be enough activities going on in the memory care facility. The person who showed me around did a good job, but I just didn’t get the best vibe from the interaction between the care staff and the residents staying there. I’m not saying they were being neglected, but I just didn’t feel there was enough stimulation, social or otherwise. The dining area was very nice and it looked like they had a very nice, well-rounded menu with good things on it.
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Brookdale Bellingham’s general appearance and layout were good. Overall, the facility was very good, but when I toured it, I felt like they didn’t have enough staff members on hand. There also didn’t
… (read more)
Brookdale Bellingham’s general appearance and layout were good. Overall, the facility was very good, but when I toured it, I felt like they didn’t have enough staff members on hand. There also didn’t seem to be enough activities going on in the memory care facility. The person who showed me around did a good job, but I just didn’t get the best vibe from the interaction between the care staff and the residents staying there. I’m not saying they were being neglected, but I just didn’t feel there was enough stimulation, social or otherwise. The dining area was very nice and it looked like they had a very nice, well-rounded menu with good things on it.
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My mom moved into Mt Baker Care Center & Summit Place Assisted Living yesterday. The staff is fabulous. They are very helpful and friendly. The place is small, but it is homey and very down to ear
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My mom moved into Mt Baker Care Center & Summit Place Assisted Living yesterday. The staff is fabulous. They are very helpful and friendly. The place is small, but it is homey and very down to earth. The room is very, very large from what I was expecting. It is clean and totally set up. It has a dining room, an activity room, and van services.
One thing unusual about this place is that it has an onsite daycare and preschool. When it is not COVID, the senior centered people can go and read stories or do things like that in there. It is built as a sort of a multigenerational assisted living facility; but they have the usual activities, like bingo, trivia, and movie nights. The group votes on field trips that they want to take, so the activity list is sort of member run.
It is also a good value for the money. It is a little bit on the cheaper end of the places in Bellingham.
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My mom moved into Mt Baker Care Center & Summit Place Assisted Living yesterday. The staff is fabulous. They are very helpful and friendly. The place is small, but it is homey and very down to ear
… (read more)
My mom moved into Mt Baker Care Center & Summit Place Assisted Living yesterday. The staff is fabulous. They are very helpful and friendly. The place is small, but it is homey and very down to earth. The room is very, very large from what I was expecting. It is clean and totally set up. It has a dining room, an activity room, and van services.
One thing unusual about this place is that it has an onsite daycare and preschool. When it is not COVID, the senior centered people can go and read stories or do things like that in there. It is built as a sort of a multigenerational assisted living facility; but they have the usual activities, like bingo, trivia, and movie nights. The group votes on field trips that they want to take, so the activity list is sort of member run.
It is also a good value for the money. It is a little bit on the cheaper end of the places in Bellingham.
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My husband is at Highgate at Bellingham. It’s way too far out expensive. Right now, it has been really rough because of Covid isolation. My husband is pretty sad that he can’t even see anybody, but th
… (read more)
My husband is at Highgate at Bellingham. It’s way too far out expensive. Right now, it has been really rough because of Covid isolation. My husband is pretty sad that he can’t even see anybody, but that’s not their fault. The problem I have with some of it is that he gets a lot of missing items. When I send about 20 pairs of pants, he is down to 2, and that’s not appropriate. Other than that, there has been no issue except for the cost.
It was all virtual tour, so I didn’t get to even go in his room. They don’t have a whole lot of activities because of Covid. My husband said the meals are fine. He said the breakfast is not good, but lunch and dinner are fine. The price is terrible because they’re charging way more than other facilities, and I’m not getting anything out of it. The part that bothered me even more was when I went to put him in there, they charged me an extra $3000 to $4000 just to get him set up in there. I thought that was totally inappropriate. I was not happy about that and that bothered me. I just don’t think they’re upfront on everything. The people were very nice though.
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My husband is at Highgate at Bellingham. It’s way too far out expensive. Right now, it has been really rough because of Covid isolation. My husband is pretty sad that he can’t even see anybody, but th
… (read more)
My husband is at Highgate at Bellingham. It’s way too far out expensive. Right now, it has been really rough because of Covid isolation. My husband is pretty sad that he can’t even see anybody, but that’s not their fault. The problem I have with some of it is that he gets a lot of missing items. When I send about 20 pairs of pants, he is down to 2, and that’s not appropriate. Other than that, there has been no issue except for the cost.
