Show Inspection Reports
Total health inspections
5
Washington average 7.8
Last Health inspection on Jul 2025
Mostly short-term rehab stays
Most residents typically stay for a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on.
Mt. Baker Care Center
Nursing Home in Bellingham
CMS overall rating
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Mt. Baker Care Center
Nursing Home in Bellingham
CMS overall rating
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
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.
25 years of experience
Catherine Reis-El Bara has been the Administrator at Mt. Baker Care Center since 2014, bringing 25 years of long-term care experience, including 18 years as a facility Administrator. She oversees all facility operations, compliance, staff management, and financial reporting, ensuring quality care for residents.
Quality ratings
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Based on the results of the facility's three most recent standard inspections and any complaint investigations. CMS reviews the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies, with more recent findings weighted more heavily.
Measures average nursing staff hours per resident per day, including Registered Nurses (RNs) and total nursing staff. Ratings are adjusted based on the level of care residents require and are compared to state and national benchmarks.
Based on clinical and physical health indicators reported to CMS, such as hospital readmissions, falls, pressure ulcers, and improvements in mobility. These measures reflect how well residents' health needs are being managed.
Staffing hours breakdown
Daily nursing hours per resident by staff type, reported to CMS. Higher is generally better — compare this facility to state and national averages to see where staffing stands.
Total nursing care / resident
This home is ranked 11th out of 66 homes in Washington.
Total adjusted nursing hours per resident per day, combining RN, LPN, and aide time. CMS adjusts this for case-mix so facilities can be fairly compared.
This home is ranked 11th out of 66 homes in Washington.Total adjusted nursing hours per resident per day, combining RN, LPN, and aide time. CMS adjusts this for case-mix so facilities can be fairly compared.
4h 39m per day
vs Washington avg
+7%
Standout metric
Physical Therapist is +80% above state avg
| Staff type | Hours / day | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
|
Registered Nurse (RN)
RNs hold the highest nursing license and can assess residents, interpret test results, and direct care plans. More RN hours per day often signals stronger clinical oversight and faster response to health changes.
| 1h 14m per day | ▲ 40% State avg: 53m per day · National avg: 41m per day |
|
Nurse Aide
Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) provide the most direct day-to-day assistance: bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. Nurse aide hours are typically the largest staffing category and directly affect residents' quality of life.
| 3h 14m per day | ▲ 20% State avg: 2h 41m per day · National avg: 2h 21m per day |
|
Total Nursing (Weekend)
Combined nursing hours (RN + LPN + Nurse Aide) per resident per day on weekends. Staffing often drops on weekends — this figure reveals whether the facility maintains adequate coverage outside of weekday hours.
| 4h 34m per day | ▲ 21% State avg: 3h 47m per day · National avg: 3h 26m per day |
|
Physical Therapist
Hours per resident per day provided by licensed Physical Therapists (PTs) or PT Assistants. PT services help residents recover mobility after injury or illness and are especially important for post-acute (short-stay) rehabilitation.
| 9m per day | ▲ 80% State avg: 5m per day · National avg: 4m per day |
|
RN (Weekend)
Registered nurse hours specifically on weekends. Facilities sometimes reduce RN presence on Saturdays and Sundays — a low weekend RN figure compared to weekday hours can indicate reduced clinical oversight when most administrative staff are absent.
| 58m per day | ▲ 53% State avg: 38m per day · National avg: 29m per day |
Capacity and availability
Smaller home
May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.
Total beds
47
This home usually has availability
Lower occupancy suggests more openings may be available.
Occupancy rate
80.6%
Avg. Length of Stay
92 days
Occupancy rate
80.6%
Avg. Length of Stay
92 days
Who this home usually serves
Show admissions and discharges
TYPE OF STAY
Might be optimal for
Short stays
Recovery
Medicare-covered care
Breakdown by payment type
Medicare
57% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
Typical stay
1 - 2 months
Private pay
41% of new residents, often for short stays.
Typical stay
2 - 3 months
Medicaid
2% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.
