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Nursing Home

Mt. Baker Care Center

Nursing Home

Mt. Baker Care Center

2905 Connelly Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 View map
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.

(360) 734-4181

Managed by Catherine Reis-El Bara

Administrator

25 years in long

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

Measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Overall rating Info 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.
5/5
Washington average: 3.5/5
Health Inspection Info 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.
5/5
Washington average: 2.9/5
Staffing Info 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.
5/5
Washington average: 3.9/5
Quality Measures Info 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.
4/5
Washington average: 4.1/5

Nursing care per resident

Info This shows how many total hours of nursing staff time are available per resident each day. Higher numbers usually mean more staff support.
4h 39m per day

This home provides 7% more nursing time per resident than the Washington average.

Washington average: 4h 22m per day

Staffing hours breakdown

Info Hours of care per resident per day, broken down by staff type. Data from CMS Medicare.
Staff type Facility State avg National avg
Registered Nurse (RN) Info Registered nurse hours per resident per day. 1h 14m per day 53m per day 41m per day
Nurse Aide Info Nurse aide hours per resident per day. 3h 14m per day 2h 41m per day 2h 21m per day
Total Nursing (Weekend) Info Total number of nurse staff hours per resident per day on weekends. 4h 34m per day 3h 47m per day 3h 26m per day
Physical Therapist Info Physical therapist staff hours per resident per day. 9m per day 5m per day 4m per day
RN (Weekend) Info Registered nurse hours per resident per day on weekends. 58m per day 38m per day 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.

Lower demand than the Washington average
Occupancy rate 80.6%
Residents per day (avg) 55
Occupancy rate
80.6%
Residents per day (avg)
55

Who this home usually serves

TYPE OF STAY

Mostly short-term rehab stays

Most residents typically stay for a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on.

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
$14,501,586.00
Profit
$2,035,261.00
Payroll costs Info The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
$5.2M
36.2% of revenue
Other operating costs Info All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$7.2M
Total costs $12.5M
Bed community size
47-bed community
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 44 / 100
Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

About this community

License details

Facility type
Bh
Status Op
Expiration September 30, 2026
County: Whatcom

Additional licensing details

License number: 1606
CMS Certification Number: 505376
Awards: Best in Senior Living for both Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing in Whatcom County

Care Services

Accepts Medicaid
Accepts Medicare
Nursing Services
Rehabilitation Services
Respite Care
Memory Care
Skilled Nursing
Licensed Nurses/CNAs
24-Hour Staffing
Short-Term Rehab

Programs & Activities

Activities
Activities range from group excursions and gardening activities to sing-a-longs and Sunday worship service.
Specific Programs
Summit Place Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Therapy, Skilled Nursing, Generations, Palliative Care, Enrichment Activities, Specialized Services, Dietary Services

Dining & Nutrition

Food Description
Using the freshest ingredients and locally-grown produce, nearly all dishes that reach our residents are made from scratch by professionally trained staff.
Meals Included
Yes
Meal Schedule
Meals served at regularly scheduled times in the social dining room.
Special Diets
Yes

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

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.

Payment & Funding Options

Medicaid Medicare

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

2 visits/inspections triggered by complaints

2 routine inspections

Results

5 with issues

2 without issues

Washington average: 8 complaint visits

Washington average: 9 inspections

Latest inspection

Date:July 2, 2025
Type:Routine

18 deficiencies

Deficiencies indicate regulatory issues. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.

Health Inspection History

Inspections
Total health inspections 5

Washington average 7.8


Last Health inspection on Jul 2025

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 More info 0
100% better than Washington average

Washington average: 0.3


Serious Health citations More info 0
100% better than Washington average

Washington average: 1.7

0 critical citations More info Washington average: 0.3

0 serious citations More info Washington average: 1.7

18 moderate citations More info Washington average: 46.3

0 minor citations More info Washington average: 0.5
Citations history (last 3 years)
Abuse/Neglect moderate citation Info Issues related to protecting resident's from harm, including abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. Jul 02, 2025
Corrected

Infection Control moderate citation Info Issues related to preventing and controlling infections, including hygiene practices and safety protocols. Jul 02, 2025
Corrected

Pharmacy moderate citation Info Issues related to medication management, including how drugs are stored, administered, and monitored. Jul 02, 2025
Corrected

Quality of Care moderate citation Info Issues related to how well residents receive appropriate treatment and support for their medical and daily care needs. Jul 02, 2025
Corrected

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

1 facility compared · CMS & WA Dept. of Health data · Updated Mar 2026

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
0
55
44
Clay Management Group Llc
$12,9M
$5,2M
40.6%
505376
Private Rooms

Places of interest near Mt. Baker Care Center

Address 3.4 miles from city center

Address 2905 Connelly Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

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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 average

Washington average ratio: 1.85:1

Avg staff/day 52
Average shift 7.3 hours
10% worse than Washington average

Washington 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 Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 7.7 hours

No contractors work on this role.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Assists with medical care and medications.

Total count 13
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 7 hours

No contractors work on this role.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Helps with daily care and mobility.

