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Assisted Living Communities in Bellingham, WA
Characterized by mountain views, forestland, lakes and rivers, Bellingham sits between the...
San Juan Islands and the Cascade Mountain Range in northern Washington, about 20 miles south of the Canadian border. Local residential care costs trend high, with seniors paying monthly fees of around $8,377 in 2024, surpassing the U.S. median by over $3,000. The city offers access to diverse care options with assisted living facilities within its limits and more in nearby communities.
Our directory includes 180 reviews reviews. Based on these reviews, we find that facilities in Bellingham have an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars stars.
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Reviews of Communities Nearby
Assisted Living
Miles
5.0
Review of Orchard Park
We will be moving into Orchard Park. The rooms are large. The people that we worked with were really helpful, very open, and made us feel very welcome. We're hoping to get a two-bedroom. They have...
Assisted Living
Reviewer#RD1114p
5.0
Review of Cordata Court
Cordata Court has the full range of levels of care. They have independent and assisted living. Independent living is cottages, which are very expensive, $6300 a month. Assisted living starts at...
Assisted Living
Doug9
5.0
Review of Spring Creek by Bonaventure
We will move into Spring Creek by Bonaventure. We think it meets all of our criteria. They have an exercise room, which is very important for my wife and me. It has all the amenities that we're...
What you can do with Caring
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
The 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows that Bellingham’s assisted living communities charge around $8,377 per month, which exceeds the national standard rate of $5,350 and the state median of $6,138. Fees in Walla Walla exceed local norms, with seniors paying approximately $9,705. However, costs trend lower in Mount Vernon, where facilities charge about $6,391.
Bellingham
$8,377
Washington
$6,138
United States
$5,350
Mount Vernon
$6,391
Walla Walla
$9,705
Seattle
$7,650
Bremerton
$8,440
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.
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.
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.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Assisted living rates in Bellingham generally fall near $8,377 per month, slightly exceeding the cost of private personal care services. While in-home care agencies charge comparable rates of about $8,294, seniors pay hundreds of dollars more for home health care, which costs around $7,627.
In-Home Care
$8,294
Home Health Care
$7,627
Assisted Living Facility
$8,377
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.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Aging | (360) 676-6749 | 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 Senior Activity Center | (360) 733-4030 | 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 Transportation Authority | (360) 676-7433 | 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. |
| Whatcom County Veterans Program | (360) 778-6050 | 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. |
| Whatcom County | (360) 734-3055 | 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.