Typical stay
5 - 6 years
Finances and operations
Privately-owned community
Home revenue
$14.5M
Profit
$2.0M
Privately-owned community
Home revenue
$14.5M
Profit
$2.0M
Payroll costs
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
$5.2M
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Other operating costs
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$7.2M
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
Total costs
$12.5M
47-bed community
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Walk Score: 44 / 100
Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.
About this community
Facility TypeBh
StatusOp
ExpirationSeptember 30, 2026
CountyWhatcom
License Number1606
CMS Certification Number505376
AwardsBest in Senior Living for both Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing in Whatcom County
Accept Medicaid
Accept Medicare
Rehabilitation Services
Respite Care
Short-Term Rehab
Skilled Nursing
24-Hour Staffing
ActivitiesActivities range from group excursions and gardening activities to sing-a-longs and Sunday worship service.
Specific ProgramsSummit Place Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Therapy, Generations, Palliative Care, Enrichment Activities, Specialized Services, Dietary Services
Food DescriptionUsing the freshest ingredients and locally-grown produce, nearly all dishes that reach our residents are made from scratch by professionally trained staff.
Meals IncludedYes
Meal ScheduleMeals served at regularly scheduled times in the social dining room.
Special DietsYes
What does this home offer?
Housing Options: Private Rooms
Building Type: Single-story
Fitness and Recreation
Types of Care at Mt. Baker Care Center
Nursing Home
Access & Eligibility
Ways to qualify for care at this community, including accepted programs and payment options.
Medicaid Accepted
This facility is certified for eligible Medicaid services.
Medicare Accepted
This facility is certified for eligible Medicare services.
Inspection History
In Washington, the Department of Social and Health Services, Residential Care Services conducts unannounced inspections and issues reports on the quality of care in all licensed settings.
7 visits/inspections
Inspections are mandatory, regular evaluations conducted by state health departments or regulatory agencies. They ensure the community provides safe, compliant care, covering areas like resident health, staff and management.
Washington average: 8 complaint visits
Washington average: 9 inspections
Latest inspection
Date
July 2, 2025
Routine18 deficiencies
Deficiencies indicate regulatory issues. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.
Washington average: 31 deficiencies
Inspection Report Summary for Mt. Baker Care Center
The most recent inspection on July 2, 2025, identified deficiencies related to medication use, care planning, pressure ulcer prevention, monitoring of high-risk medications, and infection control practices. Earlier inspections showed a mixed pattern, with some surveys finding no deficiencies and others citing issues in resident care, medication management, and infection control. Deficiencies commonly involved incomplete care plans, medication errors, and lapses in infection prevention, with complaint investigations substantiating medication errors and oxygen therapy neglect. No fines, immediate jeopardy findings, or license actions were listed in the available reports. The inspection history shows ongoing challenges in clinical care areas, with no clear trend of consistent improvement or worsening over time.
Health Inspection History
Inspections
Total health citations
18
Washington average 48.9
Citations per inspection
3.6
Washington average 6.92
Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.
16 of 18 citations resulted from standard inspections; and 2 of 18 resulted from complaint investigations.
Breakdown of citation severity (last 3 years)
Critical Health citations
0
0
100% better than Washington averageWashington average: 0.3
Serious Health citations
0
0
100% better than Washington averageWashington average: 1.7
0 critical citations
0 serious citations
18 moderate citations
0 minor citations
Citations history (last 3 years)
Abuse/Neglect moderate citation
Issues related to protecting resident's from harm, including abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
Jul 02, 2025
Issues related to protecting resident's from harm, including abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
Jul 02, 2025
Corrected
Infection Control moderate citation
Issues related to preventing and controlling infections, including hygiene practices and safety protocols.
Jul 02, 2025
Issues related to preventing and controlling infections, including hygiene practices and safety protocols.
Jul 02, 2025
Corrected
Pharmacy moderate citation
Issues related to medication management, including how drugs are stored, administered, and monitored.
Jul 02, 2025
Issues related to medication management, including how drugs are stored, administered, and monitored.
