5/5
CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) is the federal agency that rates nursing home quality. Its Overall Rating runs from 1 to 5 stars, combining health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most heavily.
5/5
CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) is the federal agency that rates nursing home quality. Its Overall Rating runs from 1 to 5 stars, combining health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most heavily.
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.
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
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.
Hours per resident per day vs Washington averages
Total nursing care
This home is ranked 18th out of 61 homes we track in Washington for nurse hours. 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 27m
5% above state avg
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.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) deliver routine hands-on care — medication administration, wound dressing, and monitoring vital signs. They work under RN supervision and make up a large share of daily bedside care.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1 of 6 metrics below state avg
Average number of days residents stay at this facility, based on CMS cost report data. Shorter stays often reflect post-acute or rehab care; longer stays reflect long-term care.
Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.
Washington average 7.8
Last Health inspection on Jul 2025
Washington average 48.9
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.
100% better than Washington averageWashington average: 0.3
100% better than Washington averageWashington average: 1.7
Corrected
Corrected
Corrected
Corrected
Reporting period: October 1 – December 31, 2025 (Q4 2025). Source: CMS Payroll-Based Journal report.
29% more staff per resident than Washington average
11% worse than Washington average
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Manages medical care and health needs.
All 17 RN Staff are full-time employees. No contractors work on this role.
17
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.5 hoursAssists with medical care and medications.
All 11 LPN Staff are full-time employees. No contractors work on this role.
11
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
6.9 hoursHelps with daily care and mobility.
All 59 CNA Staff are full-time employees. No contractors work on this role.
59
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.5 hours
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Total hours from contractors
56 contractor hours this quarter
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 59 | 0 | 59 | 16,108 | 92 | 100% | 7.5 |
| Registered Nurse | 17 | 0 | 17 | 4,654 | 92 | 100% | 7.5 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 11 | 0 | 11 | 3,848 | 92 | 100% | 6.9 |
| Dental Services Staff | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1,236 | 64 | 70% | 7.7 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 5 | 0 | 5 | 1,087 | 82 | 89% | 5.7 |
| Other Dietary Services Staff | 6 | 0 | 6 | 963 | 84 | 91% | 6.7 |
| Qualified Social Worker | 2 | 0 | 2 | 893 | 67 | 73% | 7.4 |
| Speech Language Pathologist | 2 | 0 | 2 | 877 | 74 | 80% | 7.4 |
| Respiratory Therapy Technician | 5 | 0 | 5 | 831 | 73 | 79% | 6.7 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 7 | 0 | 7 | 630 | 70 | 76% | 6.9 |
| RN Director of Nursing | 3 | 0 | 3 | 514 | 69 | 75% | 4.4 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 1 | 0 | 1 | 432 | 54 | 59% | 8 |
| Dietitian | 1 | 0 | 1 | 420 | 52 | 57% | 8.1 |
| Administrator | 1 | 0 | 1 | 376 | 47 | 51% | 8 |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 2 | 0 | 2 | 370 | 65 | 71% | 5.3 |
| Nurse Aide in Training | 1 | 0 | 1 | 271 | 38 | 41% | 7.1 |
| Medication Aide/Technician | 3 | 0 | 3 | 224 | 19 | 21% | 8 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | 1 | 0 | 1 | 74 | 25 | 27% | 2.9 |
| Medical Director | 0 | 1 | 1 | 56 | 7 | 8% | 8 |
Federal penalties imposed by CMS for regulatory violations, including civil money penalties (fines) and denials of payment for new Medicare/Medicaid admissions.
Source: CMS Penalties Database
No penalties in the past 3 years
No civil money penalties or payment denials were reported in the last 3 years.
These measures show how residents usually do over time at this home, based on health outcomes and preventive care.
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
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
CMS star rating based on long-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = significantly above average, 1 star = significantly below average.
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
27.7%
69% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 16.4%
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
38.0%
74% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 21.8%
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%
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
12.0%
360% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 2.6%
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
1.2%
77% better than Washington averageWashington average: 4.9%
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
1.3%
24% better than Washington averageWashington average: 1.7%
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
1.5%
74% better than Washington averageWashington average: 5.8%
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
51.3%
217% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 16.2%
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
17.1%
18% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 14.5%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
96.2%
In line with Washington averageWashington average: 96.2%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
97.6%
In line with Washington averageWashington average: 93.8%
Number of hospitalizations per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
1.95
41% worse than Washington averageWashington average: 1.38
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
0.69
54% better than Washington averageWashington average: 1.51
CMS star rating based on short-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = much above average, 1 star = much below average.
