The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Bellingham, WA for 2023

Located along the Pacific Ocean and only a short drive from the Canadian border, Bellingham, Washington is home to nearly 90,000 residents, 14 percent of whom are 65 years of age and older. With an estimated 110,000 seniors in Washington state suffering from dementia disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease, the need for memory care in places like Bellingham is considerable. There are three memory care facilities in the city that meet the needs of seniors living here. These facilities, known officially throughout Washington as assisted living facilities, are closely regulated by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and must adhere to a strict dementia care program that has been developed by the state.

• Property crimes such as theft and robbery are rampant in Bellingham. For every 1,000 residents, a total of 55.53 property crimes occur each year. This is much higher than the state average, which is only 34.94 per 1,000 residents. When touring facilities, it is a good idea for seniors and their loved ones to inquire about security measures that have been taken to protect residents. 
  
• The Bellingham area is home to world-class medical facilities, including those that specialize in brain health and dementia care, such as PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.
  
• Although the overall cost of living is above the national average, seniors living in memory care facilities in Bellingham may find that they are able to save considerably. The cost of healthcare in the area is, in fact, 21 percent lower than the national average. 
  
• Bellingham's temperatures are mild year-round, with average July highs of 72 degrees and average January lows of 34 degrees. The area is ideal for seniors who prefer to avoid extreme weather.

Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Bellingham

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

More Ways to Pay for Memory Care

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

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

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Washington page.

Bellingham and the surrounding area are home to numerous government agencies and non-profit organizations offering help for seniors searching for or currently residing in a memory care community. These organizations can also provide assistance in a number of other eldercare services such as geriatric care management, elder law advice, estate planning, finding home care and health and wellness programs.

To see a list of free memory care resources in Bellingham, please visit our Memory Care in Washington page.

Bellingham-area memory care communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all memory care communities in Washington are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Washington page for more information about these laws.