Jul 02, 2025
Corrected
Quality of Care moderate citation
Issues related to how well residents receive appropriate treatment and support for their medical and daily care needs.
Jul 02, 2025
Issues related to how well residents receive appropriate treatment and support for their medical and daily care needs.
Jul 02, 2025
Corrected
Data sourced from CMS Health Deficiencies reports. Citation severity codes range from A (least serious) to L (most serious). Immediate Jeopardy (J-L) citations indicate situations where the facility's noncompliance has placed residents at risk of death or serious harm.
Compare Nursing Homes around Bellingham The information below is reported by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Residential Care Services.
Filter by care type
| 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) | 70 | 80.6% | +11% | 4.65 | -10% | +10% | 0 | 18 | 3.6 | 0 | 55 | - | 44 | Clay Management Group Llc | $12.9M | $5.2M | 40.6% | 505376 |
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Places of interest near Mt. Baker Care Center
3.4 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Bellingham's city center to Mt. Baker Care Center's address, calculated via Google Maps.
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Staffing Data (Q2 2025)
This data corresponds to Q2 2025 and is based on CMS Payroll-Based Journal.
Total staff
130
Employees
129
Contractors
1
Staff to resident ratio
2.36:1
28% better than Washington averageWashington average ratio: 1.85:1
Avg staff/day
52
Average shift
7.3 hours
10% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 8.1 hours
Total staff hours (quarter)
34,428
Nursing staff breakdown
Registered Nurse
Manages medical care and health needs.
Total count
16
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.7 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.7 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Assists with medical care and medications.
Total count
13
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Helps with daily care and mobility.
Total count
63
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.5 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.5 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Contractor staffing
Total hours from contractors
0.1%
48 contractor hours this quarter
Medical Director: 1
Staff by category
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 63 | 0 | 63 | 15,807 | 91 | 100% | 7.5 |
| Registered Nurse | 16 | 0 | 16 | 4,514 | 91 | 100% | 7.7 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 13 | 0 | 13 | 3,759 | 91 | 100% | 7 |
| Other Dietary Services Staff | 6 | 0 | 6 | 1,516 | 91 | 100% | 7.1 |
| Dental Services Staff | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1,322 | 67 | 74% | 7.5 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 6 | 0 | 6 | 1,297 | 77 | 85% | 6.5 |
| Medication Aide/Technician | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1,276 | 89 | 98% | 8.1 |
| Qualified Social Worker | 2 | 0 | 2 | 892 | 66 | 73% | 7.2 |
| Speech Language Pathologist | 2 | 0 | 2 | 817 | 73 | 80% | 7.4 |
| Respiratory Therapy Technician | 4 | 0 | 4 | 758 | 70 | 77% | 6.6 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 4 | 0 | 4 | 547 | 66 | 73% | 7.6 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 1 | 0 | 1 | 512 | 64 | 70% | 8 |
| Administrator | 1 | 0 | 1 | 464 | 58 | 64% | 8 |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 1 | 0 | 1 | 387 | 61 | 67% | 6.3 |
| RN Director of Nursing | 1 | 0 | 1 | 223 | 47 | 52% | 4.7 |
| Dietitian | 1 | 0 | 1 | 115 | 16 | 18% | 7.2 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | 1 | 0 | 1 | 103 | 29 | 32% | 3.6 |
| Nurse Aide in Training | 1 | 0 | 1 | 71 | 11 | 12% | 6.4 |
| Medical Director | 0 | 1 | 1 | 48 | 6 | 7% | 8 |
63 Certified Nursing Assistant
% of Days
100%
16 Registered Nurse
% of Days
100%
13 Licensed Practical Nurse
% of Days
100%
6 Other Dietary Services Staff
% of Days
100%
3 Dental Services Staff
% of Days
74%
6 Clinical Nurse Specialist
% of Days
85%
3 Medication Aide/Technician
% of Days
98%
2 Qualified Social Worker
% of Days
73%
2 Speech Language Pathologist
% of Days
80%
4 Respiratory Therapy Technician
% of Days
77%
4 Physical Therapy Assistant
% of Days
73%
1 Nurse Practitioner
% of Days
70%
1 Administrator
% of Days
64%
1 Physical Therapy Aide
% of Days
67%
1 RN Director of Nursing
% of Days
52%
1 Dietitian
% of Days
18%
1 Occupational Therapy Aide
% of Days
32%
1 Nurse Aide in Training
% of Days
12%
1 Medical Director
% of Days
7%
Facility Characteristics
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total residents
55
Medicare
14
25.5% of residents
Medicaid
19
34.5% of residents
Private pay or other
22
40% of residents
Programs & Services
Residents Group
Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities
Active Resident Council
Organized group of residents that meets regularly to discuss facility policies, quality of life, and activities.