It was all virtual tour, so I didn’t get to even go in his room. They don’t have a whole lot of activities because of Covid. My husband said the meals are fine. He said the breakfast is not good, but lunch and dinner are fine. The price is terrible because they’re charging way more than other facilities, and I’m not getting anything out of it. The part that bothered me even more was when I went to put him in there, they charged me an extra $3000 to $4000 just to get him set up in there. I thought that was totally inappropriate. I was not happy about that and that bothered me. I just don’t think they’re upfront on everything. The people were very nice though.
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Orchard Park in Bellingham, Washington, is near I-5, medical facilities, grocery stores and shopping centers. The facility offers activities such as music and exercise programs to keep residents engag
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Orchard Park in Bellingham, Washington, is near I-5, medical facilities, grocery stores and shopping centers. The facility offers activities such as music and exercise programs to keep residents engaged, and it has a TV room, activity center, library and a beauty salon where residents enjoy socializing and being pampered. Orchard Park provides a bus two days per week that transports residents to shopping centers and doctor appointments. The clean, spacious dining room hosts home-style meals, and loved ones appreciate the caring staff and dedicated administrators who provide high-quality care and enriching social opportunities.
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Orchard Park in Bellingham, Washington, is near I-5, medical facilities, grocery stores and shopping centers. The facility offers activities such as music and exercise programs to keep residents engag
… (read more)
Orchard Park in Bellingham, Washington, is near I-5, medical facilities, grocery stores and shopping centers. The facility offers activities such as music and exercise programs to keep residents engaged, and it has a TV room, activity center, library and a beauty salon where residents enjoy socializing and being pampered. Orchard Park provides a bus two days per week that transports residents to shopping centers and doctor appointments. The clean, spacious dining room hosts home-style meals, and loved ones appreciate the caring staff and dedicated administrators who provide high-quality care and enriching social opportunities.
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Columbia Place is located in beautiful Bellingham, Washington, which is the northernmost city in the state. It’s close to the waterfront and offers easy access to the northern Cascades, Vancouver and
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Columbia Place is located in beautiful Bellingham, Washington, which is the northernmost city in the state. It’s close to the waterfront and offers easy access to the northern Cascades, Vancouver and Seattle for seniors who like to enjoy longer outings. Residents enjoy the slow pace of the city and breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding area. The facility is known for its caring staff and good food. Residents enjoy a number of different on-site activities and the ability to socialize in indoor common areas.
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Columbia Place is located in beautiful Bellingham, Washington, which is the northernmost city in the state. It’s close to the waterfront and offers easy access to the northern Cascades, Vancouver and
… (read more)
Columbia Place is located in beautiful Bellingham, Washington, which is the northernmost city in the state. It’s close to the waterfront and offers easy access to the northern Cascades, Vancouver and Seattle for seniors who like to enjoy longer outings. Residents enjoy the slow pace of the city and breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding area. The facility is known for its caring staff and good food. Residents enjoy a number of different on-site activities and the ability to socialize in indoor common areas.
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Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Bellingham
Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in Washington. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
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.
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.
$4600
Bellingham
$6000
Washington
$4500
United States
$6750
Seattle
$3211
Walla Walla
$5300
Longview
$4888
Spokane
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.
$6483
In-Home Care
$6483
Home Health Care
$4600
Assisted Living Facility
$9277
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
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.
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:
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.
This 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 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 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.
Former 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.
Those 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.
My sister moved mom into this place 3 yrs ago. They are pleasant enough to my mom but... They take one bedroom units and turn them into 2 units by putting a curtain across the entry to the living r...
Read more
Review of Spring Creek by Bonaventure
Spring Creek by Bonaventure wasn't prepared for our visit, even though I had given a lot of information. The food was not good, just mushy and tasteless. They spoke to me rather than our friend who...
Read more
Review of Spring Creek by Bonaventure
My dad is at Spring Creek by Bonaventure. The people are fine. He doesn't like it because he wanted to go back to where he was, but they didn't have any room.
He has a nice room with a TV and air...
Read more
The decision to help an aging adult move out of a current home is a complex one -- both emotionally and practically. Above all, you want the person to be safe and well. How can you all feel more co...
The first step to finding the best senior housing for your loved one is to understand what type of care facility is the best fit. There are six main types of residential elder care options:
_[Inde...
As you're weighing senior care options for your loved one, cost is likely a top factor. The good news? Depending on what care your loved one needs, assisted living can be much more affordable than ...
If you're shopping for assisted living, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the levels of care, as the monthly rate for assisted living will depend on the level of care that the resident requi...