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
97.8%
11% better than Washington averageWashington average: 88.1%
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
1.1%
25% better than Washington averageWashington average: 1.4%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
96.9%
18% better than Washington averageWashington average: 82.0%
Percentage of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after their nursing home admission.
19.4%
In line with Washington averageWashington average: 19.9%
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit.
6.4%
52% better than Washington averageWashington average: 13.2%
Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay.
0.0%
100% better than Washington averageWashington average: 0.8%
Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge.
58.0%
8% better than Washington averageWashington average: 53.7%
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.
57% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
41% of new residents, often for short stays.
2% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total residents
55Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities
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.
Historical financial and operational data for Mt. Baker Care Center from 2011–2023, based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.
Key figures below are for fiscal year ending in 12/2023.
Based on CMS SNF Cost Report for fiscal year ending in 12/2023.
Net patient revenue — what the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts are subtracted from its gross charges (CMS cost report, Worksheet G-3). It covers resident care only; money the home earns from other sources is shown separately as "Other income."
Net patient income: net patient revenue minus the home's total operating expenses. A positive figure means it earns more from resident care than it spends to deliver it; a negative figure means the opposite. It excludes non-operating "other income."
Net patient revenue — what the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts are subtracted from its gross charges (CMS cost report, Worksheet G-3). It covers resident care only; money the home earns from other sources is shown separately as "Other income."
Net patient income: net patient revenue minus the home's total operating expenses. A positive figure means it earns more from resident care than it spends to deliver it; a negative figure means the opposite. It excludes non-operating "other income."
Money the home earns outside of resident care — such as investments, grants, rentals and other non-operating sources (CMS cost report, Worksheet G-3). It is tracked separately from net patient revenue: it is not part of that figure, and it is not included in net patient income.
Staff salaries plus wage-related costs — benefits such as payroll taxes, health insurance and retirement — from the home's own accounting records (CMS cost report, Worksheet A). Contract or agency labor is counted separately, under other operating costs.
Rank #32 / 51Payroll costs — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 32nd out of 51 homes we track in Washington. Shows total staff payroll — salaries plus wage-related benefits — benchmarked to the Washington average, among facilities reporting a recent fiscal year. Higher payroll relative to peers often signals better staffing and less reliance on contract labor.Communities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings cover every community we track in Washington that reports data for that category. Communities without available data are excluded, so the pool size varies from metric to metric.
Payroll as a share of revenue: staff salaries and wage-related benefits divided by net patient revenue. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay.
Rank #21 / 51Payroll % of net patient revenue — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 21st out of 51 homes we track in Washington. Shows payroll as a percentage of net patient revenue versus the Washington average, among facilities reporting a recent fiscal year. Below 25% may signal understaffing or heavy agency use — read with Staffing ratings.Communities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings cover every community we track in Washington that reports data for that category. Communities without available data are excluded, so the pool size varies from metric to metric.
Everything it costs to run the home apart from payroll — food, utilities, supplies, maintenance, contract labor and administration. Calculated as total operating expense minus payroll (staff salaries and wage-related benefits).
The home's total operating expense for the year — all the costs of running it, salaries included (CMS cost report, Worksheet G-3).
No pets allowed
Housing Options: Private Rooms
Building Type: Single-story
Fitness and Recreation
Most residents typically stay for a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on.
Most new residents arrive under Medicare (57% of admissions), and a typical Medicare stay runs around 1 - 2 months.
Coverage residents most often arrive under.
Coverage residents most often leave under.
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.
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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Mt. Baker Care Center is located in Bellingham, Washington State.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Washington State.
Mt. Baker Care Center is in the South Bellingham neighborhood of Bellingham.
Mt. Baker Care Center has a walk score of 44. Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.
According to WA state health department records, Mt. Baker Care Center's license number is 1606.
According to WA state health department records, Mt. Baker Care Center's license expires on September 30, 2026.
Mt. Baker Care Center's occupancy is 80.6%.
No, Mt. Baker Care Center has a no-pet policy.
Mt. Baker Care Center is registered as a for-profit in WA.
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