Data sourced from CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics quarterly report. Payer mix reflects the current resident census by primary payment source.
Quality of care over time
These measures show how residents usually do over time at this home, based on health outcomes and preventive care.
High-risk clinical events score
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
16.1
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
16.1
60% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 10.0
Functional decline score
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
32.3
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
32.3
55% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 20.9
Long-stay resident measures
CMS star rating based on long-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = significantly above average, 1 star = significantly below average.
Need for Help with Daily Activities Increased
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
27.7%
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
27.7%
69% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 16.4%
Walking Ability Worsened
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
38.0%
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
38.0%
74% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 21.8%
Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
31.2%
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
31.2%
28% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 24.3%
Falls with Major Injury
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
12.0%
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
12.0%
360% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 2.6%
High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
1.2%
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
1.2%
77% better than Washington averageWashington average: 4.9%
Urinary Tract Infection
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
1.3%
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
1.3%
24% better than Washington averageWashington average: 1.7%
Lost Too Much Weight
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
1.5%
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
1.5%
74% better than Washington averageWashington average: 5.8%
Depressive Symptoms
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
51.3%
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
51.3%
217% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 16.2%
Antipsychotic Use
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
17.1%
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
17.1%
18% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 14.5%
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
96.2%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
96.2%
In line with Washington averageWashington average: 96.2%
Influenza Vaccine
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
97.6%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
97.6%
In line with Washington averageWashington average: 93.8%
Hospitalizations per 1,000 days
Number of hospitalizations per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
1.95
Number of hospitalizations per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
1.95
41% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 1.38
ED visits per 1,000 days
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
0.69
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
0.69
54% better than Washington averageWashington average: 1.51
Short-stay resident measures
CMS star rating based on short-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = much above average, 1 star = much below average.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
97.8%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
97.8%
11% better than Washington averageWashington average: 88.1%
Antipsychotic medication increase
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
1.1%
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
1.1%
25% better than Washington averageWashington average: 1.4%
Influenza Vaccine
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
96.9%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
96.9%
18% better than Washington averageWashington average: 82.0%
Re-hospitalized after SNF stay
Percentage of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after their nursing home admission.
19.4%
Percentage of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after their nursing home admission.
19.4%
In line with Washington averageWashington average: 19.9%
Emergency department visits
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit.
6.4%
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit.
6.4%
52% better than Washington averageWashington average: 13.2%
Falls with major injury
Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay.
0.0%
Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay.
0.0%
100% better than Washington averageWashington average: 0.8%
Ability to care for self at discharge
Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge.
58.0%
Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge.
58.0%
8% better than Washington averageWashington average: 53.7%
Successful return to home or community
Rate of successful return to home or community from a skilled nursing facility.
58.5%
Rate of successful return to home or community from a skilled nursing facility.
58.5%
16% better than Washington averageWashington average: 50.6%
Quality measures are calculated from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. For most measures, lower percentages indicate better care quality.
Financial Trends
Historical financial and operational data for Mt. Baker Care Center based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.
Occupancy Rate
80.6%
↑ 3.1pp vs 2022
Net Income
$2.0M
↑ ~$1.2M vs 2022
Total Payroll
$6.5M
↑ ~$1.5M vs 2022
Profit Margin
15.7%
↑ 8.6pp vs 2022
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