Inspection Reports for
AvilaCare Assisted Living of Bellingham

The visit was a complaint investigation conducted on September 29, 2025, which found a recurring deficiency in maintenance and housekeeping. The deficiency was substantiated as it resulted in a civil fine.

The facility was fined $300 for failing to maintain cleanliness in one resident room, which was unclean and unsanitary, placing residents at risk for diminished quality of life. The deficiency was recurring and had been previously cited in April and June 2025.

The follow-up inspection found no deficiencies and confirmed that all previously cited licensing law and regulation deficiencies were corrected.

The inspection identified multiple fire safety violations including blocked fire doors, open electrical junction boxes, improper use of power taps, and missing documentation for emergency generator servicing. Most violations were corrected on site except for issues related to the emergency generator and fire extinguisher tamper seal.

The complaint investigation addressed six allegations including unsafe vinyl flooring, roof leaks, billing and payroll delays, lack of an executive director, and staff misconduct. Only the vinyl flooring hazard and background check deficiencies were substantiated with citations. Other allegations were found unsubstantiated or outside department jurisdiction.

The investigation identified a failed provider practice related to unsafe vinyl flooring that caused tripping incidents and incomplete background checks for two staff members. Other allegations such as roof leaks, billing, payroll, executive director vacancy, and behavioral health outsourcing were found not to be failed practices. Citations were written for maintenance and housekeeping and background check violations.

All violations noted during previous related inspections have been corrected and the facility was approved.

The complaint investigation (Complaint #56750) addressed four allegations: missed medication dose, unprofessional staff conduct, resident bullying, and discharge process. None of the allegations were substantiated except for the background check deficiency. The facility was found noncompliant due to the missing background check for one staff member.

The investigation found no failed practices regarding medication administration, staff conduct, bullying, or discharge procedures. However, a deficiency was cited for failure to submit a required background check for one staff member, placing residents at risk.

The complaint investigation involved multiple allegations including poor resident hygiene, pressure sores, injury during transfer, lack of caregiver training, and infection control failures. The investigation substantiated violations related to infection control and record retention. Citations were issued accordingly.

The investigation found multiple deficiencies including failure to ensure proper infection control practices, inadequate training for staff on the Hoyer lift, and failure to maintain resident records. Citations were written for these violations. The facility has begun retraining staff and submitted plans of correction.