Total count 63
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 7.5 hours

No 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 Assistant6306315,80791100%7.5
Registered Nurse160164,51491100%7.7
Licensed Practical Nurse130133,75991100%7
Other Dietary Services Staff6061,51691100%7.1
Dental Services Staff3031,3226774%7.5
Clinical Nurse Specialist6061,2977785%6.5
Medication Aide/Technician3031,2768998%8.1
Qualified Social Worker2028926673%7.2
Speech Language Pathologist2028177380%7.4
Respiratory Therapy Technician4047587077%6.6
Physical Therapy Assistant4045476673%7.6
Nurse Practitioner1015126470%8
Administrator1014645864%8
Physical Therapy Aide1013876167%6.3
RN Director of Nursing1012234752%4.7
Dietitian1011151618%7.2
Occupational Therapy Aide1011032932%3.6
Nurse Aide in Training101711112%6.4
Medical Director0114867%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 census
55 residents
Residents by payment source
Medicare
14 residents (25.5%)
Medicaid
19 residents (34.5%)
Private pay or other
22 residents (40%)
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.

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 Info 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 average

Washington average: 10.0

Functional decline score Info A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence. 32.3
55% worse than Washington average

Washington average: 20.9

Long-stay resident measures
Below average Washington avg: 3.6 Info 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 Info Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased 27.7%
69% worse than Washington average

Washington average: 16.4%

Walking Ability Worsened Info Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened 38.0%
74% worse than Washington average

Washington average: 21.8%

Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence Info Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder 31.2%
28% worse than Washington average

Washington average: 24.3%

Falls with Major Injury Info Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury 12.0%
360% worse than Washington average

Washington average: 2.6%

High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers Info Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers 1.2%
77% better than Washington average

Washington average: 4.9%

Urinary Tract Infection Info Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection 1.3%
24% better than Washington average

Washington average: 1.7%

Lost Too Much Weight Info Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight 1.5%
74% better than Washington average

Washington average: 5.8%

Depressive Symptoms Info Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms 51.3%
217% worse than Washington average

Washington average: 16.2%

Antipsychotic Use Info Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication 17.1%
18% worse than Washington average

Washington average: 14.5%

Pneumococcal Vaccine Info Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 96.2%
In line with Washington average

Washington average: 96.2%

Influenza Vaccine Info Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 97.6%
In line with Washington average

Washington average: 93.8%

Hospitalizations per 1,000 days Info Number of hospitalizations per 1,000 long-stay resident days. 1.95
41% worse than Washington average

Washington average: 1.38

ED visits per 1,000 days Info Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1,000 long-stay resident days. 0.69
54% better than Washington average

Washington average: 1.51

Short-stay resident measures
Significantly above average Washington avg: 3.6 Info CMS star rating based on short-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = much above average, 1 star = much below average.
Pneumococcal Vaccine Info Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 97.8%
11% better than Washington average

Washington average: 88.1%

Antipsychotic medication increase Info Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication 1.1%
25% better than Washington average

Washington average: 1.4%

Influenza Vaccine Info Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 96.9%
18% better than Washington average

Washington average: 82.0%

Re-hospitalized after SNF stay Info Percentage of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after their nursing home admission. 19.4%
In line with Washington average

Washington average: 19.9%

Emergency department visits Info Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit. 6.4%
52% better than Washington average

Washington average: 13.2%

Falls with major injury Info Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay. 0.0%
100% better than Washington average

Washington average: 0.8%

Ability to care for self at discharge Info Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge. 58.0%
8% better than Washington average

Washington average: 53.7%

Successful return to home or community Info Rate of successful return to home or community from a skilled nursing facility. 58.5%
16% better than Washington average

Washington average: 50.6%

Guides for Better Senior Living

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Financial Aid for Washington Seniors

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Community Options Program Entry System (COPES)

WA Medicaid COPES

Age 65+ or disabled, Washington resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.

~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).

$2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

High demand in urban areas (e.g., Seattle).

Washington Family Caregiver Support Program

WA NFCSP

Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia), Washington resident.

No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.

Not applicable.

High urban demand; rural outreach.

Community First Choice (CFC)

Washington Community First Choice

Age 65+ (or disabled 18+), WA resident, Medicaid-eligible, need help with 2+ ADLs/IADLs.

~$2,829/month; QIT optional.

$2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

Broader than COPES; serves ~20,000; self-directed option.

Older Americans Act (OAA) Services

Washington OAA Services

Age 60+, WA resident; no income/asset limits.

None; donations encouraged.

Not assessed.

13 AAAs; includes Meals on Wheels; rural focus.

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Washington Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled, WA resident, Medicare Part A/B.

~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.

$9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).

Includes Extra Help for Part D; no waitlist.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Washington LIHEAP

Age 60+ prioritized, WA resident, low-income household.

~$3,970/month (185% FPL).

Not assessed.

Covers gas, electric, wood; emergency aid available.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Washington SCSEP

Age 55+, unemployed, low-income, WA resident.

~$1,983/month (125% FPL).

Not specified.

Priority for veterans, rural residents; AARP partnership.

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Washington VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, WA resident, wartime service, ADL help (A&A) or homebound.

Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.

~$155,356 (net worth).

High veteran use; supports rural/urban needs.

Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption

Washington Senior Property Tax Exemption

Age 61+ or disabled retiree, WA resident, homeowner, income-based.

~$45,000-$70,000/year (varies by county, e.g., King: $70,000).

Not assessed; home value cap varies (~$250,000-$400,000).

Saves ~$500-$1,500/year; offered statewide.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Washington SFMNP

Age 60+, WA resident, low-income.

~$2,322/month (185% FPL).

Not assessed.

Vouchers (~$80/season); serves ~20,000 via AAAs.

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