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Best Nursing Homes in Bellingham, WA

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Apr 2026

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Washington Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

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Video Tour: Top-rated Nursing Homes facilities in Bellingham, Washington.

Watch this Video to see Bellingham's Top-rated Senior Communities
Other Senior care options:

Compare Nursing Homes around Bellingham (Metro Area) The information below is reported by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Residential Care Services.

3 facilities compared · CMS & WA Dept. of Health data · Updated Apr 2026

Click column headers to sort
Mt. Baker Care Center
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Bellingham (South Bellingham)
47
80.6%
Facility 80.6%
WA AVG 72.5%
Rank #16 / 62
+11%
4.65
Facility 4.65
WA AVG 4.22
Rank #10 / 59
-10%+10%
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 1.3
18
Facility 18
WA AVG 48.9
Rank #3 / 59
3.6
Facility 3.6
WA AVG 6.9
Rank #5 / 59
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 2.0
55
44
Facility 44
WA AVG 51
Rank #34 / 55
Clay Management Group Llc
$14.5M
Facility $14.5M
WA AVG $13.2M
Rank #31 / 62
$5.2M
Facility $5.2M
WA AVG $5.7M
Rank #40 / 62
36.2%
Facility 36.2%
WA AVG 45.5%
Rank #33 / 62
505376
Chuckanut Ridge Assisted Living-
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Bellingham
70
-
Facility -
WA AVG 72.5%
-
-
Facility -
WA AVG 4.22
-----
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 1.3
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 48.9
0.0
Facility 0.0
WA AVG 6.9
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 2.0
-
-
Facility -
WA AVG 51
-
-
Facility -
WA AVG $13.2M
-
Facility -
WA AVG $5.7M
-
Facility -
WA AVG 45.5%
-
Orchard Park Assisted Living-
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Bellingham
96
68.8%
Facility 68.8%
WA AVG 72.5%
-5%
-
Facility -
WA AVG 4.22
-----
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 1.3
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 48.9
0.0
Facility 0.0
WA AVG 6.9
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 2.0
66
-
Facility -
WA AVG 51
-
-
Facility -
WA AVG $13.2M
-
Facility -
WA AVG $5.7M
-
Facility -
WA AVG 45.5%
-

Mt. Baker Care Center

2905 Connelly Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Overview of Mt. Baker Care Center

Mt. Baker Care Center is a remarkable senior living community set in the scenic grounds of Bellingham, WA, offering skilled nursing care, palliative care, and rehabilitation therapy. Experience a wonderful retirement within the cozy and elegant residences of the community. With a dedicated and well-trained team caring for residents’ special needs and aspirations, the community strives to deliver the highest quality of care and support for seniors to do what they love.

Delivering top-tier care since 1991, seniors can rest assured to enjoy their golden years at their finest. Moreover, the community fosters a vibrant and welcoming environment for seniors to feel a sense of belonging and thrive to reach their full potential. Eat well with nutritious and tasty meals catering to dietary needs and preferences. Mt. Baker Care Center doubles its efforts to provide seniors with a haven to find solace with its campus surrounded by scenic views and serene lands.

What does this home offer?

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Private Rooms

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Single-story

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Contact Mt. Baker Care Center

Overview of Chuckanut Ridge Assisted Living

Chuckanut Ridge Assisted Living is a senior care community in Bellingham, Washington, that provides assisted living services designed to support older adults who need help with daily activities while maintaining a meaningful level of independence. With a license valid through September 2026, the community has a 70-bed capacity.

With only one inspection on record, the community has a relatively limited public compliance history. The most recent inspection by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, conducted on August 14, 2025, identified 10 deficiencies, which is notably lower than the state average of 31. All cited issues were related to fire safety documentation and equipment maintenance, including missing service records for fire protection systems, improper use of power strips, and fire extinguishers that were either incorrectly mounted or lacked maintenance documentation. Additionally, no complaint investigations or enforcement actions were reported.

The community offers a wide range of amenities and services, including chef-prepared meals, fitness classes, a salon with spa services, scheduled transportation, and a variety of daily social and recreational activities. Personal care services are extensive and include assistance with bathing, dressing, incontinence care, mobility support, medication management, and grooming. Housekeeping and laundry services are included, and the dining program provides three meals per day with accommodations for special diets. Respite care is also available, making it an option for families in need of short-term support. With 24-hour staffing and coordination with external healthcare providers, the community is also equipped to assist residents with more complex care needs. Pricing starts at approximately $4,300 per month.

Offering personalized care, social engagement, and on-site wellness services, Chuckanut Ridge Assisted Living is an ideal option for older adults who require consistent daily support in an active environment. Its broad range of services and relatively favorable recent inspection results appeal to those exploring senior care options within Whatcom County.

Contact Chuckanut Ridge Assisted Living

Overview of Orchard Park Assisted Living

Orchard Park Assisted Living is a senior care community in Bellingham, Washington, offering assisted living services in its resident-centered setting in Whatcom County. This 96-bed community is currently operating at a 69% occupancy rate, which is slightly below the Washington state average of 72.5%.

The community’s inspection history with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services includes a total of 10 visits, three of which are complaint-driven inspections, four are routine reviews, and three are life safety checks. Eight of these visits cited deficiencies, while two found no issues. The most recent inspection on May 15, 2025, was a follow-up that identified 27 deficiencies, a figure below the state average of 31. Since a detailed context on deficiencies is not available, families are encouraged to request the full inspection history to better understand the types of issues identified and how they have been addressed.

With an active license through November 2026 in Whatcom County, the community presents itself as a relationship-focused environment that emphasizes compassionate care, social connection, and a sense of belonging. There are no details about amenities provided, so interested families are encouraged to request a comprehensive list of services and features during a visit.

Orchard Park Assisted Living is a good fit for older adults who require assisted living support and value a community that prioritizes personal relationships and a welcoming atmosphere. The community’s current availability and a focus on resident connection appeal to those seeking immediate placement.

Contact Orchard Park Assisted Living

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How Assisted Living Magazine Evaluates & Scores Nursing Homes

Assisted Living Magazine ranks nursing homes using a rigorous, data-driven scoring model built specifically for skilled nursing.
Because this care level is regulated, clinical outcomes and compliance carry significantly more weight than transparency or digital presence.
Each community receives a ranking based on the factors below, weighted according to their importance in predicting resident safety, care quality, and long-term stability.

Update cadence: Reviewed quarterly, with prompt updates when new reviews, reports, or complaints are filed.

What We Prioritize Most

The largest share of every nursing home’s score — 45% of the total weighting — comes from clinical and regulatory indicators, including:

  • Overall, staffing, and inspection ratings
  • Long-stay and short-stay quality measures
  • Nurse-to-resident and staff-to-resident ratios
  • Health deficiencies and regulatory history
  • Accreditations and positive local news reporting

These factors directly reflect resident safety, care quality, and compliance.

Operational Stability & Resident Support

Another 35% of the score comes from operational and stability signals, such as:

  • Nurse hours per patient per day
  • Occupancy levels and cleanliness citations
  • Administrative stability and ownership quality
  • Readmission rates and registered-nurse turnover
Balancing Additional Factors

The remaining 20% of the score includes contextual elements such as:

  • Year built or renovated
  • Penalties, fines, and preventable readmissions
  • Revenue per bed
  • Administrator tenure

These factors help round out the overall picture but carry less weight because our methodology prioritizes clinical outcomes and regulatory consistency above all else.
The result is a clear, data-driven ranking system that elevates nursing homes delivering exceptional care and long-term resident safety.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.